The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has announced the launch of a new phase of its SAR9.8 billion ($2.6 billion) Main and Ring Road Axes Development Programme involving the upgrade of 40km of major road corridors as well as the construction of key intersections, bridges and tunnels.

On completion, the expanded network is expected to accommodate more than 950,000 vehicles per day.

The fourth package of the programme covers four major road projects and includes the construction of 14 intersections, 33 bridges, five tunnels and six pedestrian bridges aimed at improving traffic flow and connectivity across the Saudi capital, said RCRC in a statement.

The largest project involves the southern section of Sheikh Jaber Al-Sabah Road, which stretches 12 km and includes six major intersections, 22 bridges and three tunnels. The upgraded corridor is expected to handle up to 350,000 vehicles daily.

The programme also includes the central section of Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road, a 9-km project featuring three major intersections, six bridges and two tunnels, with a planned capacity of 200,000 vehicles per day.

Prince Mishal bin Abdulaziz Road, spanning 6 km, will include two major intersections, two bridges and four pedestrian bridges, while the western section of Najmuddin Al-Ayoubi Road will cover 13 km and comprise three major intersections, three bridges and two pedestrian bridges. Both projects are designed to accommodate around 200,000 vehicles daily.

RCRC said these developments form part of Riyadh's long-term transport infrastructure strategy aimed at reducing travel times, easing congestion and supporting urban growth as the city prepares to host major international events.

Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in transport and urban infrastructure under its Vision 2030 economic diversification programme, with Riyadh targeting significant population and economic growth over the coming decade, it added.-TradeArabia News Service