Diriyah Development Company (DevCo) has awarded a SR1.2 billion ($311 million) contract to construct a network of road tunnels, ramps and a major bridge deck leading to Diriyah Square, Saudi Arabia’s new commercial heart.
The subsidiary of Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) awarded the contract to one of Saudi Arabia’s largest industrial and engineering companies, Nesma & Partners.
The work will form the principal Diriyah Interchange on Riyadh’s Western Ring Road (WRR), a statement said.
It added that the WRR will provide seamless traffic access and egress between all Diriyah Gate zones and Riyadh’s arterial motorway system.
The tunnels will form part of a 2.1km long, one-way, 4-6 lane revolving road system underneath Diriyah Square, essentially a mega subterranean roundabout to facilitate easy vehicle access and egress from Diriyah.
The major bridge deck spanning across the WRR will also support Heroes’ Park, a public gathering space for people, central to Diriyah’s masterplan.
Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO, DGDA, said: “Our vision for Diriyah Square is a beautiful, pedestrianised mixed-use space that prioritises walkability for locals and visitors.
“This forthcoming tunnel connection to the gigantic underground car park and the Heroes’ Park Deck is essential to realizing this vision. Its construction will create approximately 2,500 jobs, significantly contributing to the Kingdom’s goals for Vision 2030.”
DGDA was established in July 2017 with a mandate to transform the historic district of Diriyah into an iconic and world class destination within Riyadh Province.
Diriyah Gate is a mixed-use part of the giga-project, with history and heritage assets at its core, enriched by entertainment, shopping, hospitality and residential elements.
Diriyah and its UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, is known for its large Adobe structures, built in the Najdi architectural style native to the region.
The main elements of the contract works are the demolition of two existing motorway bridges, the relocation of major public utilities, 1.5 million cubic metres of rock excavation, the construction of a network of road tunnels, ramps and a major bridge structure. At its peak, more than 1,800 people will be working on the construction site.
Follow us on
