Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that it will reopen two turns at streets that run along the track of Dubai Tram.Â
The left and U-turns at the intersections of Al Sufouh and Al Gharbi Streets at Dubai Marina will be reopened “early September”.
A programme aimed at achieving zero-accident safety in the area had led to the closure of the turns.Â
The completion of RTA’s programme follows the reopening of similar turns at Al Sayora and Al Sufouh Streets at JBR in March.Â
Remarking on the programme, Eng Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA’s traffic and roads agency, said: “We had set up a committee of RTA’s specialists where an international consultant had been appointed to draw up a comprehensive plan to realise the Tram/Roads Safety Strategy.
“Under the plan, several preventive measures have been set to eliminate potential accidents between the Tram and vehicles due to turns at the intersection of Al Marsa-Al Gharbi Streets.”
Adai said the RTA’s plan to improve road safety in the locality takes several factors into consideration, such as engineering, traffic movement, traffic lights, training, and traffic enforcement measures, Dubai Media Office reported.
She added:Â “We have introduced a feature in the traffic light signaling system whereby all light signals will turn red once the tram approaches the junction, and have installed surveillance cameras to monitor vehicles jumping the red signals in coordination with the General Department of Traffic at the Dubai Police.
“We have also launched awareness campaigns in this regard and a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Dubai Police to ensure the safe use of these turns.
“Among the key factors that prompted the closure of those turns was to offer a chance for motorists to acquaint themselves with the movement of the tram in this area, and maintain the safety of tram riders as well as all road users.”Â
