Makkah and Madinah roads are ready for Ramadan season, with maintenance completed on 1100 km
The General Authority for Roads announced its operational and technical readiness to serve pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, through a comprehensive plan that included surveying and maintaining a road network exceeding 16,000 kilometers in length. This step aims to ensure safe and smooth access for pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Intensive field preparations to serve the pilgrims
The authority began its field preparations early to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety on the roads leading to Mecca and Medina. These preparations included a comprehensive survey of the road network in both regions, as well as the connecting roads, to ensure they were free of any obstacles that could affect traffic flow.
As part of these efforts, the technical teams completed scraping and resurfacing work for more than 1,100 kilometers of routes, which directly contributes to raising the efficiency of the roads and improving the driving experience for buses and vehicles transporting pilgrims during the holy month, as this period witnesses high traffic density that requires a strong and robust infrastructure.
Strengthening the traffic safety system
The work wasn't limited to paving; the authority also paid close attention to traffic safety factors, installing and maintaining approximately 58,900 linear meters of wire fencing. This step is essential to prevent stray animals from entering the road right-of-way, significantly reducing the number of serious accidents that could result from vehicles colliding with animals, especially on highways and open roads.
The plan also included the implementation and maintenance of more than 59,500 linear meters of concrete and metal barriers, and the updating of directional and warning signs to guide pilgrims clearly, which enhances the flow of traffic and reduces distractions while driving.
Infrastructure and coping with climatic conditions
Given the importance of maintaining smooth traffic flow in all weather conditions, the Authority has completed the maintenance of 8,600 culverts for rainwater and flood drainage. This proactive measure ensures that roads are not affected by any potential rainfall and protects infrastructure from erosion or washing away, reflecting the advanced engineering planning the Authority employs in managing its road assets.
Engineering personnel and ambitious national goals
To ensure operations meet the highest standards, the Authority has dedicated a fully integrated field team of 300 engineers and quality control supervisors, working around the clock to monitor performance and ensure the immediate resolution of any issues that may arise. The Authority operates in accordance with the International Road Assessment Programme (IRAP) standards to enhance road safety.
These tireless efforts seek to achieve the strategic objectives of the roads sector stemming from the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics, which aims to bring the Kingdom to sixth place globally in the road quality index, and reduce deaths to less than 5 cases per 100,000 people, thus enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub and improving the experience of pilgrims.
