DUBAI 3 July 2017: The Dubai Metro’s Red Line will be partially closed on weekends from end of July until mid-October, according to the emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
RTA’s Rail Agency said it will introduce construction works on the route of the Dubai Metro Red Line to move ahead with the plan for linking up with Route 2020 project. The plan envisages the extension of the Red Line to the site of World Expo that will kick off in Dubai in 2020.
“The construction works require a partial closure of the rail track of the Metro Red Line between Jumeirah Lakes Towers Station and Ibn Battuta Station during weekends (Fridays & Saturdays only) over 10 weeks starting from 28 July up to 14 October 2017. An alternative operational plan would be in place as Metro riders would be offered free shuttle bus service between the two stations,” according to Mohammed Yousef Al Mudharreb, Director of Rail Operation, RTA’s Rail Agency.
“The alternative plan for the Metro partial closure encompasses the deployment of shuttle bus service to commute riders between JLT Metro Station and Ibn Battuta Metro Station. RTA had conducted intensive field studies, in collaboration with the contractor, to ensure that the alternative plan would be highly efficient in commuting riders between the two stations, given the intensive traffic movement over the weekends.
“According to the plan, the contractor would upgrade the automatic operation system and add switches point to enable trains switch rail tracks and return at JLT and Ibn Battuta Metro Stations,” elaborated Al Mudharreb.
“Metro commuters heading towards the UAE Exchange Station need to get off at JLT Station, take a free bus ride to Ibn Battuta Station and then continue their journey by metro in the direction of the UAE Exchange Station. Metro riders travelling in the direction of Al Rashidiya Station need to get off the metro at Ibn Battuta Station, take free bus rides to JLT Metro Station and then continue their journey on the metro in the direction of Al Rashidiya Station,” he added.
By Angel Chan