The Roads Authority, in cooperation with the National Center for Privatization, announced a major strategic step in the transportation sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: the prequalification of three investment consortia to compete for the operation and maintenance of the Jeddah-Makkah Direct Highway . This project, one of the most important highway projects in the region, spans 62 kilometers and aims to fundamentally transform the travel experience between the two holy cities.
Project details and technical specifications
The new road boasts world-class engineering specifications, starting from the Al-Nuzha intersection in Jeddah (near King Abdulaziz International Airport) and ending at the Fourth Ring Road in Mecca. It consists of four main lanes in each direction, separated by a 16-meter-wide median strip, ensuring smooth traffic flow and enhancing road safety.
Strengthening partnership with the private sector
This announcement reaffirms the Kingdom's commitment to activating the private sector's in infrastructure projects, in line with the goals of Vision 2030. Qualified consortia will undertake operation and maintenance, as well as the development of integrated service facilities along the road. These facilities will include state-of-the-art fuel stations, rest areas, and retail centers, providing a comfortable and comprehensive travel experience for passengers.
Strategic importance and expected impact
This project is of paramount importance due to its pivotal role in serving the pilgrims, as:
- Reducing travel time: The direct route will significantly shorten the arrival time between Jeddah and Makkah, thus facilitating the movement of pilgrims and Umrah performers arriving via King Abdulaziz Airport.
- Relieving congestion: The new road will serve as a vital parallel artery to the Haramain Expressway, easing the enormous traffic pressure, especially during peak seasons such as Hajj and Ramadan.
- Supporting the logistics sector: The project enhances the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub by improving the network linking major cities, ports and airports.
Sustainable development context
The project's impact extends beyond traffic flow to encompass developmental and economic dimensions. The road is expected to stimulate urban and economic activity in the areas it traverses, and create new job opportunities for Saudi youth through supporting service projects and operation and maintenance contracts. The Roads Authority is working diligently to improve the quality of roads in the Kingdom, maintaining its global leadership in road network connectivity.
The economic and investment community is awaiting the announcement of the winning alliance and the start of operational processes, so that this path may serve as a model to be emulated in successful privatization and partnership projects between the public and private sectors in the Kingdom.
