Sheladia Associates, Inc.

Within the framework of the Urumqui Urban Transport Project, the World Bank is financing a 31-km Ring Road with the following characteristics:

• Southern arm (mostly elevated roadway)
• Western arm (mostly at-grade roadway)
• Eastern arm (at-grade and elevated roadway)

The at grade sections consist of a 6-lane arterial expressway with 2-lane service roads on either side, limited access, and grade-separated interchanges. The elevated sections have an at-grade local road running under the Ring Road. The World Bank team reviewed the road design prior to issuance of the bids but did not perform a safety audit or assessment. During subsequent site visits, the WB Team expressed concerns about:

• The design of slip roads, specifically the lack of weaving/merging sections for traffic moving between the side roads and the Ring Road
• Inadequate footpath around the steps leading to the pedestrian bridges
• General Lack of adequate facilities for pedestrians
• Placing of columns in the middle of the at-grade junctions under the Ring Road
• Not signals, channelization, or pedestrian facilities at numerous at-grade junctions.

The Client, Urumqui Project Executive Office, is concerned by the deaths of several pedestrians on the western arm of the Ring Road. During a WB mission in September 2002, the WB was asked to provide assistance to address these safety issues.

Brief Description of Services Provided *Safety review of all sections of the Urumqui Ring Road and associated service roads, included sections opened to traffic, under construction, and under design

• Provision of advice to the Client and the WB on measures that should be taken to improve safety on the road and to address emerging pedestrian accidents.