New four-way pedestrian bridge opens on Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Residence

Elevated walkway will allow for easy access at busy Al Gharbi Street junction

The four-way pedestrian bridge on Dubai Marina's Al Gharbi Street junction. Courtesy: RTA

The footbridge means pedestrians will not have to wait at red lights in the heat. Courtesy: RTA

Many more bridges are planned in the next few years, officials said. Courtesy: RTA

Pedestrians cross the busy tram interchange in Dubai Marina. Pawan Singh / The National

A tram trundles along the Marina's on-street rail tracks. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A four-way footbridge that straddles one of Dubai Marina's busiest junctions has opened to the public.

At rush hour, up to 8,000 people could use the elevated crossing at the crossroads of King Salman Street and Al Gharbi Street.

The bright blue design took inspiration from the surrounding beachside neighbourhood, officials said.

“We are targeting a zero-fatality rate to rank Dubai among the world’s safest cities in traffic safety by 2021," said Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the Roads and Transport Agency.

“This pedestrian bridge features an iconic architectural design that adds to the appeal of the Dubai Marina area, a key destination for visitors and sea-goers that offers a unique experience for residents and tourists.

“The design of the bridge frontage is inspired by the urban nature of the area with a shape and colour that fits well with the pattern of surrounding buildings.”

The four-direction bridge has been fitted with bike racks and cycling lanes.

The busy junction below is used by up to 2,000 vehicles in each direction during peak hours, officials said, and it often gridlocked at weekends.

Dubai's trams cross the intersection every six minutes, leading to red lights and halting traffic.

Pedestrians are often seen running across the road - an offence in the UAE - and risking injury in the process.

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

A further 36 pedestrian walkways and bridges are planned before 2026.

Since 2007, pedestrian fatalities in Dubai have reduced by 76 per cent, according to the most recent RTA figures.

“The RTA attaches special attention to pedestrians’ safety and has been keen on providing safe pedestrian crossing means since its inception,” said Mr Al Tayer.

“The bridge enables pedestrians to move freely between the four sides of the junction, while avoiding any stop at light signals.”