Planning for Urban and Social Traffic Concepts in Saudi Arabia

Urban development in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformational shift, driven by Vision 2030 and the integration of smart infrastructure. As cities expand and populations rise, it becomes essential to plan urban traffic systems that are efficient, inclusive, and technologically advanced. This blog explores how Saudi Arabia is adopting cutting-edge strategies and tools to address urban and social traffic challenges, with a strong foundation rooted in the Saudi Highway Code (SHC), especially SHC 202 for surveying and mapping.

‍

The Need for Integrated Urban Traffic Planning

Saudi cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are seeing increasing traffic volumes due to rapid urbanization. Traditional traffic planning methods no longer suffice in handling the complexity of modern mobility needs. Hence, integrating social and technical planning is vital. This includes safe pedestrian access, efficient vehicular flow, and equitable access to public transport.

Urban traffic planning now extends beyond cars to include all road users: pedestrians, cyclists, delivery vehicles, and autonomous shuttles. A well-coordinated urban traffic system also supports economic growth, reduces emissions, and improves the quality of life.

Surveying and Mapping: The Foundation of Smart Urban Planning

The Saudi Highway Code (SHC 202) outlines essential surveying principles that lay the groundwork for effective urban planning. Precise mapping of terrain, accurate control points, and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) are vital for informed decision-making.

Key components of SHC 202 include:

• Geodetic and terrestrial surveying techniques
• Mobile mapping and aerial photogrammetry
• National geospatial reference systems (SANSRS)
• Real-time positioning services (KSA-CORS)

These systems ensure that every urban planning decision is grounded in reliable, up-to-date data.

Social Infrastructure and Community-Centric Design

Urban traffic planning in Saudi Arabia increasingly incorporates social infrastructure, recognizing the diverse needs of residents. This includes:

• Barrier-free pedestrian pathways
• Safe school zones
• Accessible intersections for the elderly and disabled
• Traffic calming measures in residential areas

The SHC guidelines mandate public engagement and consider social equity in design. By including community needs in traffic design, authorities create safer and more inclusive public spaces.

Role of Technology and AI in Saudi Urban Mobility

Technological innovations such as AI, IoT, and BIM (Building Information Modelling) are enhancing road design, traffic flow analysis, and infrastructure resilience.

Key technologies integrated into Saudi traffic planning:

• Automated Machine Guidance (AMG) for construction
• Real-time GNSS surveying and mobile mapping
• AI-powered traffic monitoring systems
• Digital twins for infrastructure lifecycle analysis

These innovations not only optimize traffic operations but also enable predictive maintenance, minimizing disruptions and costs.

Planning Lifecycle: From Feasibility to Operation

SHC 202 details a five-stage lifecycle for road projects:

1. Feasibility Study – Understanding terrain, socio-economic impact
2. Preliminary Design – Outlining alignments, land acquisition
3. Detailed Design – Engineering specifications and approvals
4. Construction – On-site validation using AMG and mobile surveys
5. Operation & Maintenance – Ongoing performance tracking

Each stage ensures stakeholder involvement and alignment with national spatial standards.

Best Practices for Future-Ready Traffic Systems

• Utilize KSA-GRF17 geodetic reference framework for consistency
• Adopt GNSS and mobile mapping for scalable surveying
• Include community feedback in early planning
• Integrate safety, sustainability, and accessibility in design
• Monitor performance using digital dashboards and analytics

By following these practices, Saudi Arabia positions itself as a regional leader in urban mobility.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia is pioneering a comprehensive approach to urban traffic that balances technical precision, community needs, and future-forward innovation. Through SHC 202 and national geospatial systems like SANSRS, the Kingdom sets a strong foundation for smart, inclusive, and resilient transportation infrastructure.

RoadVision AI is transforming infrastructure development and maintenance by harnessing artificial intelligence and computer vision AI to revolutionize road safety and management. By leveraging advanced computer vision artificial intelligence and digital twin technology, the platform enables the early detection of potholes, cracks, and other road surface issues, ensuring timely repairs and better road conditions. With a mission to build smarter, safer, and more sustainable roads, RoadVision AI tackles challenges like traffic congestion and ensures full compliance with IRC Codes and aligns with SHC 101 and SHC 202 — Saudi Arabia’s official highway and infrastructure development codes. By empowering engineers and stakeholders with data-driven insights, the platform reduces costs, minimizes risks, and enhances the overall transportation experience.

‍

‍