Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras has revealed that the total value of civic projects in the last year was estimated at SR3 billion, including establishment and maintenance of bridges, underpasses, asphalting, repair of pavements, lighting etc.

"These projects have had a deep positive impact on the development of Jeddah's infrastructure, especially in the corniche where these projects have opened new parks. A number of new bridges and underpasses were also built to develop the city further as it is the gateway to the two holy cities — Makkah and Madinah. Jeddah can now attract more visitors and tourists", Abu Ras added.

Meanwhile, The general director of administrative and financial affairs at the Jeddah municipality, Ali Al-Sulami, said that all road projects cost over SR1 billion, while the total cost for development projects was SR990 million. Development, supervision and other related studies cost the government SR300 million.

The Jeddah municipality said it is also planing to construct five new intersections on Prince Majed Road at a cost of SR1 billion to ease traffic congestion, Mohamed Al-Buqami, spokesman of the municipality, said. There would also be other projects to build a highway along the same route, linked to the Jeddah-Laith Highway. Al-Buqami said the intersections would link with Old Makkah Road, Al-Falah Bridge, Television Street, King Faisal Street, South Corniche and Al-Khamra. It would take the form of a ring road and run parallel to Al-Haramain Road. Contractors are due to begin work on the projects in the next few weeks.