Qatar is in the process of setting up a new bridge on E-Ring Road to help pedestrians cross the area safely, the country’s public works authority has said.

The 66m-long bridge is located between Al Thumama intersection and the junction between Airport and E-Ring roads.

So far, the steel structure has been put into place.

Ashghal said it is adding finishing touches such as elevators to the bridge and aims to open it to traffic by the second quarter of this year.

In a statement, it added that several tall trees are being installed in the area to ensure the privacy of residents whose homes are visible from the bridge.

More bridges on the way

Last year, authorities said some 15 new pedestrian bridges are going to be built around Doha and its suburbs soon.

They will include facilities such as ATMs, toilets, shops and restaurants.

At the time, officials did not say where they would be located or provide a timeline for their opening.

But the bridges are widely seen as a way to improve safety and reduce pedestrian fatalities.

Some 57 pedestrians were killed in Qatar road crashes last year, comprising about a third of all 2016 road traffic deaths, according to the Ministry of Interior.

Area improvements

The upcoming E-Ring bridge is also part of ongoing efforts to overhaul E-Ring Road and Najma St., Ashghal said.

So far, some 90 percent of the planned works have been completed. This includes the development of:

• 3km of Najma St. from Nuaija Intersection toward F-Ring Road);
• 3.3km of E-Ring Road, including the conversion of Al Thumama roundabout to a signalized intersection; and
• Infrastructure improvements, such as developing drainage networks.

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