SHC 101: Key Processes for Developing Highways in Saudi Arabia

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing a significant transformation in its infrastructure, particularly in its national highway network. As part of the ambitious Vision 2030, the government has introduced the Saudi Highway Code (SHC) to standardize and modernize the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of roads and bridges.

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At the heart of this monumental initiative is SHC 101 – General, the foundational volume that outlines the principles, objectives, and workflows that govern highway development in Saudi Arabia. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of SHC 101, helping engineers, planners, policymakers, and stakeholders understand its scope and importance.

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Why the Saudi Highway Code Was Needed

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Saudi Arabia previously operated under a fragmented set of standards issued by multiple government agencies. This led to inconsistencies in project quality, safety requirements, and environmental considerations. Each authority applied its own guidelines, often borrowing from international codes without adequate localization.

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This patchwork approach created several issues:

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• Gaps in design consistency and project execution
• Safety concerns for road users
• Lack of systematic updates to manuals
• Limited accountability and coordination across agencies

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To overcome these challenges, the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services (MoTLS), in cooperation with national and international experts, launched the SHC initiative to create a unified highway standard tailored to Saudi Arabia’s specific geographical, cultural, and environmental needs.

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What is SHC 101?

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SHC 101 is the general volume of the Saudi Highway Code. It sets the stage for how highways in Saudi Arabia should be developed and managed. It includes technical, procedural, legal, and governance frameworks that guide the lifecycle of highway projects—from inception to post-construction maintenance.

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SHC 101 applies to all forms of highway infrastructure including roadways, tunnels, bridges, drainage, landscaping, lighting, and intelligent transportation systems. It promotes alignment with Vision 2030 by ensuring that the transportation network is efficient, sustainable, and safe.

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Four Core Work Packages Behind SHC

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The Saudi Highway Code was developed through a phased, structured approach:

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1. Preliminary Studies: Identification and evaluation of existing manuals and global best practices.
2. Reference System Selection: Adoption of AASHTO standards as the baseline, customized to Saudi needs.
3. Code Drafting: Development of 25 detailed SHC volumes covering thematic areas.
4. Digital Platform: Creation of an official website for publishing, accessing, and updating the SHC documents.

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Scope and Applicability of SHC 101

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SHC 101 emphasizes the importance of a unified code that is applicable across Saudi Arabia’s vast and diverse terrain. It provides a centralized reference for all professionals involved in transportation infrastructure, including engineers, contractors, consultants, and government bodies.

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Its application spans the full lifecycle of highway projects:

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• Planning and feasibility
• Surveying and environmental assessments
• Geometric and structural design
• Construction and implementation
• Operations and maintenance

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The SHC serves both urban and rural highway projects, ensuring that all work adheres to a common set of rules, regardless of the responsible agency.

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Key Stakeholders and Governance

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SHC 101 mandates collaboration between technical experts, legal advisors, and key stakeholders across ministries. It introduces a centralized governance framework through the Roads General Authority (RGA), which oversees SHC compliance, updates, and implementation.

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Legal subject matter experts reviewed the roles and responsibilities of all participating agencies to eliminate overlaps and streamline authority. Workshops and consultations were held to ensure transparency, inclusiveness, and government-wide support.

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Quality Assurance and Updating Process

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To maintain high standards, SHC 101 established a Quality Control Board (QCB) that reviews all SHC deliverables. Each SHC volume is periodically reviewed by technical experts to align with emerging trends, new materials, and evolving traffic conditions.

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If amendments are required:

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• Minor updates are published as addenda or errata on the SHC website.
• Major changes must follow formal government approval processes in compliance with Saudi procurement laws.

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Highway Project Development Process

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SHC 101 outlines a clear, performance-based framework for project development, divided into the following phases:

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1. Purpose and Need Assessment

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Every project begins with a clear definition of goals based on past performance, forecasted traffic demand, and safety considerations. This phase identifies the scope and sets measurable objectives for the entire project lifecycle.

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2. Pre-Engineering and Planning

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This includes feasibility studies, traffic forecasts, environmental evaluations, and land use analysis. Volumes SHC 201 (Planning Process), SHC 202 (Surveying), and SHC 203 (Preliminary Studies) are used during this stage.

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3. Design Development

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Technical designs are produced based on local conditions, GIS data, and road safety guidelines. It includes geometric layouts, drainage systems, intersections, pedestrian access, and utilities. A full Bill of Quantities (BoQ), specifications, and drawings are generated to support tendering.

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4. Construction and Implementation

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Construction guidelines are defined in SHC 401 to 403. These volumes cover roads, tunnels, bridges, and related infrastructure. Compliance with safety and environmental standards is mandatory throughout construction.

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5. Operation and Maintenance

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Post-construction phases are governed by SHC 501 to 503. These include preventive maintenance, rehabilitation protocols, and monitoring systems to ensure long-term serviceability.

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6. Road Safety Audits

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SHC 101 mandates Road Safety Audits (RSAs) at four key points: during planning, detailed design, construction, and post-construction opening. These are guided by SHC 603.

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7. Environmental Oversight

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SHC 701 addresses environmental compliance, ensuring that all projects align with national sustainability goals, including waste management, water usage, and ecosystem protection.

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8. Future-Proofing for Innovation

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SHC 801 introduces standards for autonomous vehicle integration, ensuring Saudi roads are ready for future transportation technologies.

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Deviation and Relaxation Process

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In specific cases, designers or contractors may propose deviations from the SHC. These requests must be justified with detailed technical reasoning and approved by the relevant authority. Acceptable reasons include:

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• Unforeseen site conditions
• Innovation or new technologies
• Application of better-suited standards

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All deviations must be signed by certified professionals and go through formal approval channels.

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The SHC Website: Centralized Knowledge Hub

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All SHC volumes are available online in both Arabic and English through the official SHC website. The Arabic version takes legal precedence in contractual matters. The website serves as the central platform for:

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• Downloading volumes
• Viewing updates or errata
• Accessing training and support resources

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Conclusion

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SHC 101 is more than a manual—it’s a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s national development strategy. By standardizing every aspect of highway planning and execution, the SHC ensures the Kingdom’s roads are safer, more durable, and future-ready.

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As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward becoming a regional logistics powerhouse, SHC 101 plays a critical role in shaping its infrastructure landscape. Engineers, planners, and policymakers can now operate within a consistent and high-performing framework designed to support economic growth and community well-being.

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