The total value of civic projects in Jeddah during the last year has been estimated at SR3 billion ($798.9 million), including establishment and maintenance of bridges, underpasses, asphalting, repair of pavements and lighting, according to a report.

"These projects have had a deep positive impact on the development of Jeddah's infrastructure, especially in the corniche where these projects have opened new parks,” Hani Abu Ras, Mayor of Jeddah, was quoted as saying, in the Arab News report.

“A number of new bridges and underpasses were also built to develop the city further as it is the gateway to the two holy cities - Makkah and Madinah. Jeddah can now attract more visitors and tourists,” he added.

Meanwhile, the general director of administrative and financial affairs at the Jeddah municipality, Ali Al-Sulami, said that all road projects cost over SR1 billion, while the total cost for development projects was SR990 million.

The development, supervision and other related studies cost the government SR300 million.

The Jeddah municipality said it is also planing to construct five new intersections on Prince Majed Road at a cost of SR1 billion to ease traffic congestion, Mohamed Al-Buqami, spokesman of the municipality, was quoted as saying.

There would also be other projects to build a highway along the same route, linked to the Jeddah-Laith Highway.

The intersections would link with Old Makkah Road, Al-Falah Bridge, Television Street, King Faisal Street, South Corniche and Al-Khamra. It would take the form of a ring road and run parallel to Al-Haramain Road, said the report.

Contractors are due to begin work on the projects in the next few weeks, it added.