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The Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center issued a development license for the Thumama Bridge area, also known as the Baghdad Roundabout, while simultaneously activating a new traffic diversion on Thumama Road, which serves as an extension of Takhassusi Road. In coordination with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Riyadh Region Municipality, the General Department of Traffic and the Sports Boulevard Foundation, the center sought to regulate infrastructure projects in the area. The measures aim to ensure continuity of traffic flow, enhance safety levels and minimize the impact of construction on road users during the implementation phase, according to the center.
The new traffic diversion includes reorganizing traffic across several surrounding lanes to achieve better mobility and reduce conflicts at key points. It redirects vehicles to a parallel road on the northern side of Thumamah Road, offering three lanes in each direction to maintain capacity. Construction is also underway on a bridge and tunnel at the intersection with Al-Sahabah Road, where a service lane has been added for adjacent buildings.
According to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the overall Thumamah Road development project on the eastern section spans eight kilometers and is designed to increase the road’s capacity to more than 200,000 vehicles per day. The scheme incorporates three bridges, three tunnels and four major intersections at locations including Airport Road, Saeed bin Zaid Road, Sheikh Hassan bin Hussein bin Ali Road and Al-Sahabah Road. This forms part of the commission’s broader Road Axis Development Program that has seen multiple phases of upgrades across the capital.
The Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center noted that the license and diversion reflect an integrated approach among government entities to organize infrastructure projects across the region. Such coordination contributes to improving quality of life, increasing operational efficiency and supporting the development of Riyadh’s urban landscape, the center added in its announcement. Earlier phases of similar road projects have included construction of tunnels and flyovers at intersections like Al Thumamah and Othman Bin Affan, with detours activated in April 2026.
Alternative routes along with directional signs have been implemented to guide drivers and ensure safety throughout the construction period. The center has emphasized adherence to approved standards that prioritize safety requirements and execution quality in all works. Motorists are encouraged to follow the updated signage and plan journeys accordingly to avoid disruptions.
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has pursued an extensive program to develop more than 500 kilometers of the capital’s road network under Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. This includes raising the efficiency of main axes, creating new connections and adding capacity to handle the city’s rapid urban growth. Data from the commission indicates that completed sections have already contributed to reduced travel times and smoother east-west connectivity across Riyadh.
