Saudi General Authority for Roads announced traffic safety and improving the efficiency of the national road network, in line with the latest global practices in civil engineering and environmental sustainability.
Cold processing technology: A revolution in the world of maintenance
This new technology is classified among the latest preventative maintenance , relying primarily on the "cold" treatment of damaged road surfaces. This mechanism differs from traditional methods that require milling, reheating, and repaving the asphalt—processes that are time-consuming and require significant financial resources. The engineering mechanism of this new technology relies on a precise chemical mixture consisting of an asphalt emulsion, high-quality fine aggregate, water, and special additives. These components are mixed and mechanically applied to create a cohesive layer that addresses the inherent defects in the asphalt and prevents crack expansion.
Strategic context: Vision 2030 and quality of life
This measure cannot be separated from the broader context of the transformations taking place in the Kingdom, where the General Authority for Roads and Transportation is working within the transportation and logistics system to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The National Transport Strategy aims to solidify the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub, which necessitates a state-of-the-art infrastructure. Through the adoption of these technologies, the Authority seeks to propel the Kingdom to sixth place globally in the road quality index, an ambitious goal that reflects the government's commitment to raising the quality of life for citizens and residents.
Unprecedented operational and environmental advantages
Work crews begin by cleaning the surface and repairing localized cracks. Then, giant microsurfacing equipment is used to apply a thin layer, only 5 to 10 millimeters thick. This technique is distinguished by its exceptionally fast drying time, allowing the road to be reopened to traffic within a few hours, thus bypassing the traffic congestion caused by traditional maintenance work, which can last for days or weeks.
From an environmental perspective, the authority confirmed that this transformation directly supports the Saudi Green . Eliminating the need for heating significantly reduces energy consumption and harmful carbon emissions, making it an exceptionally eco-friendly option. The technology also contributes to improving the aesthetic appeal of roads and ensuring a smooth surface, thus enhancing driving comfort.
Enhancing safety and reducing fatalities
The new smart layer effectively addresses surface cracks and enhances the road's slip resistance, directly and immediately improving driver safety and reducing accidents caused by pavement defects. These efforts are part of the Authority's commitment to reducing road fatalities to less than 5 per 100,000 people and ensuring the road network meets the international IRAP safety standards, thus protecting lives and property.
