Riyadh Roads Development Program Launched with $13 Billion Projects
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has announced the commencement of the Circular Roads Development Program in Riyadh. The initial phase includes four major projects with a combined budget exceeding SAR 13 billion. Additional contracts for subsequent phases will be awarded in the coming period.
Enhancing Transportation Infrastructure
According to a statement released on Thursday, this program aims to enhance the circular and main roads in Riyadh. It also seeks to improve the city’s transportation system and strengthen connectivity between its various parts. The initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, positioning Riyadh as a leading global metropolis and a central hub for sustainable transportation and logistics in the Middle East.
Key Projects in the First Phase
The first group of projects includes the construction of the Second Southern Ring Road, which will span 56 kilometers. This road will extend from the new Al-Kharj Road in the east to Jeddah Road in the west. The project will feature four lanes for the main road in each direction and three service road lanes per direction. It will also involve constructing 10 main intersections and 32 bridges.
Additionally, the development includes two parallel bridges to the existing Wadi Laban suspension bridge. It also covers the expansion of the Western Ring Road at its intersection with Jeddah Road. This part of the project involves a 4-kilometer stretch, two new bridges, and four additional bridges at the junction of the Western Ring Road and Jeddah Road.
Furthermore, the program will include the development of the western section of the Thumama Road Axis. This 6-kilometer stretch runs from King Khalid Road in the west to King Fahd Road in the east. Another project involves extending Taif Road in the Laban neighborhood to Qiddiya, covering 16 kilometers from the western end of Taif Road in Laban to the Qiddiya project.
Managing Traffic Flow During Construction
The RCRC emphasized its commitment to maintaining smooth traffic flow on the roads affected by these projects. To achieve this, a traffic diversion management plan has been developed in collaboration with relevant city agencies.
Significant Impact on Riyadh’s Growth
Launched in 2019 by Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Circular Roads Development Program encompasses over 500 kilometers of road development in Riyadh. This extensive program includes constructing new roads, upgrading existing main roads, and enhancing their connectivity.
The program will significantly benefit Riyadh, its residents, and its visitors. Key benefits include accommodating the city’s rapid population growth, supporting large-scale development projects, and meeting current and future transportation needs. Additionally, the program aims to improve traffic flow, increase average driving speeds, reduce travel times, and facilitate access to major urban developments.
The program will also enhance the quality of life, boost Riyadh’s economic, urban, environmental, cultural, and tourism sectors, and elevate its competitiveness as a global business and investment destination. The first phase of these projects is expected to take between three to four years to complete.
