SR60 Million Project Under Way to Expand Old Makkah Highway

JEDDAH, 29 January 2007 — The Transport Ministry has launched an SR60 million project to expand the old Makkah highway that links the holy city with Jeddah as well as Bahra, Heda, Jamoom and Shumaisi.

The project will not only facilitate transport on this vital road but also reduce pressure on the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway. The contracting company has started its work from Um Al-Joud on the Makkah side, removing obstacles that stand in the way of the road.

Saudis and expatriates living in villages and townships along the Old Makkah Road have said that they are very happy with the project. “We have been waiting for this to happen for quite a long time,” said one Saudi living in Bahra.

Huraiban ibn Saleh Al-Johani, from Jahnan tribe that has been living in Heda for hundreds of years, described the road as one of the historic routes in the country, saying it has links with the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The historic Hudaibiya treaty between the Prophet and the Quraish of Makkah was signed in a place close to Shumaisi, the site of the Hudaibiya Mosque.

Khalifa ibn Obaid Al-Harbi and Abdullah ibn Muaz Al-Qahtani, also from Heda, emphasized the significance of the project, saying it would serve a large number people living on both sides of the road as well as a number of vital projects that have been established along it.

The main beneficiaries will be students and employees who will be able to reach their schools and offices in much ease once the project is completed. The original road was damaged as a result of the continuous use by heavy trucks.

The project will also help Saudi and expatriate holidaymakers who spend weekends in the mountain resort of Taif.

The road requires proper lighting, gas stations, resting places and other necessary services to ensure the safety and comfort of travellers. “Once the expansion is completed more people will use the road. We hope that more petrol stations, rest houses and other public utilities will be established,” said one expatriate worker who frequently travels on the road.