King Abdullah Road Development Program in Riyadh City
The King Abdullah Road Development Program in Riyadh City is a four-phase action plan aimed at upgrading King Abdullah Road in Riyadh City, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from an arterial road to a highway. The project is part of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City's (RCRC) initiatives to develop the city's road network.
The first phase of the King Abdullah Road Development was completed in two sections; the first was completed in 2011, and the second was completed in 2014. Both sections of this phase were completed in the same year. Meanwhile, the third phase (A and B) and the fourth phase remain under implementation (in 2024).
A modern type of asphalt, manufactured from recycled used tires, was utilized in the King Abdullah Road Development. Additionally, around 53,000 trees were planted along both sides of the road and among its various elements, contributing to a reduction in environmental pollution caused by vehicle emissions and creating a pedestrian-friendly environment. Open areas were established above the road tunnels, featuring green spaces and public squares.
Objectives of the King Abdullah Road Development Program in Riyadh City
The King Abdullah Road Development Program aims to increase the road’s capacity and upgrade it to accommodate approximately 520,000 vehicles per day, compared to 190,000 vehicles before its development. The program also seeks to transform the road into an urban, economic, and human-friendly environment that aligns with its primary function as a roadway. Additionally, it is designed to integrate a future electric train route and its dedicated stations, enhance traffic safety levels, and incorporate advanced traffic management systems.
Phases of King Abdullah Road Development in Riyadh City
King Abdullah Road begins at King Khalid Road in the west and extends to its intersection with Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Road in the east, covering a total length of approximately twenty-five km. The first phase of its development included the central section from east of King Abdulaziz Road to the west of Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz I Road. The second phase covered the segment from east of King Abdulaziz Road to east of Khalid Bin Al-Walid Street. The third phase "A" extends from the east of Khalid Bin Al-Walid Street to the west of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Road, while phase three "B" stretches from the west of the intersection with Al-Sahabah Street to the west of the intersection with Sheikh Jaber Road. The fourth phase spans from the west of Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz I Road to King Khalid Road.
Electric train route in King Abdullah Road Development Program in Riyadh City
King Abdullah Road in Riyadh City accommodates the dual-track electric train route, which runs along the median between both traffic directions, taking into account the spatial and engineering requirements for passenger stations on both sides of the road and at major intersections.
King Abdullah Road Development Program in Riyadh City includes the construction of four tunnels, three of which are approximately 185 m long at the intersections with Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz I Road, At-Takhassusi Street, and King Abdulaziz Road, while the fourth tunnel extends about seven hundred m, starting from west of King Fahd Road to east of Al-Ulya Street.
The walls of the tunnels along King Abdullah Road in Riyadh City are adorned with fiberglass panels in a stone color, designed according to functional requirements that facilitate smooth traffic flow, as well as operational, maintenance, and safety requirements, and emergency response.
The tunnels along King Abdullah Road in Riyadh City were equipped with approximately 4,250 lighting units, divided into standard lighting units and additional units for emergencies. They were also fitted with LED markers along both sides of the road inside the tunnels to enhance safety for tunnel users in emergencies. The lighting system is categorized into daytime and nighttime illumination, with higher-intensity daytime lighting concentrated at the tunnel entrances and exits to match the brightness outside the tunnel.