Project to develop the intersection of Al-Thumama and Uthman Bin Affan roads in Riyadh

In a strategic move aimed at keeping pace with rapid population growth and urban expansion, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City the commencement of the Thumamah and Uthman Ibn Affan Road Interchange. This vital project is part of the comprehensive program to develop the capital's ring roads and main thoroughfares, which is fundamentally based on the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 , aimed at enhancing quality of life and building an integrated and sustainable urban transportation system befitting Riyadh's global standing.

General context and urban expansion of the city of Riyadh

Historically, Riyadh has witnessed rapid urban development since the 1970s, resulting in an unprecedented increase in both its area and population. Currently, the Saudi capital is striving to become one of the world's top ten urban economies. This strategic transformation necessitates a sophisticated infrastructure capable of accommodating heavy traffic and facilitating access to economic and entertainment centers. Hence, the importance of developing road networks in northeast Riyadh, an area experiencing high population density and growing commercial activity, becomes evident.

Details of the Al-Thumama and Uthman Bin Affan Roads Intersection Project

This project is one of the most prominent and vital engineering projects in northeast Riyadh, aiming to create a multi-level intersection that ensures seamless traffic flow. The project's technical details include the following:

• The construction of four main bridges with a total length of approximately 2000 meters, to connect the different directions without the need to stop.
• Construction of a main tunnel, 850 meters long, with three lanes in each direction, to ensure the continuity of traffic on Al Thumama Road.
• Converting the Uthman Bin Affan Road into a free-flowing route consisting of three lanes in each direction.
• Enhancing Thumama Road as a major axis for lateral traffic in the city.
• Implementation of two-lane service roads in each direction to serve the surrounding residential neighborhoods and local commercial activities.

Strategic importance and expected impact

The project to develop the intersection of Al Thumama and Othman Bin Affan roads has multiple positive dimensions and impacts:

Local and regional impact

Locally, the project will contribute to a seamless traffic flow without traffic lights, significantly reducing travel time, especially during morning and evening peak hours. It will also enhance road safety and improve emergency response times by providing unobstructed and continuous lanes. Furthermore, the project will boost the investment and real estate value of surrounding neighborhoods through improved urban landscape, sidewalk construction, and landscaping that aligns with sustainability initiatives such as the Riyadh Green Initiative.

International and environmental impact

Internationally, this project reflects the readiness of the capital's infrastructure to host major global events such as Expo 2030. From an environmental perspective, the project aims to reduce fuel consumption and decrease carbon emissions resulting from frequent vehicle stops, thus enhancing air quality and supporting environmental sustainability efforts in the Kingdom.

Implementation plan and traffic diversions

To ensure the smooth flow of work, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City implemented a series of stringent measures. These included setting up temporary traffic diversions, providing continuous on-site monitoring to guarantee smooth traffic flow, installing clear directional signs, and applying the highest safety standards in the work area.

The authority urged all road users to adhere to traffic guidelines, plan their journeys in advance by departing early to avoid congestion, and stay updated on traffic developments. The authority announced that traffic diversions will be implemented starting April 16, 2026.To facilitate communication with the public, a unified number (19998) has been designated to receive all inquiries and feedback. The authority emphasized its commitment to providing a safe and comfortable transportation experience for all residents and visitors of the capital.