Citizens and residents of Al-Khobar heaved a big sigh of relief with the opening of a pedestrian bridge in the city center last week. The bridge connects Jawahara Market to Rahmania Center across the busy highway. The bridge was inaugurated by Daifullah Al- Othaibi, Mayor of Eastern Province. Crossing the 8-track road which connects Al-Khobar Cornich and Dhahran Road was very difficult and dangerous for pedestrians. A number of accidents had taken place here over the past few years and more than five persons were killed in recent times while crossing the busy highway. It was impossible for speeding motorists to stop in between while the pedestrians were crossing the highway. Rahmania Center, Jawhara Market and the adjacent markets are a usual gathering place for expatriate communities, especially Indians and Filipinos in Al-Khobar and nearby areas. There are a lot of shopping centers on both sides of the main road selling stuff that attracts the expatriates here. As several precious lives were lost due to accidents on the busy road, Riyadh Rabih, Chairman of Rabih Naser Group, contacted the municipal authorities and offered to bear all the expenses to build this 35-meter long bridge which also has a special facility for handicapped people. “We can fearlessly cross the highway road now and I hope the authorities build such pedestrian cross bridges on all the highways,” a Filipino crossing the bridge told Saudi Gazette. “I appreciaties Riyadh Rabih for his kind gesture to build a pedestrian bridge for public safety,” said Sharfuddeen, a restaurant worker.
