Riyadh Announces Major Traffic Diversion on Al Thumamah Road

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has implemented a significant traffic diversion on the eastern section of Al Thumamah Road in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, effective September 12, 2026. The diversion is necessitated by ongoing bridge and tunnel construction at the intersection of Al Thumamah Road and Al Sahabah Road. Traffic has been shifted to a parallel road on the north side, where three lanes are available in both directions. A separate service lane has been established to maintain access for local properties and buildings.

Project Details and Affected Intersections

The 8-kilometer project encompasses four major intersections: Airport Road, Saeed bin Zaid Road, Sheikh Hassan bin Hussein bin Ali Road, and Al Sahabah Road. Motorists, including a large population of expatriates, are advised to monitor routes before travel, as the lane shifts may affect commutes to King Khalid International Airport, office travel, and daily commercial movement. The RCRC has deployed directional signage and traffic control measures to manage the transition through the construction zone.

Road Network Development and Future Capacity

This development is part of the third group of the Riyadh Ring Roads and Main Roads Development Program, which aims to upgrade over 500 kilometers of the city's road network. The Al Thumamah Road project involves the construction of three bridges, three tunnels, and the redevelopment of four main intersections. Upon completion, the corridor is expected to handle a capacity of more than 200,000 vehicles per day, designed to improve traffic flow and connectivity. Commuters are encouraged to utilize live navigation apps and account for extra travel time during peak hours as lane configurations may be subject to further adjustment during the construction phases.