The Roads Authority has closely followed what was published by Al-Watan newspaper on July 15, 2026, by columnist Mohammed Al-Sayed, regarding the importance of developing Aqabat al-Samma. The Authority affirms its keenness to follow up on issues raised by the media related to road infrastructure in the Kingdom, as part of its efforts to enhance transparency and effective communication with society. In this context, the Authority emphasizes the strategic and tourism importance of Aqabat al-Samma, which represents a vital artery linking the city of Abha to Rijal Almaa governorate and its heritage village. Stemming from this importance, the Authority is committed to ensuring the highest safety and quality standards for road users, through the implementation of a package of ongoing works. Aqabat al-Samma undergoes continuous engineering and technical assessment to address its extremely steep terrain. It also benefits from intensive periodic maintenance programs, especially in light of exceptional weather conditions and heavy rainfall rates witnessed in the Asir region. The works also included comprehensive improvement and rehabilitation works on the mountain pass under performance contracts, which included the installation of integrated safety measures such as warning and directional signs, renewal of road markings and reflective road studs (cat's eyes) to ensure visibility during dense fog periods. Additionally, the works included the implementation of protective concrete barriers and installation of metal barriers along the length of the pass, aimed at protecting vehicles from deviation and securing critical points. As part of addressing the challenges of rainwater and flood drainage, comprehensive cleaning and rehabilitation works were carried out on all culverts and longitudinal and transverse drainage channels, to ensure smooth water flow and prevent any water accumulation that could negatively affect the safety of the asphalt layer or cause soil erosion, thereby enhancing the road's durability and sustainability. The Authority confirms that field teams continue their diligent work according to a strict monitoring system operating around the clock to ensure the safety and security of road users. This system includes periodic and proactive monitoring, where teams conduct daily survey rounds to detect any technical observations as soon as they arise, such as asphalt depressions or limited rockfall, and they are digitally documented for immediate treatment. In addition, emergency plans are activated by deploying heavy equipment and rapid intervention teams in nearby targeted locations during periods of weather fluctuations, to ensure quick removal of any obstacles and reopening the road to traffic efficiently and safely. In conclusion, the Roads Authority reiterates its firm commitment to working according to the highest technical and executive standards, aiming to achieve the targets of the road sector program to reach the sixth global rank in the road quality index by 2030, and to reduce the road fatality rate to less than 5 per 100,000 people, with the road network covered by all traffic safety factors according to the IRAP classification, thereby contributing to enhancing the quality of life and supporting comprehensive development in all regions of the Kingdom.

< Previous PageNext Page >