Wednesday, Aug 17, 2011
Gulf News
Sharjah The Khalidiya bridge in the emirate is likely to be reopened for traffic this weekend, either on Friday or Saturday night, according to a media spokesperson at the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) in Sharjah.
Signboards in various parts of the city states that the bridge will be closed until August 18. However, the information is incorrect and has confused motorists about the exact date of opening.
The media spokesperson said yesterday that construction work on the two bridges that started on August 6 was delayed by a few days, which in turn has delayed the target deadline by a couple of days.
“Initially, we wanted to start the maintenance work on July 2 but due to technicalities we had to delay it by a few days, and this in turn caused the deadline also to be extended slightly.”
Earlier, the Directorate of Public Works had announced that the renovation work, carried out at a cost of Dh 8 million, on the Khalidiya Bridge would last for six weeks.
The road heading from Sharjah to Dubai has already been repaired, and motorists driving from Dubai to Sharjah have been diverted to King Faisal Road.
The diversion has extended the commute for motorists to almost 40 minutes to drive to their homes, instead of five minutes if they take the Khalidiya Bridge.
To reduce traffic congestion in the city, Sharjah Police have increased traffic patrols at various intersections, roundabouts and busy areas across the city.
Colonel Shuwwaf Mohammad Abdul Rahman, Director of Traffic and Patrol Section at Sharjah Police, explained that the Police are focusing its efforts on traffic movement and reducing the number of traffic accidents and offences during Ramadan, as well as easing the traffic flow to and from commercial areas, markets and shopping centres.
“We are trying to curb bottlenecks and traffic jams by strictly monitoring and fining traffic violators. The most common traffic violations is leaving vehicles unattended with the engines on while shopping, which can lead to car theft,” said Col Abdul Rahman, who pointed out that such irresponsible motorists will be fined Dh300 for the violation.
Motorists who do not drive within their lanes or who double park will be slapped with a fine of Dh300.
If a vehicle is found parked on a pavement, it will incur a fine of Dh200 and three black points on the licence of the driver.
“Motorists should not park on the hard shoulder or anywhere on the road as it can lead to accidents and traffic jams,” he advised.
AHMED RAMZAN/Gulf News
Work in progress
The Khalidiya bridge in Sharjah, which is currently under maintenance work. Once the bridge is reopened to traffic most likely this weekend, it will save motorists their time and cut the distance to their residences in the emirate.
By Mariam M. Al Serkal?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.