A major traffic diversion is now active on the eastern section of Thumamah Road in Riyadh as part of an 8 km road development project overseen by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. The diversion began on 12 September 2026, redirecting traffic onto the parallel northern road of Thumamah Road with three lanes in each direction.
A dedicated service lane has been provided for adjacent buildings to maintain access and keep traffic flowing during construction. At the Thumamah Road–Al-Sahabah Road intersection, work is under way on a bridge, a tunnel, and an at-grade intersection, with alternative routes and directional signs in place to guide drivers safely.
What the project includes
The 8 km eastern section will feature three bridges, three tunnels, and four major intersections at Airport Road, Saeed bin Zaid Road, Sheikh Hassan bin Hussein bin Ali Road, and Al-Sahabah Road. Once complete, the upgraded corridor is designed to handle more than 200,000 vehicles
The work forms part of Riyadh's Ring and Main Roads Development Program, which covers more than 500 km of roads across the capital to improve mobility. Contract mobilization and full-scale construction for the eastern section are scheduled to start in mid-July 2026, with target completion in 2028.
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City is coordinating the diversion and construction with relevant government entities to manage traffic throughout the project period. The works affect regular commuting patterns in northern and eastern Riyadh, but residents can expect shorter travel times and reduced congestion once the project is finished. Drivers using Thumamah Road are advised to follow directional signage and allow extra time while the diversion remains in effect.
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