The General Authority for Roads announced the deployment of a suite of cutting-edge technologies, being used for the first time, as part of its sixth annual “Safe and Distinguished Roads” campaign. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance safety and quality across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s extensive road network by conducting comprehensive surveys and assessments that meet the highest international standards.
This campaign comes within a broader context aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which prioritizes the development of road infrastructure. Through this strategy, the Kingdom seeks to solidify its position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents, requiring a highly efficient and reliable road network. Improving road quality and reducing traffic fatalities are key indicators the Kingdom is working towards to achieve sixth place globally in the road quality index by 2030.
Advanced control room and precise scanning technologies
The authority explained that the campaign, launched by His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, included the introduction of a state-of-the-art control room that serves as a central operations center. This room allows for real-time monitoring of field survey and assessment activities, enabling the analysis of massive amounts of data and the rapid and highly efficient deployment of maintenance and repair teams. This shift towards proactive management ensures that observations are addressed immediately and enhances the quality of the campaign's final outputs.
To enhance monitoring accuracy, the authority utilized a “mobile digital photogrammetry surveying machine,” a specialized technology for accurately monitoring and evaluating non-paved road elements. These elements include signage, road markings, fencing, lighting poles, and other road components that play a vital role in maintaining the urban landscape and ensuring the safety of road users.
Ensuring night vision and traffic safety
The technological package also included a “mobile paint reflectivity measurement system,” which assesses the clarity and light-reflecting properties of road markings—a crucial factor in enhancing driver visibility during nighttime driving and in adverse weather conditions. The most significant advantage of this technology is its ability to conduct measurements without requiring lane closures or disrupting traffic flow, combining accuracy with operational efficiency.
The impact of the campaign at the local and international levels
The “Safe and Distinguished Roads” campaign aims to survey the road network outside urban areas, with broad participation involving more than 620 members from government agencies and university students, distributed across 61 field teams. The success of this campaign will have an impact not only locally, by raising traffic safety standards and improving the driving experience for citizens and residents, but also regionally and internationally. The Saudi road network is a vital artery for trade and the movement of goods between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, in addition to its pivotal role in serving pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons. Thus, these efforts contribute to enhancing the Kingdom’s reputation as a safe and reliable destination for tourism, business, and investment, serving its comprehensive development goals.
