Saudi Capital Announces $2.1bn Road Network Expansion

Riyadh’s infrastructure is changing with a new road development package worth more than SR8bn ($2.13bn). The Royal Commission for Riyadh City leads six major projects that will take three to four years to complete.

The city’s infrastructure plan will boost capacity on several key routes. The Jeddah Road Development Project will handle up to 353,000 vehicles each day. The King Abdulaziz Road Northern Section can support daily traffic of up to 450,000 vehicles. The infrastructure projects center has introduced new surface improvement technology that makes roads safer and more durable without complete reconstruction. This eco-friendly method uses less energy and produces fewer carbon emissions than standard resurfacing techniques.

Riyadh launches $2.1bn road expansion package

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The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has revealed Package 3 of the Riyadh Main and Ring Road Axes Development Program. This announcement marks one of the most important steps forward in the capital’s transportation network. The package has six major projects and this is a big deal as it means that the budget is SR8 billion ($2.1bn). The projects will be ready in three to four years.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman started the mission to develop Riyadh’s major road axes in February 2020. This was part of a bigger plan to reshape the scene of the capital.

The Jeddah Road Development Project stands out among the six projects. It runs for 29 kilometers with 14 bridges and five main lanes. The road will serve 353,000 vehicles daily. The Taif Road Development Project stretches across 15 kilometers. It features four bridges, four main lanes, and two tunnels that can handle 200,000 vehicles each day.

The Thumamah Road Project (Eastern Section) adds 8 kilometers of road with three bridges and three tunnels. The King Abdulaziz Road Project (Northern Section) extends 4.7 kilometers and includes four bridges and one tunnel.

The Othman bin Affan Road Project will boost northern Riyadh’s traffic flow. It includes seven bridges and upgraded areas that can handle 500,000 vehicles daily. The final project will improve eight congested locations. These engineering improvements will boost traffic capacity by 40-60%.

RCRC has created a detailed traffic diversion plan to keep disruptions minimal during construction.

Authorities detail key road development projects

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City is building a major road network around the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) as part of Riyadh’s infrastructure initiative. This 20-kilometer project aims to upgrade roads around KAFD to improve traffic flow.

The KAFD development will upgrade three major intersections and build 19 bridges along three vital transport routes: the Northern Ring Road, Al-Takhassusi Road, and King Fahd Road. The project’s engineering complexity is evident from its 227 structural columns that stand between 3.5 and 29.5 meters tall.

These six major projects will expand capacity across key routes:

• Jeddah Road (29km): 14 bridges, five lanes, capacity of 353,000 vehicles daily
• Taif Road (15km): Four bridges, four lanes, two tunnels, capacity of 200,000 vehicles daily
• Thumamah Road Eastern Section (8km): Three bridges, three tunnels, capacity of 200,000 vehicles daily
• King Abdulaziz Road Northern Section (4.7km): Four bridges, one tunnel, capacity of 450,000 vehicles daily
• Othman bin Affan Road Northern Section (4.3km): Seven bridges, capacity of 500,000 vehicles daily

The second phase of Engineering Enhancements focuses on eight congested locations and uses innovative solutions to increase traffic capacity by 40-60%.

Riyadh aligns infrastructure with Vision 2030 goals

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Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy includes a complete road network expansion that will make Riyadh the Middle East’s premier hub for eco-friendly mobility and logistics services. This plan started in February 2020 when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the development of major road axes to reshape the capital’s scene.

The capital’s ongoing road network development covers more than 500 kilometers. The program wants to boost the overall road capacity by 85% when completed in 2030. This project stands as a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030’s Quality of Life goals through a well-connected and eco-friendly urban transport system.

The Riyadh Metro project showcases the city’s transit revolution with an AED 82.62 billion investment. The network stretches across 176km with 6 lines and 84 stations. This smart investment opens up new development possibilities near transit stations, where property values could rise by 20-30%.

The infrastructure program delivers multiple benefits. It optimizes the road network, creates integrated corridors between neighborhoods, cuts down traffic, provides safer roads, enhances living standards, and makes Riyadh more attractive to investors. The authorities have created detailed traffic management plans to keep the city moving during construction.

Riyadh is on the brink of a transportation revolution. The city’s bold $2.1 billion road network expansion shows more than just infrastructure growth—it reflects the kingdom’s innovative vision for urban planning and eco-friendly development.

These six major projects will change Riyadh’s mobility through better capacity on key routes. The numbers tell an impressive story: Jeddah Road will serve 353,000 vehicles daily, while King Abdulaziz Road handles 450,000 vehicles. Othman bin Affan Road takes this further with a daily capacity of 500,000 vehicles.

Saudi Arabia’s dedication to responsible development shines through its use of innovative surface improvement technology. This smart approach cuts energy use and makes roads last longer, meeting global green standards.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has created complete traffic management plans that minimize disruption during construction. Their careful planning shows how well they understand their residents’ needs during these changes.

The project’s impact extends beyond roads. These investments support Vision 2030’s Quality of Life goals directly. By 2030, the city’s road network capacity will grow by 85%, revolutionizing urban movement. Together with the Riyadh Metro project, these improvements create a world-class transport system.

Saudi Arabia makes its capital more attractive to investors while building a better-connected, efficient urban space for its people. These road improvements, among other infrastructure projects, strengthen Riyadh’s role as the Middle East’s leading hub for mobility and logistics services.