Delay in bridge opening affect Bahrain pedestrians

Manama : The delay in the opening of the pedestrian crossing bridge in Riffa Avenue for the public has caused several accidents in the area. So often, pedestrians, who access this road for various purposes, face difficulties while crossing the road.  

According to local residents and shop owners, the work of the pedestrian crossing bridge was completed about a year ago.  The particular junction where the footbridge is installed has two traffic lights; one for the vehicles that are going towards Riffa
and other for those who commutes from Riffa to Sitra. 

George (name changed), who runs a shop nearby, said, “Despite the completion of the footbridge work, we don’t know why it is not opened to the public.  The junction is always busy. I have seen small children crossing the road carelessly.” 

There is also a warning sign, which indicates the presence of the footbridge.  The junction where the bridge is set up is one of the busiest junctions in the area.  Either side of the junction is occupied by different kinds of shops and other business centres. So there are frequent crossing by the people.

“On Fridays, lots of people go to markets and other places to buy commodities. These days, the rush of people is more compared to other working days.  I have noticed lots of them crossing the road, whilst the green light is on. If the footbridge is opened to the public, then the occurrence of accidents can be controlled,” said Ahmed, a local resident.

The steps of the footbridge are barricaded with cardboards and wooden panels, restricting pedestrians’ access to the bridge.  DT News has already communicated with the Works Ministry regarding the footbridge and is expecting an update soon.

Caption : View of the sign board