The Roads General Authority in Saudi Arabia has highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing advancements in environmental conservation as it prepares to host its inaugural Road Safety and Sustainability Conference and Exhibition. This event, themed “Innovating for Tomorrow,” will take place in Riyadh from November 3 to 4 in collaboration with the International Road Federation.
Commitment to sustainable practices
The Authority reiterated that its commitment to environmental conservation encompasses all activities related to the road network. The Saudi Highway Code incorporates a variety of environmental guidelines that outline requirements for assessing, mitigating, and monitoring the ecological effects of road projects. These guidelines apply to every phase of a project’s lifecycle, including conception, planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance, ensuring compliance with pertinent Saudi regulations.
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https://t.co/dqbbnNUr5G#IRFRiyadh2024 pic.twitter.com/c0ZCcx2nCL— الهيئة العامة للطرق (@RGAsaudi) October 27, 2024
Innovations in road construction
Numerous studies, research initiatives, and scientific advancements have been adopted by the Authority to bolster environmental conservation, enhance quality of life, improve safety, and support the strategic goals of the road sector. Moreover, innovations include locally sourced road cooling materials that absorb less solar radiation, thereby mitigating the heat island effect, which contributes to increased energy consumption and air pollution. Additionally, the Authority has integrated construction and demolition waste into asphalt mixtures, recycled rubber from tires, and reused milled asphalt.
Pioneering recycling techniques
Recently, the Authority also initiated a trial of advanced equipment capable of fully recycling asphalt layers and underlying materials on-site, a process known as Full Depth Reclamation (FDR). This cold in-place recycling technique can reduce costs by 40-70 percent compared to conventional maintenance methods, while minimizing traffic disruption, lowering carbon emissions, conserving raw materials, and reusing up to 100 percent of existing site materials. Furthermore, it shortens project duration by over 40 percent. These initiatives reflect a steadfast commitment to achieving top-tier environmental sustainability standards and creating a safer, more pleasant environment for road users in the Kingdom.
Major infrastructure developments in Riyadh
In August 2024, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) announced the initiation of the first phase of a comprehensive development program for Riyadh’s main and ring roads. This initial phase includes the awarding of four major projects with a combined budget exceeding SAR 13 billion (approximately $3.46 billion). The RCRC also revealed plans to announce contracts for subsequent phases of the program in the near future.
Enhancing transportation connectivity
The Riyadh main and ring road development program aims to enhance the city’s transportation infrastructure and improve connectivity across its various districts. This initiative is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which positions Riyadh as a prominent global metropolis and a central hub for sustainable transportation and logistics in the Middle East.
Read more: Road Quality Index: Saudi Arabia surges to 4th position among G20 nations
Progress in road quality
According to the 2023 report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Saudi Arabia has made remarkable progress in the Road Quality Index (RQI), achieving a score of 5.7. This places the Kingdom fourth among G20 nations. The RQI evaluates the quality of road networks, which is essential for ensuring user safety, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Infrastructure initiatives in Makkah
In February 2024, the Makkah region launched a comprehensive infrastructure development effort with 20 road projects valued at SAR 1.4 billion (around $373 million). Spanning a total length of 385 km, these projects are designed to enhance connectivity and streamline travel within the region.
Government commitment to modernization
Led by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Prince of Makkah, the projects reflect the government’s dedication to modernizing transportation networks and accommodating the needs of pilgrims visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Notable projects include a 24 km direct road linking Jeddah to Makkah, estimated to cost SAR 431 million, as well as the doubling of the 90 km Allaith-Makkah Road for SAR 169 million. The Bisha-Raniyah-Al-Khurma Road will also undergo expansion to improve accessibility to Makkah from various regions, especially during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Enhancing accessibility and reducing congestion
Additionally, Makkah plans to double the 114 km Bisha-Raniyah-Al-Khurma Road for SAR 271 million to better accommodate travelers from the southern and central regions of the Kingdom. A project to double the 9 km Al-Iwaa Center Road for SAR 38 million will also commence, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion during peak pilgrimage times, alongside a lighting upgrade for the road.
A vision for the future
These road projects signify a substantial investment in infrastructure, aimed at enhancing connectivity and improving the overall transportation experience for residents and visitors alike. They align with the Kingdom’s vision for a modern and efficient transportation system, facilitating seamless travel and contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the region.
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