Signal failure causes traffic jam in Jeddah streets

Many expats and Saudi citizens in Jeddah have been complaining of traffic signal failures, which have created traffic jams. Many of these signals remain red for more than two minutes, while turning green for only a few seconds.
Tahlia Street signals are one such case. Tahlia is witnessing the construction of a new tunnel, which has dragged on for more than four years and which is seen as the solution to traffic jams on the busy commercial street.
The Saudi government has created many overpasses and underpasses to reduce traffic.
Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras previously said that there are seven new projects being implemented to solve the problem of traffic congestion in the city. Two projects will be announced within the next couple of months, he said, adding, “One will include the Prince Majed intersection with the Television and Xenal streets, while the other will be the Prince Majed intersection with Makkah’s old road via a flyover and a tunnel.”
Traffic police are now manually operating some light signals to facilitate traffic movement.
“Most traffic signals in Jeddah create bottlenecks and contribute to the crowding of roads, especially on Madinah Road. Even overpass and underpass projects cannot help matters when traffic signals remain red for a long time,” Saeed Younes, an Egyptian taxi driver, said.