Khaled Al-Hemaidi

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

 

MAKKAH — Arrangements are under way for the construction of two new tunnels in Makkah that will facilitate movement of residents and pilgrims within the city.



The first tunnel will connect King Abdulaziz Road with the Grand Mosque and the second will be part of the second ring road and will connect Umm Al-Qura Road with Madinah Road.



Makkah traffic police head Col. Sulaiman Al-Jemaiei said the city's tunnels are of great concern to the traffic police and therefore special units monitor them throughout the year, especially during Haj and Umrah seasons. He pointed out that these tunnels have greatly contributed to the smooth flow of traffic across Makkah.



He said the tunnels cut through mountains to minimize the distance between various parts of the city.



Al-Jemaiei noted that Prince Miteb Bin Abdulaziz Tunnel at 1,300 meters is the longest tunnel in Makkah.