Saudi Arabia Installs Flexible Rubber Asphalt, Increases Comfort during Hajj 2024
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services unveiled the installation of the flexible rubber asphalt in pedestrian walkways in the holy sites, designed for the first time in Hajj 2024, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Saudi Arabia has been ramping up preparations for the upcoming Hajj season, 1445 AH, aiming at providing smooth and comfortable experiences to the pilgrims. Therefore, the Kingdom has embarked on a wide series of key projects to enhance the infrastructure and roadways for the visitors.
The Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, has launched such an initiative to provide the pilgrims with smooth and comfortable services while performing their rituals in the holy sites.
In collaboration with various entities, the General Authority for Roads has installed the innovative technology on the road parallel to pedestrian road No. 6 leading to Jabal al-Rahmah in Arafat in order to safeguard the pilgrims’ health in this season.
The technology basically depends on reusing rubber resulting from recycling tires in asphalt mixtures.
Consequently, it reduces the accumulation of tire waste and decreases pollution resulting from burning them.
The authority indicated that the hardness of asphalt surfaces and regular sidewalks actually causes negative effects on the ankles and feet of pilgrims, especially the elderly who constitute 53% of the total pilgrims.
As a result, the health facilities used to face increasing pressure during Hajj seasons, as 38% of injuries were in the foot and ankle area.
Fortunately, the new technique alleviates pressure on the ankles and feet and gives a feeling of comfort while walking and running.
There are other projects including surveying and upgrading 4,000 kilometers of roadways and scraping and re-asphalting 158 km of roads. The developments also involved repairing cracks and potholes at 403 locations and clearing and trimming 2,361 km of road shoulders.
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