Dubai Tram Map

Source of graphic: RTA; Gulf News

Dubai Tram is another ‘first’ for Dubai and initially, it will create unique challenges for UAE traffic participants to co-exist safely with this new infrastructural achievement.

Work on the Dubai Tram is progressing at a good pace, with the trams scheduled to be operational in November 2014. More than 75 per cent of the work has been completed and trial runs on the recently arrived trams have begun.

The first phase of the Dubai Tram will operate with 11 trains, covering a distance of 10.6km that will be served by 11 stations. Another four kilometers of tramway will be added in the next phase that will be served by seven more stations.

Exposure to road users

The Dubai tram is a totally different system to the Dubai Metro, which has no interaction with road users, whereas with the tram, in certain areas the tram route intersects with the road. While the Metro railway is not accessible, the tram railway in certain areas is – with potential dangers by littering and causing obstructions to the tramway line.

Right of way

Most importantly, where the routes of the Dubai tram and other vehicles intersect, the tram will have priority. Vehicular traffic from all directions will stop whenever trams cross the intersections,  as the trams will have right of way.  It is important for motorists not to block these box junctions!

Traffic signs

There will be special traffic lights and signs. New traffic signs will be introduced on Dubai roads soon by the Roads and Transport Authority. These road signs may inform the driver that a tram might pass on the right, left or ahead. Other signage shows that a tram route in one or both directions lies in front, trams crossing on the intersection, routes where only trams are allowed, etc. Most of the new road signs are related to the tram and railway, while a few are for speed breakers and pedestrian crossings.

Dubai Tram Traffic Signs

Source: http://www.thenational.ae/uae/transport/drivers-learn-new-road-signs-to-navigate-around-dubai-tram

Good tips from RTA:

Watch out for:

  • littering on the tramway line
  • crossing the tramway line from non-designated areas
  • entering a restricted area
  • interfering with the operation of the tramway or taking any action that would compromise the safety of the tram or the infrastructure
  • crossing the red light at the junction with the tramway and blocking the tramway without permission.
  • FOR CYCLISTS:
  • Do not cycle on the tracks as wheels may get stuck in the rail gap
  • Where trams run along the road, avoid following the rails to make sure they do not lead to a route reserved for the tram.
  • Be extra careful where a track crosses the road as tram road users have their own traffic signals.
  • When crossing the tracks, always check your surroundings and consider dismounting and crossing on foot.
  • FOR DRIVERS:
  • You must not enter a road, lane or route reserved for trams.
  • Always give way to trams. Be extra careful where a track crosses the road as trams have their own traffic signals and maybe permitted to move when you are not.
  • You must not stop or park your vehicle where it would get in the way of trams or where it would force other road users to do so.
  • Look out for pedestrians, especially children, running to catch a tram, getting off a tram or bus or crossing the road.
  • FOR PEDESTRIANS:
  • Always cross the tracks using a pedestrian crossing and pay extra attention when the tram is approaching.Always look in both directions before crossing the tracks. Avoid using headphones or mobile phones near the tram.
  • Tram corridor is fenced to prohibit crossing.

Source: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/

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