Hada (Al-Kur) Road connecting Taif with Makkah was inaugurated on Saturday. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, inaugurated the final stage of the 12-km all-lit dual carriageway. On behalf of Binladin Group which executed the project, Engineer Yahya Binladin highlighted the importance of the road linking Makkah and Taif governorate in serving the citizens and visitors. The Emir toured the exhibition showcasing the stages for executing the project. He then inaugurated the vital road project by cutting the ribbon and congratulated all the citizens and expatriates who will use the road. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and the accompanying officials took a bus to make an inspection tour of the project. Dr. Jabarah Bin Eid Al-Suraisiri, Minister of Transport said the final stage of the project is 12-km long executed at a total cost of SR218 million. He said the project comprises a dual carriageway road with two lanes in each direction with concrete shoulders and barriers in the middle and on each side. In addition, there is a dual carriageway bridge on Mu'assal Valley (Wadi Mu'assal). The old bridge was demolished and support walls and box culverts were constructed besides protection works and storm water drainage works. Also, stabilization works were carried out for the rock cuts. Over 15,000 concrete barriers have been erected on either side and in the middle of the road. Roadside parking space for emergency situations has also been provided. He said the project was carried out according to the latest standards and specifications. Also, it will contribute in boosting tourism in Taif city and the surrounding areas. While the final stage for the dual carriageway was going on, the road was closed to traffic for about four years causing inconvenience to motorists who were forced to take the longer As-Sail Highway. According to historian Hammad Al-Salmi, construction of a highway linking Makkah and Taif across the escarpment was envisaged up by the late King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz 44 years ago during his visit to Taif. The ancient stone road was popular for around 1,000 years with pilgrims, travelers and traders until its closure in 1960.
