JEDDAH — Engineering and architecture experts have urged the municipality to build bridges for pedestrians who have difficulty crossing dangerous streets, Makkah reported.
The Architecture Offices Committee's deputy head Talal Samargandi said pedestrian bridges were very important.
He said: “No one disagrees on the importance of pedestrian bridges but we disagree on where are they most needed and how we should build them.
“We need to cater to the pedestrians' needs and provide architecture solutions to their problems.”
He added that there are streets in Jeddah with schools on them that do not have a pedestrian pavement or bridge.
“In the east of Al-Andalus Street and west of Al-Hamra District, there are about six schools that need pedestrian bridges for students crossing the streets.
“The sad thing is there are many incidents and accidents that happen as a result of the lack of bridges on a daily basis.”
Owner of an architecture consultancy Ossam Andijani said pedestrian bridges could be turned into profitable recreational attractions.
“Why can't we make some profit from these bridges and make them locations for social activities?
“We can make the bridge eight to 10 meters long and have kiosks and other services.
“We can also have artists and talented individuals showcasing their talents or even open room for sponsorship and advertisements.”
He added that the bridges need government maintenance and care so pedestrians can quickly report any damage and have it fixed immediately.
Jeddah Municipality spokesman Mohammad Al-Bugamy said the local authority is currently building five new pedestrian bridges in busy areas of the city.
He said: “These bridges are on Al-Andalus Street, Prince Majed Road in front of Flamingo Mall, Al-Macarona Road, King Fahd Road, and King Khalid Road.
“Within the next three months, we plan to have 20 bridges built.
“The new bridges will have high safety standards and elevators.”
He added that with time people would learn how to use these bridges and maintain pedestrian etiquette.
He said: “These bridges are built to provide a safe way for pedestrians to cross the streets, especially those with special needs.
“That way we will have less road accidents and fatalities.
“Pedestrian bridges should never be used for commercial purposes.
“The most that may happen is for it to feature advertisements.”
He also added that the bridges have been designed in a way suitable for Jeddah's status as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques.
The bridges will have Islamic art designs as well as air-conditioning and lighting installed.
He said: “We have contracted with maintenance companies for 24 bridges so far.
“The contracts included regular maintenance services and complete renovations of older bridges in the city.”
