One of the major project developments in the City of Makkah is the development of the King Abdul Aziz Road, linking the main traffic node from Jeddah towards the Holy Mosque. Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has been allowed to develop this five km road and surrounding 450 hectares for spatial planning and commercial urban use.
Master plan
DHV has done, in close cooperation with urban design company Kuiper Compagnons a feasibility study on the concept, as input for the master plan for this area. The plan comprises several elements:
- The main road, consisting of two separated road boulevards of 4 lanes in each direction;
- A central pedestrian boulevard linking directly to the Holy Mosque (for prayer and leisure);
- A 140 meter middle zone with urban functions, such as hotels, shops, offices, apartments and a Mosque;
- A dedicated public transport system, connecting several zones in the development area;
- Two main train stations, providing a transfer for long distance travelers;
- High rise buildings and more residential areas at the backside of the major development area.
A traffic forecast was made to calculate the number of travelers, both for the road and the other modes of transport. DHV analyzed system alternatives for the public transport system and assessed the location for the train stations. An economic analysis determined the most cost-effective land use, and various concepts for the urban planning have were discussed.
DHV’s activities resulted in a revised master plan that will be presented by the client to the Prince and the King of Saudi Arabia. The project is scheduled to be realized within the next decade.