The collapse of a bridge marked for demolition on the intersection of Al-Haramain Road and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz Road, also known as Tahlia Bridge, was caused by the cutting of pressure cables, according to a city official.
Director of Transport Administration in Jeddah Mohammad bin Tawfiq Madani denied reports on social networking sites that workers were injured after the unexpected collapse of the structure. A new bridge will be built at the site to accommodate the Al-Haramain train line.
After the incident, the project’s management filed a report to warn motorists and pedestrians to stay away from the area for safety reasons. All traffic was diverted to other routes.
Madani said reports on Twitter do not accurately reflect what happened. He said the bridge caved in when the pressure cables surrounding the cement body of the structure were dismantled.
The falling of heavy machinery, recorded on video, did not result in the driver's death, as was rumored on social media websites. He said the new bridge would be delayed to ensure it is compatible with the design of the new train.
Jeddah traffic department spokesman, Zaid Al-Hamzi, said there were no causalities or potential danger for motorists. “The diversions surrounding the project are there to facilitate traffic to Al-Haramain and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz intersection. The Jeddah traffic department erected many traffic signs to ensure drivers are safe,” he said.
A Saudi Red Crescent official said the organization did not receive any reports of deaths or injuries.
The Ministry of Transport has given its permission for the removal of the bridge. A new 114-meter bridge with four lanes will be built. The projected is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
No one hurt in ‘collapse’ of Tahlia bridge
