MP Ahmed Qarata is calling for the construction of a pedestrian footbridge across King Faisal Highway in the vicinity of the Sheraton Hotel junction. The representative for the Capital’s Second Constituency argues that the current lack of safe crossing points at the busy intersection creates significant risks for those traversing the area on foot. "Every day you see groups of people walking, especially here at the traffic lights, and this poses a danger to pedestrians," MP Ahmed Qarata stated. The proposed infrastructure aims to mitigate these safety concerns for individuals moving through one of the capital's most heavily trafficked corridors. Official plans for the project remain under consideration as part of broader discussions regarding road safety improvements in the area.
MP Ahmed Qarata is calling for a footbridge to be built across King Faisal Highway near the Sheraton Hotel junction to address these ongoing safety concerns. The representative emphasizes that the volume of foot traffic in this specific area necessitates a more permanent infrastructure solution to protect the public.
History of the Proposal
Members of Parliament first sought the construction of a pedestrian footbridge at the King Faisal Highway location in 2014. The proposal for a footbridge at this location was first sought by MPs in 2014. That initial proposal failed to move forward after the Works Ministry reviewed the site. Officials at the ministry stated in 2014 that pedestrian traffic counts recorded at the site did not justify the construction of a bridge. In 2014, the Works Ministry stated that pedestrian traffic counts at the site did not justify the construction of a bridge.
Government representatives further argued during those 2014 discussions that the existing pedestrian crossing arrangement at the Sheraton Hotel junction served a specific purpose. The government stated that the current pedestrian crossing arrangement at the Sheraton junction helps reduce delays for drivers. They maintained that the configuration helped reduce delays for drivers navigating the intersection. According to the government, retaining the signalized crossing was preferable to installing a bridge to maintain traffic flow efficiency.
Authorities have since implemented a pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights where King Faisal Highway meets Palace Avenue. The government has implemented a pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights where King Faisal Highway meets Palace Avenue. This installation serves as the current mechanism for individuals attempting to navigate the intersection on foot.
As MP Ahmed Qarata continues to advocate for the new structure, the debate remains focused on balancing the safety needs of pedestrians with the operational requirements of the highway. The call for the bridge notes a recurring interest in enhancing infrastructure along this major arterial road. While previous assessments from the Works Ministry emphasized traffic flow and existing pedestrian counts, the renewed push by the representative for the Capital’s Second Constituency brings the matter back to the legislative agenda for further review. The outcome of these current discussions will determine if the government re-evaluates the necessity of a dedicated crossing structure at this busy junction.
