Bariman-Makkah Highway, a vital project of the Transport Ministry, is good news to all. When completed in the next 300 days, as announced by the ministry in a statement Saturday, the highway will connect Jeddah's airport to Makkah and be reserved only for pilgrims. Thus, freeing up the Al-Haramain Highway for local residents. Dr. Jabarah Bin Eid Al-Suraisiry, Minister of Transport, said: “The project, which costs SR378 million, will be completed in 300 days i.e., by the beginning of the next Haj season.” The ministry has overcome all obstacles to implement this project as quickly as possible, thanks to the cooperation of other government agencies, he added. The highway will be 26 kilometers long and connect King Abdul Aziz International Airport to Makkah through Bariman Bridge, Huda Al-Sham and Madina-Makkah Highway. “Pilgrims will be able to go directly from the airport to Makkah without having to use Al-Haramain Jeddah-Makkah Highway,” the minister said. This highway will shorten the distance to Makkah by 30 minutes and will allow motorists to avoid traffic congestions on the Al-Haramain Highway, he explained. Contractors started demolishing buildings Saturday to expand and develop the Bariman Bridge and lay the foundation for the new project. A total of 58 buildings and villas will be demolished, Al-Suraisiry said. __
