Saudi Road Code: Regulating the connection of vital centers and improving safety
The General Authority for Roads affirmed that the Saudi Road Code represents a qualitative leap in the planning and implementation of road networks in the Kingdom, establishing a precise and comprehensive framework for connecting vital centers to the national road network. This framework aims to facilitate access to these centers and enhance traffic safety, in line with ongoing national efforts to improve quality of life and achieve the highest standards of efficiency and safety.
Mechanism for classifying and linking vital centers
The authority explained that the new regulations within the code include identifying key traffic generators, such as airports, major hospitals, universities, and large shopping malls. These facilities are classified based on their importance and traffic volume to ensure that the size and type of roads leading to them are appropriate for the expected traffic density.
The process involves meticulous planning of traffic volume to and from these centers, both current and based on projections of future population and urban growth. Based on these studies, the centers are then connected to the appropriate road type for their function—whether highways, collector roads, local roads, or arterial roads—ensuring faster and smoother transportation for users.
Strategic context and the importance of the unified code
The launch of the Saudi Road Code serves as a unified technical reference, eliminating the previous discrepancies in technical specifications among various entities. The code is a binding reference for all authorities responsible for roads in the Kingdom, including ministries, urban development authorities, regional secretariats, and municipalities. This unification aims to enable these entities to access the information necessary for planning, designing, implementing, operating, and maintaining all types of roads according to a single national standard.
Expected impact and objectives of Vision 2030
The code's role extends beyond technical aspects to encompass environmental and economic dimensions. Its requirements consider environmental considerations to promote sustainability, in addition to proactively setting infrastructure requirements for future autonomous vehicles. These efforts directly contribute to achieving the strategic objectives of the roads sector, stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to raise safety standards and position the Kingdom sixth globally in the road quality index by 2030.
It is worth noting that the code was implemented on a pilot basis until the end of last year, and its application was made mandatory for government agencies at the beginning of this year, while its application to the private sector will begin in the middle of this year, reflecting the Kingdom’s seriousness in developing its infrastructure to meet global standards.
