Riyadh is undergoing a significant infrastructure overhaul with the launch of the third phase of the Ring Roads and Main Roads Development Program. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) announced the new projects on Monday, totaling over SR8 billion (approximately $2.13 billion USD) and aimed at easing congestion and improving the city’s transportation network. This latest investment builds on earlier phases of the program, signaling a continued commitment to modernizing Riyadh’s roadways.
The initiative encompasses six major projects spanning more than 60 kilometers of road, including the construction of 12 bridges, 17 intersections, and six tunnels. These developments are strategically located to enhance connectivity throughout the capital and support Riyadh’s ambitions to become a leading regional hub for sustainable transport and logistics, according to the RCRC.
Enhancing Riyadh’s Transportation Network with Major Road Projects
The Ring Roads and Main Roads Development Program, first launched in February 2020 by Mohammed bin Salman, is a multi-phased effort to address growing traffic demands in Riyadh. The city has experienced rapid population growth and economic expansion in recent years, placing considerable strain on its existing infrastructure. This program is designed to proactively mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth traffic flow for the future.
Phase I, which began in August 2024, involved four projects valued at SR13 billion. Phase II followed in February 2025, comprising eight projects worth over SR8 billion. The current phase, Phase III, represents a continued acceleration of these efforts.
Key Projects in Phase III
Several key projects are included in this latest phase. The Uthman bin Affan Road Development Project will add seven bridges and expand lane capacity, aiming to accommodate up to 500,000 vehicles per day in northern Riyadh. This project is expected to significantly reduce commute times in a heavily populated area.
The King Abdulaziz Road Development Project, spanning 4.7 kilometers, will incorporate four bridges, four main lanes, and a tunnel, increasing its daily capacity to 450,000 vehicles. This corridor is vital for east-west travel across the city.
Further north and east, the Thumamah Road Development Project will improve connectivity with the addition of three bridges and three tunnels. Additionally, a “Package Two” engineering modifications project will focus on optimizing traffic flow at eight congested intersections citywide, with anticipated capacity increases of 40 to 60 percent.
Beyond these central projects, upgrades are planned for major arterial roads connecting Riyadh to other cities within Saudi Arabia. The Jeddah Road Development Project, a 29-kilometer expansion, will include 14 bridges to handle up to 353,000 vehicles daily. Similarly, the Taif Road Development Project, extending 15 kilometers, will feature four bridges, four lanes, and two tunnels, supporting a daily traffic volume of 200,000 vehicles.
These projects are not solely focused on increasing capacity. The RCRC emphasizes a commitment to sustainable transport solutions, though specific details regarding environmentally friendly design elements were not immediately available. The program also aims to improve road safety through modern intersection designs and enhanced traffic management systems.
The broader context of infrastructure development in Saudi Arabia is significant. The country is investing heavily in projects aligned with its Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to diversify the economy and improve the quality of life for its citizens. Improved road infrastructure is a crucial component of this vision, facilitating trade, tourism, and internal mobility. The development of Riyadh as a logistics hub is a key pillar of Vision 2030, and these road improvements are directly supportive of that goal.
The implementation of Phase III is scheduled to take between three and four years. However, timelines for large-scale infrastructure projects are often subject to change due to factors such as material availability, weather conditions, and unforeseen logistical challenges. The RCRC has not yet announced a specific completion date for the entire program.
Looking ahead, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the progress of these projects and their impact on traffic congestion and overall city planning. Further announcements regarding the integration of smart traffic technologies and public transportation options with the upgraded road network are anticipated. The success of the Ring Roads and Main Roads Development Program will be a key indicator of Riyadh’s ability to manage its growth and solidify its position as a major economic and logistical center in the region. The ongoing investment in infrastructure projects demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to long-term development and modernization. The impact on urban mobility within Riyadh will be a critical area of observation in the coming years.
