Imagine traveling from Jeddah to Makkah in just 35 minutes. Saudi Arabia is making this a reality with its new 72-kilometer highway, already over 70% complete. This landmark highway will be a game-changer for those traveling for Hajj and Umrah, Insha’Allah.
The Vision Behind the Project
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious project aims to drastically cut down travel times between Jeddah and Makkah. The new highway aims to reduce the time from the current 1 hour and 43 minutes from the north of Jeddah to approximately 35 minutes. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger Vision 2030 plan, aiming to improve infrastructure and enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.
Progress So Far
The Roads General Authority (RGA) recently announced the commencement of the final phase of the Jeddah-Makkah direct road project. An impressive 70% of the project is already complete. The first phase, covering 7 kilometers, is 92% complete. The second phase has reached 93% completion, and the third phase is fully complete.
The remaining 20 kilometers of roadwork represent the fourth and final stage of this transformative initiative.
Roads General Authority Progress Update:- Phase 1: 92% complete- Phase 2: 93% complete- Phase 3: 100% complete- Phase 4: Yet to be completed
The highway encompasses four primary lanes in Makkah and will terminate in Jeddah near the airport bridge, close to the Aramco refinery and King Abdulaziz International Airport.
This strategic location will greatly benefit residents of north Jeddah neighborhoods and provide convenient access to the Jewel Stadium and the airport.
Impact on Pilgrimage
The new highway is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of pilgrims during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. It will alleviate congestion, especially on the Al-Haramain road, and provide a smoother pilgrimage experience.
Future Prospects
With vehicles capable of reaching speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour on this modern highway, the road is expected to be well-equipped to accommodate an estimated three million Umrah pilgrims annually. This development promises to significantly enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.
As the final phase of construction begins, travelers and pilgrims alike can look forward to a faster and more convenient journey from Jeddah to Makkah. This much-anticipated infrastructure project is expected to transform the pilgrimage experience and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its ambitious Vision 2030 goals.
كُــنــتُ حــلــمـــاً..✨
— الهيئة العامة للطرق (@RGAsaudi) September 21, 2023
والأحلام في هذا الوطن تتحقق! 🇸🇦#نحلم_ونحقق #الهيئة_العامة_للطرق pic.twitter.com/XdazEWAWN7
The Jeddah-Makkah highway is more than just a road; it’s a beacon of progress and a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving the pilgrimage experience. As we look forward to its completion, one thing is clear – the journey to Makkah is about to become a whole lot faster and smoother.
