JEDDAH: There are plans to make key modifications to bridges on the Haramain Expressway to accommodate the construction of a high-speed rail system.
The Ministry of Transport and Jeddah municipality are currently studying what changes will be required so the proposed Haramain Railway, to be constructed in the city, can be given the final go-ahead.
“The bridges that need redesigning to accommodate construction of the railway track include the overpasses at the intersections of Briman, Prince Muhammad (Tahliah) and Al-Suleimaniah. All will need to have their elevation increased to enable high speed rail traffic,” Director of Transport and Traffic Engineering in Jeddah municipality Hosni Kalkatawi told Arab News on Sunday.
“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.
The municipality also plans to construct new roads and exits from the expressway and major roads across Jeddah districts linking the north of the city with the south.
The authority also intends to link main roads such as Palestine Road and King Abdullah Road with the new ring road. The Transport Ministry’s projects to link the Haj Terminal Road, Briman Road and Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Road with the expressway will help reduce congestion for residents in districts east of the highway.
The Municipal Council in a recent meeting recommended the construction of a new bridge to link the eastern and western sides of the expressway, he said. The municipality is also in discussions with residents living within the proposed route of the railway or roads to finalize a property acquisition deal.
