In a pioneering move for road safety, the city of Dammam, located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, has initiated a pilot project applying the iRAP methodology to assess road safety across its extensive urban network, led by Accredited Practitioner Euro Group Engineering Consultancy and supported by iRAP Strategic Projects.

This project marks a significant milestone as Dammam becomes the first city in the Kingdom to adopt the internationally recognized iRAP standard for road infrastructure safety evaluation of an urban road network.

Dammam is undertaking this initiative to enhance safety across approximately 400 kilometres of urban roads. The project will involve a comprehensive safety assessment and the development of a road network improvement plan to elevate traffic safety levels across the city.

The safety assessment will employ the iRAP Star Rating system, classifying the roads based on safety standards. Following the ratings, a targeted Safer Road Investment Plan will be crafted to prioritize interventions aimed at reducing road accidents and enhancing overall safety.

The project also aims to achieve the following:

1. Capacity building and knowledge transfer: A primary goal is to create opportunities for Saudi professionals to lead and actively engage in road safety initiatives. The project will provide workshops for Saudi engineers, traffic safety experts, and auditors, enhancing their skills and expertise.
2. Road Safety Audit & inspection to improve detour safety: The project includes conducting thorough road safety audits and inspections to enhance safety on detour routes.

The project is spearheaded by the Eastern Province Municipality, a governmental body committed to advancing the infrastructure of the region in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

The Municipality not only oversees road development, design, and maintenance but also plays a vital role in integrating transport systems within the region.

Their efforts align with the vision to establish Dammam and nearby Al Khobar as world-class cities that prioritize high-quality urban services and global standards.

Prince Saud bin Nayef Al Saud, the Governor of the Eastern Province, underscored the importance of road safety for the region. “Traffic safety is a top priority for the Eastern Province, where we are committed to leading the way in enhancing safety on our road network through comprehensive and integrated strategies,” he stated.

The iRAP pilot project in Dammam aims to set a precedent for road safety across Saudi Arabia, fostering a safer, more reliable infrastructure and promoting a sustainable future for its cities.

KSARAP, the local Road Assessment Programme for Saudi Arabia, launched in December 2023.

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