Jeddah sets out modification plans for Haramain expressway

Date: 22/1/2010

Jeddah's Ministry of Transport has announced major plans to modify the Haramain expressway to facilitate the development of a high-speed rail system in the city.

Speaking to Arab News, Hosni Kalkatawi, director of transport and traffic engineering in Jeddah municipality, said several bridges will need redesigning to increase elevation and support high-speed rail traffic.

"The municipality has been doing its best to solve transportation problems in Jeddah, particularly in the eastern districts of the city. Its plans also include linking the eastern side with the west," he added.

Mr Kalkatawi confirmed that the authority also has plans to construct new roads and exits from the expressway, as well as funding other major transport infrastructure works across the city.

The Haj Terminal Road, Briman Road and Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Road will all be linked with the expressway in order to ease traffic flow during peak periods, the minister declared.

Elsewhere in the region, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have both announced plans to invest substantial sums in transport infrastructure improvement in the coming year.