Transport Minister Jabara Al-Suraisri said the Ministry budget allocation of SR10.78 billion for 2012 provided for 284 projects to construct 4,154 kms of highways, secondary and branch roads in addition to conducting studies and designing of 2,139 kms of roads. While some of the projects are new, others are just completion of existing projects. The minister added that SR15 million has been allocated to conduct studies and designing of a public transportation system for each city. The aim is to ease the rush of traffic particularly in large cities. The new allocations include construction of 814 kms of new roads and study and designing 759 kms of roads in the Riyadh Region. While Makkah Region gets 432 kms of new roads in addition to study and designing of 80 kms for roads. In Madinah Region372 kms of new roads will be constructed and studies on 90 kms for roads will be done. Qassim Region will get projects for the construction of 216 kms and studies on 50 kms. The length of new roads to be built in the Eastern Region is estimated at 496 kms and studies will be conducted for the construction of 175 kms. Asir Region will have 428 kms of new roads apart from making studies to construct 202 kms of roads. While Tabuk Region is to get 230 kms of new roads, Hail Region will get 213 kms of roads and studies covering a distance of 92 kms. The new budget also approved 194 kms of new roads in addition to studies on 66 kms in the Northern Border Region. Jazan Region will have new roads of 217 kms besides studies for 212 kms. Najran Region will get 247 kms of new roads apart from studies for 67 kms of roads. Baha Region will get new roads of 140 kms, and study to construct 162 kms of new road. Roads of 154 kms and study for 184 kms will be conducted in Al-Jouf region, the minister said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency on Friday.
