Rashidiya Bridge opens, Metro station closes
dubai — Metro riders, going to and coming from Jebel Ali, experienced a relatively smooth travel even though the metro track between Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Ibn Battuta Stations was fully closed on Friday. The closure will continue until middle of 2019 to complete the construction work on the new Route 2020.
Staff from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) were present on Friday to guide the commuters to take the free circular bus route. Metro riders heading to the UAE Exchange station dropped off at the JLT station and boarded the RTA buses which took them to Ibn Battuta station to continue their metro journey to Jebel Ali. Those travelling in the other direction disembarked at Ibn Battuta station and hopped into a bus that took them to the JLT station.
A commuter told Khaleej Times: “Everything went smooth today because it’s a Friday and there was no rush of riders. But let’s see on Sunday. At any rate, I will add extra time for my travel period. The Metro is still the best way to go to work.”
Meanwhile, the RTA opened Rashidiya Bridge on the Airport Street on Friday for traffic. According to the RTA, the bridge will ensure a smooth traffic flow in the direction of both Deira and Al Khawaneej.
The bridge, which is part of the Rashidiya Interchanges Improvement Project, has three lanes in each direction and is expected to significantly reduce the waiting time at intersections of the Airport Street.