TAIF: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal yesterday affirmed the significance of the new Taif-Makkah road, which has cut the distance between the two cities by half, to the region’s overall development. He was speaking after opening the last phase of the expanded road between Al-Kur and Hada.
“The expanded double lane road is a vital developmental project serving not only the people of Taif but the tourists and holidaymakers to the area,” Prince Khaled said.
Since the expansion work started, people have been traveling 120 km between Makkah and Taif on Sail Road, while the new road is only 60 kilometers.
The latest expansion project, carried out at a cost of SR218 million, consists of a new two-way bridge over Al-Maasal Valley, installation of some 15,000 concrete blocks on the sides of the road and paving of cat’s eye studs to ensure motorists’ safety.
“The work at the last phase was the hardest part of the project that started three years ago. Though the designing of the project had met with various difficulties, we overcame the obstacles and completed the road fulfilling the latest specifications. The road is also outstanding in terms of safety measures,” Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry told Arab News on the sidelines of the inaugural function.
Al-Seraisry said the completion of the project would pave the way for the overall development of the Taif region.
The minister also said that his ministry would undertake the implementation of several new projects covering a 30,000 square km area for which contracts are being finalized.
He pointed out that the Sail Road, which was the sole link connecting the two major cities during the expansion work of Hada Road, will now undergo repairs.
However, he did not give a direct answer when asked if the road would remain closed during the period of repair.
Civil Defense Director in Makkah, Brig. Jamil Arbaeen expressed his happiness at the opening of the new road enabling fast Civil Defense reinforcements between the two cities.
“Opening of the project will simplify the mutual support of Civil Defense forces in Makkah and Taif. Until now Civil Defense personnel had to travel 120 km between Makkah and Taif for support. On the other hand, the new road will make the travel time between Makkah and Taif very short,” Brig. Arbaeen told Arab News.
He added that the number of accidents and congestions on Sail Road was high as the traffic was too heavy.
