As happy as JLT residents are with the idea of a new park, many say they wish more attention was paid to traffic problems.
“Our biggest concern is the roads,” said Arthur, who has lived in JLT for two years.
“My wife and son don’t go to the JLT station that is closest to our home, but walk 20 minutes to the Marina station because it’s impossible to cross the road.
“There are no traffic lights and no pedestrian crossing. It’s a question of safety. I love the idea of a park but this should be sorted out too.”
Despite the opening last February of Western Parallel Road – a flyover that provides a quick to link to Al Barsha through Emirates Hills – residents say congestion at the roundabouts for entry and exit has worsened.
Further complicating matters is renewed work near the Sheikh Zayed Road exit, where residents say heavy machinery such as cranes and large trucks have disrupted traffic flow.
“It’s a fresh construction site and so the road is narrowed down to one lane, creating congestion. Traffic is stopped sometimes for as long as 15 minutes to allow trucks to pass,” said Omar Khan, a business consultant and JLT resident who walks to work.
“They should sort out the road crossing because with all the traffic it becomes dangerous to cross the road and walk safely.”
