AL AIN // To the relief of drivers and businesses, two city centre roundabouts have been converted into signal-controlled junctions, ending three months of headaches, detours and traffic congestion. The Planning and Mandoos roundabouts were closed in June, and traffic was rerouted.
Since then, motorists had been complaining that a drive that normally took three minutes was taking 20 because of the congestion caused by the construction works. Before the conversion got under way, Abdullah al Ameri, director of the Internal Roads and Infrastructure Department at Al Ain Municipality, said the roundabouts did not work. "The number of vehicles in Al Ain is increasing, and when we studied traffic flow, we found that roundabouts actually slowed down the flow of traffic," he said. "These works are necessary and a part of the development of Al Ain."
Some motorists however, disagreed, saying the roundabouts were far more efficient than traffic signals and replacing them was not worth the trouble it caused. "I personally preferred the roundabouts over the signal lights." said Sebastian Paul, 28, an Indian taxi driver. "The problem is that the traffic lights can be operated by pedestrians, so every time someone wants to cross the street, the lights turn red, and because the intersection is so wide, the light remains red for a long time to give the pedestrian a chance to cross to the other side.
"This is good for pedestrians but bad for drivers. Things should have been left exactly as they were." Seif al Mutairi, 26, of Saudi Arabia, said he also preferred the roundabouts. "Traffic signals are fine except when you are in a hurry and stuck at a red light with no one approaching the intersection. People will run the red lights, and eventually someone will get hurt. "You can run a red light but you cannot run a roundabout. No doubt, I personally prefer roundabouts."
But Shashi Dharan, 49, a taxi driver from India, said he was pleased to see the construction works finished so he no longer has to navigate roundabouts. "Signals are safer and more efficient," he said. "People don't know what to do in a roundabout and I have seen a few minor accidents, but with traffic signals everything is easy and understood: red means stop and green means go." Although major construction is complete, there remains minor beautification work. The municipality plans to add brass and black steel street lamps, some of which have already been installed; trees also will be added.
The municipality did not say exactly when the beautification works would be completed, but it is expected to be within days. Pedestrians on Mohammed bin Khalifa Street in the city's downtown district were pleased to see the dust settle and the pedestrian signals reactivated. The final city centre roundabout to be removed is the Qaseeda intersection. Works began there last week. The municipality was not available to comment on how long this conversion would take or the effect construction would have on pedestrians, motorists and businesses.
ealghalib@thenational.ae
