Authorities have announced the temporary closure of a vital section of King Fahd Road in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, to expedite work on the Riyadh Sports Track project . The closure specifically affects the area between the Northern Ring Road and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road. This partial and temporary closure will be in effect on Saturday and Sunday, March 21st and 22nd, during the early morning hours from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM. This measure aims to ensure public safety while large electricity pylons are being removed from the project's designated area. The project management urges all drivers and road users to exercise caution, follow traffic maps, and utilize available alternative routes during the closure to ensure smooth traffic flow and avoid congestion.
An overview of the sports track project and its strategic objectives
Sports Track project is one of the largest urban development projects in Riyadh, launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in March 2019. This massive project stretches over 135 kilometers, connecting Wadi Hanifa in western Riyadh with Wadi Al-Sulai in the east. Designed as a comprehensive sports, cultural, and recreational destination, the project features dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths, equestrian trails, and a wide range of diverse sports facilities to meet the needs of all segments of society. The removal of existing power pylons along King Fahd Road is a crucial step in converting the power lines to underground routes, thereby improving the urban landscape and providing green and open spaces that enhance the quality of life in the capital.
The project's impact on quality of life and Riyadh's global standing
The importance of this project extends beyond simply providing sports infrastructure; its impact is fundamental to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Locally, the project encourages residents to adopt healthy and active lifestyles and reduces reliance on cars by providing safe and environmentally friendly transportation alternatives. Regionally and internationally, the completion of such mega-projects enhances Riyadh's competitiveness and supports its ambitious efforts to become one of the world's most livable cities. Improved infrastructure, increased per capita green spaces, and enhanced public facilities all attract foreign investment and position the Saudi capital as a leading tourist and cultural destination on the global map.
Traffic management and community cooperation
Major projects like this one require close cooperation between implementing agencies, citizens, and residents. The temporary closure of King Fahd Road, a major traffic artery in Riyadh, was meticulously planned for early morning hours during weekends to minimize disruption to the daily commutes of employees and students. Traffic authorities are deploying increased patrols and intelligent signage to guide drivers to parallel and alternative routes, demonstrating advanced planning in managing temporary traffic congestion to ensure the continuation of development without disrupting the lives of residents.
#SportsTrack project is working to enhance the status of #Riyadh in the global rankings, aiming to make it one of the most livable cities in the world. #Today @SportsBlvdSA https://t.co/EwTzCktHDe pic.twitter.com/LbkdXFkDfU
— Al-Youm Newspaper (@alyaum) February 26, 2025


