SOURCE : GULF TODAY
DUBAI - AUG 09: THE first footbridge, one of 100 to be installed as part of the Dubai Metro Red Line Project, has been installed on Sheikh Zayed Road, sending another strong message that the much touted Dhs15b Metro project shall be operational by September 2009.
According the Director of Construction, Rail Projects at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Adnan Al Hammadi, some more 19 footbridge crossings will be unleashed on a weekly basis thereafter until the end of the year. "Installation of the footbridges over minor roads is likely to continue until May 2009," he added.
He said that footbridges will provide 24 hour, air-conditioned and spacious public thoroughfares across Sheikh Zayed Road. He added that they will feature moving walkways and high quality finishes.
"The footbridges will revolutionise pedestrian accessibility in the city and support the broader objective of promoting reduced dependence on private car usage."
He thanked the units involved in making the work a success; "The planning for the installation of the footbridges, which are being provided under the Dubai Metro Contract, has been ongoing for well over a year now.
"A dedicated footbridge installation task force was assigned with heavy involvement from the Dubai Metro Contractor, RTA Rail Agency, RTA Traffic and Roads Agency, and Dubai Police to investigate how to install the footbridges and identify the optimum solution. The key objective of the installation methodology was to minimise disruption to the Dubai public whilst ensuring the safety of the public and Dubai Metro workers alike is not compromised."
He said that the RTA demanded that the planning for this critical operation was undertaken to the finest of detail and addressed all possible scenarios. A detailed installation method has been approved by RTA which includes hourly activity schedules, step by step detailed traffic management plans and phased installation drawings.
"The approved installation method involves full pre-assembly of the footbridge spans off-site including not only the main structure of the bridge but also the external cladding, internal fixtures and finishes, and electrical and mechanical items. Since the resulting weight of the pre-assembled footbridges is well in excess of 200 tonnes, special self propelled modular transporters (SPMT's), pneumatic lifting jacks and adjustable temporary bearings will be used to transport the footbridges into position and lift them onto their permanent supports," he explained.
He talked about the usual closing-up of some streams of the mainly Sheikh Zayed Road saying; "The installation is done in a single night during low traffic periods with local traffic control of Sheikh Zayed Road."
"The installation method utilises imported plant and equipment, (mostly from Japan), that results in the least disruption to road users. Indeed, it is hoped and anticipated that the installation of all the footbridges for the Dubai Metro will be undertaken without most of the population noticing it has happened."