Some 15 new pedestrian bridges will be built around Doha and its suburbs that will include facilities such as ATMs, toilets, shops and restaurants.

Escalators and elevators will also be installed to make the bridges accessible to those with special needs, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) said in a statement this week.

Renderings of the proposed bridges released by the ministry yesterday show enclosed walkways.

It did not say where they would be located or give a timeline for their opening.

Collaboration

Earlier this month, the state Cabinet approved the establishment of a new cross-ministry committee to oversee construction of the new bridges.

It will be headed by a representative from the MME and members will include authorities concerned with the construction.

Qatar’s authorities have been looking at ways of restructuring the country’s road network to make it easier for people to cross the roads, and to reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities.

The new bridges have been several years in the planning. In 2014, Ashghal announced a pre-qualification notice for some of them.

At least one covered bridge has since been built on the perimeter of the Industrial Area.

It has been popular with pedestrians who wish to avoid the busy road below. However earlier this year, the air conditioning and elevators were observed to have stopped working.

Thoughts?