Four-way footbridge opens in Dubai Marina

A 4-directional pedestrian bridge, considered the first of its kind in Dubai, opened on Saturday.

Located at the intersection of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street with Al Gharbi Street at the entrance of Dubai Marina (near JBR), the bridge has four escalators linking the four sides of the junction.

According to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the bridge boasts of a unique design echoing the urban architecture of the neighbourhood and coastal areas.

A 4-directional pedestrian bridge, considered the first of its kind in Dubai, opened in Dubai Marina today.@DXBMediaOffice@rta_dubai pic.twitter.com/E9jv1wAh0j

— ARN News Centre (@ARNNewsCentre) September 19, 2020

It stretches 75 metres and handles about 8000 people per hour in all directions.

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), constructing a footbridge of this magnitude at the Marina has been prompted by a host of considerations.

"The junction is used by as much as 2300 people and 2000 vehicles during peak hours in each direction. More than 1000 people cross the junction to head to the JBR during weekends. Moreover, Dubai Tram crosses the intersection every six minutes. The area accommodates two Tram stations and one bus stop, and there are no pedestrian crossings nearby,” explained Al Tayer.  

The number of footbridges built in Dubai soared from 13 bridges in 2006 to 129 bridges by the end of 2020.

The RTA plans to build another 36 footbridges during 2021-2026; which will bring the total number of pedestrian bridges to 165 bridges.