Kuwaiti Minister of Public Works Noura Al-Mashaan during a tour of the exhibition accompanying the Conference on Road Safety and Sustainability.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, November 4: Minister of Public Works, Noura Al-Mashaan, highlighted the importance of conducting research and studies to improve the quality of roads, reduce costs and save time, speaking yesterday during the “Road Safety and Sustainability Conference 2024”. in Riyadh. Organized by the Saudi Arabian General Roads Authority in collaboration with the International Road Federation, the conference focused on innovative solutions for road safety and sustainability.

During a ministerial session titled “Road Safety: Innovation and Lessons Learned,” Al-Mashaan announced that Kuwait signed a contract in October for the comprehensive maintenance of all roads, including highways and internal roads. She acknowledged various challenges, noting that some have been resolved while others are still being explored.

A major problem, Al-Mashaan pointed out, is the coordination of road safety data between several agencies, such as the Interior Ministry, the municipality and the Public Works Ministry. To solve this problem, a centralized database was created through the General Department of Civil Information, integrating data from all relevant agencies. Al-Mashaan explained that Kuwait’s digital temporal and spatial map was used to compile this data, which will serve as an information analysis tool to improve road safety.

The government center of the Ministry of Public Works conducts studies focused on improving the quality of roads, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. This includes the use of rubber asphalt and recycling materials to reduce carbon emissions while reducing costs and saving time.

The Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser delivered the conference’s opening speech, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s progress in road safety. Al-Jasser highlighted the implementation of scientific innovations, such as road cooling and rubberized road surfacing, which have propelled Saudi Arabia to fourth place in the G20 Road Quality Index. He added that Saudi Arabia has managed to reduce the number of road deaths by almost 50%, surpassing the targets set by the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

Saudi Arabia’s road network, Al-Jasser said, ranks first in the world in terms of connectivity, facilitating safe and sustainable transportation of people and goods. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the highest standards of road safety.

Eng. Abdullah Al-Muqbil, Honorary President of the International Road Federation, noted that modern technologies have been harnessed to make roads safer, more sustainable and more efficient around the world. He stressed that these technologies are essential for maintaining roads, improving safety and sustainability.

The two-day conference welcomes more than 1,000 transportation and infrastructure professionals and experts from more than 50 countries. Discussions will focus on sustainable transport solutions aimed at reducing road accidents and environmental emissions.

5 key initiatives for road safety and sustainability:

Undertake comprehensive road maintenance

Implement strict measures to improve road quality

Repair internal and external roads

Optimize costs and meet project deadlines

Use advanced technologies to prevent paving defects