FOUR footbridges will be built to regularize pedestrian traffic in Shenzhen's downtown Huaqiangbei area, revealed an initial plan Wednesday.

The Futian District Government will spend 46.6 million yuan (US$5.7 million) on the bridges as well as on illumination and greenery.

The zebra crossings in front of SEG Plaza, Sundan, at the conjunction with Zhenhua Road and Zhenxing Road will be removed after the footbridges are built on the Huaqiangbei Road, leaving the road for the exclusive use of vehicles.

The sheltered footbridges will be equipped with elevators for the convenience of the disabled and elderly, while a bigger elevator will be added to the one in front of SEG for large goods.

The plan was welcomed by businesses in the area, as a ban on private vehicles on the road during rush hours could be rescinded after completion of the project. Shops have suffered a sharp decline in sales since the authorities introduced the ban June 10 forbidding private cars to use the road during 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. to reduce traffic congestion in the busy area.

The plan, which will also add taxi stands and bus stops to the road, needs approval from the city government before it can be implemented.

Futian District authorities have pledged to complete construction within two months once they get the go-ahead. Until then, the authorities have deployed 50 traffic inspectors and 20 urban administrators on the road to maintain order.

Huaqiangbei has become a shoppers' paradise in Shenzhen over recent years but the narrow roads in the busy commercial area make it a nightmare for drivers.

Editor: Yan