MAKKAH — A tunnel is to be dug under the western Jamarat Bridge for the Third Ring Road, according to a source at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs. There has been speculation lately about how the new road would cut through the Holy Sites, Makkah Arabic daily reported. The tunnel will be parallel to Al-Haj Street, the source said, adding that there have been other options suggested by the consultant engineer regarding the project. He said: “The ministry considers the tunnel the best option for this road in view of the high number of pilgrims who stay in the Holy Sites during the Haj Season. It has sent a report to the Makkah Development Commission to this effect.” Saud Al-Thikri, director of ministry's Holy Sites projects implementation department, said the bridges of the Third Ring Road would be connected with the tunnel and Al-Haj Street as well. “There will be a curve near Al-Noor Specialist Hospital in the north side. Bridges and intersections with Muzdalifah will be built in addition to an overpass at Al-Aziziyah Street and another one at Al-Haj Street.” Dr. Abbas Qatan, former undersecretary for Makkah Mayor who was in charge of projects, said the new road starts at Kudai intersection and extends to Al-Noor Specialist Hospital then cuts through Al-Aziziyah. Various government bodies are working closely with one another to implement the project. There were some concerns that the road would cut across the railway at the Holy Sites and the agencies concerned decided to dig a tunnel under Al-Jamarat Bridge to avoid any problems this might cause. The final plans will be ready over the next two months, he said.
