Riyadh launches SAR 8B third phase of road development program

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has begun implementing projects under the third phase of its program to develop ring roads and main road corridors in the Saudi capital, with total costs exceeding SAR 8 billion.

In a statement, the RCRC said the third phase comprises six projects to be completed over three to four years.

The Jeddah Road Development Project spans 29 km and aims to boost road efficiency and expand capacity to accommodate rising traffic volumes. It includes 14 bridges and five main lanes, with a daily capacity of 353,000 vehicles.

The Taif Road Development Project, covering 15 km, seeks to improve traffic flow and connectivity between Riyadh and its southern and western districts. The project includes four bridges, four main lanes, and two tunnels, with a capacity of 200,000 vehicles per day.

The Thumamah Road Development Project (Eastern Section) extends 8 km and includes three bridges and three tunnels, linking key corridors in northern and eastern Riyadh, with a daily capacity of 200,000 vehicles.

The King Abdulaziz Road Development Project (Northern Section) spans 4.7 km and aims to improve traffic efficiency and raise daily network capacity to 450,000 vehicles. It includes four bridges, four main lanes, and one tunnel.

The Othman bin Affan Road Development Project (Northern Section), covering 4.3 km, includes seven bridges and road lane upgrades to ease congestion in northern Riyadh, with a capacity of 500,000 vehicles per day.

The Engineering Enhancements for Congested Areas (Phase II) targets eight sites across Riyadh’s road network, applying engineering solutions to reduce congestion, improve intersection efficiency, and raise average capacity by 40% to 60%.

The RCRC said the projects are intended to enhance Riyadh’s transport system, strengthen connectivity between districts, and support the city’s transformation into a regional hub for sustainable transport and logistics, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

It added that a comprehensive traffic diversion management plan has been developed in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow during construction.

According to RCRC data, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also Prime Minister and Chairman of the commission, directed in February 2020 the development of ring roads and major road corridors in Riyadh.

The RCRC launched the first phase of the program in August 2024, comprising four projects worth SAR 13 billion, followed by a second phase in February 2025 that included eight projects costing more than SAR 8 billion.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, directed in February 2020 the development of ring roads and main road corridors in the city. The RCRC announced the launch of the first group of the program in August 2024, which included four projects at a total cost of SAR 13 billion, followed by the announcement of the second group in February 2025, comprising eight projects with a total cost exceeding SAR 8 billion.