“Lunching a substantial road infrastructure project valued at SR13bn ($3.5bn) to transform Riyadh.” The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has officially announced the start of the First Phase of this ambitious initiative to revamp the city’s transportation network and improve regional connectivity.
The initial phase of the project involves the award of four major contracts, collectively worth over SR13bn ($3.5bn). These developments are key to enhancing Riyadh’s primary and ring roads, ensuring smoother traffic flow and better integration within the city’s various districts. The RCRC will announce contracts for additional phases of the program in due course.
This road infrastructure program is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic framework that aims to position Riyadh as a leading global city and a central hub for sustainable transportation and logistics in the Middle East. This initiative will play a crucial role in supporting the city’s rapid growth and addressing its future transportation needs.
Among the four key projects in the first phase are:
- Second Southern Ring Road Construction: A 56km road extension from the new Al-Kharj Road in the east to Jeddah Road in the west. The project will include four lanes for the main road in each direction, three lanes for the service road in each direction, 10 major intersections, and 32 bridges. This road will significantly improve east-west connectivity across Riyadh.
- Wadi Laban Bridge Expansion: The construction of two parallel bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban suspension bridge. Additionally, a 4km segment of the Western Ring Road at its junction with Jeddah Road will be developed, featuring four new bridges. This project aims to ease congestion and enhance traffic flow in this critical area.
- Thumama Road Axis Development: This 6km development, stretching from King Khalid Road in the west to King Fahd Road in the east, will alleviate traffic in the city’s western corridor while also improving access to key destinations.
- Taif Road Extension: A 16km extension from the Laban neighborhood to the Qiddiya project is set to link the western end of Taif Road with the upcoming Qiddiya entertainment city, significantly enhancing accessibility to one of the Kingdom’s most anticipated mega-projects.
To mitigate the impact on traffic during the construction phase, the RCRC has implemented a comprehensive traffic diversion management plan in coordination with relevant city agencies and stakeholders.
We have designed this plan to minimize disruptions and ensure smooth traffic flow across the affected areas.
As a cornerstone of Riyadh’s urban development strategy, the Ring Roads Axes Development Program, launched in 2019 (1441 AH) by HRH Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and RCRC Chairman, is integral.Covering more than 500km of road enhancements, the program aims to construct new roads, upgrade existing ones, and improve overall connectivity within the city.
This ambitious initiative will deliver substantial benefits, including faster travel times, increased driving speeds, and better access to major urban developments. We also expect the program to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike, while bolstering Riyadh’s economic, urban, environmental, cultural, and tourism sectors. Ultimately, it will reinforce the city’s status as a competitive global business and investment hub.
The projects included in the first phase to reach completion within the next three to four years, marking a significant milestone in Riyadh’s journey towards becoming a world-class metropolis.
