JEDDAH, 28 December 2004 — Jeddah Municipality has completed 82 percent work on the first stage of Prince Abdullah Bridge at a cost of SR99.5 million, Jeddah Mayor Abdullah Al-Muallami said yesterday.
The bridge project consists of four parts — the bridge itself, a tunnel, flyovers and a diversion road. The municipality finished important parts of the bridge last month.
The mayor said he expects the first stage of the project to be completed within six months. Work has started on the west side of the bridge and it needs time to finish the task, he added.
Residents living near the project complain about the traffic jam the work is causing and are eager to see the project finished.
Abdul Jaleel, an employee at Saudi Arabian Airlines who lives close to the project, said, “The project is a headache and it has caused many residents major problems. But we know that after it is done it will solve a lot of problems. As far as my job is concerned, I have to leave an hour early in the morning so I can get to work on time although many times I arrive 10 minutes late.”
Ahmad Dabush, a storeowner in the area, said, “Many people have closed down their businesses because it is hard for customers to reach the area. This project killed a lot of businesses and harmed many others. I am still holding on because I know once the project is completed, the rent will double. I am thinking of opening a second store and I can save money if I rent it before the project is finished.”
Mansour Al-Otaibi, a real estate office owner, said, “The prices of land tripled because of this project. Once this project is completed, the prices will rise even more. Rents are also expected to double in the buildings around the project.”
