Historic achievements for the Kingdom's road sector: a 60% decrease in traffic fatalities and global leadership in sustainability
The General Authority for Roads in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the achievement of a number of qualitative accomplishments during the past year, which represent a pivotal shift in the development of infrastructure and the enhancement of traffic safety, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. These accomplishments were topped by a historic leap represented by reducing road accident fatalities by 60%, in addition to achieving global leadership through the implementation of the first road in the world to be constructed using building demolition waste.
Strategic background: Vision 2030 and the future of transportation
These developments come within the framework of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to solidify the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents. Road safety has always been a major challenge given the Kingdom's vast size and extensive road network. Therefore, the Saudi leadership has prioritized improving road quality and the safety of road users, allocating substantial investments and establishing specialized entities such as the General Authority for Roads to ensure the realization of this ambitious vision.
Safety indicators rise to global standards
The significant decrease in road fatalities was not a coincidence, but rather the result of integrated efforts between the General Authority for Roads and the Ministerial Committee for Traffic Safety. These efforts have resulted in 80% of roads achieving high international safety standards, according to the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP). Furthermore, the implementation of the Saudi Road Code has begun. This code comprises a set of unified technical standards that ensure the highest levels of quality and safety in the design, construction, and maintenance of roads, contributing to the sustainability and increased efficiency of the infrastructure.
Giant infrastructure projects support the economy and Hajj
In terms of expansion, the Authority launched 15 vital projects spanning over 1,392 kilometers across various regions of the Kingdom. Among the most prominent of these projects is the direct Makkah-Jeddah highway, which will reduce travel time between the two cities to just 35 minutes, significantly facilitating the movement of pilgrims and visitors. Additionally, other strategic projects were initiated, such as the expressway linking the Asir and Jazan regions, to enhance tourism and economic integration between them.
Global leadership in innovation and environmental sustainability
The Kingdom has emerged as a global leader in sustainable roads. In collaboration with the Al-Ahsa Municipality, the world's first road was constructed using recycled building demolition waste in asphalt mixes, a step that supports the concept of a circular economy and reduces waste. Innovations didn't stop there; recycled tires were used to pave a pedestrian walkway in Arafat, providing a more comfortable and safer rubberized surface for pilgrims, especially the elderly. The authority also implemented bullet-compacted concrete technology in truck lanes to increase their lifespan and resistance to heavy loads, thus enhancing the efficiency of the logistics sector.
Future impact: Towards ranking sixth globally
These achievements are steady steps towards achieving the Kingdom’s goal of reaching sixth place globally in the road quality index by 2030. Combining enhanced safety, network expansion, and the adoption of pioneering environmental innovations not only contributes to preserving lives and property, but also enhances quality of life and supports sustainable economic development throughout the Kingdom.
