The Ministry of Transport and Logistics announced on Thursday the completion of the third phase of the direct road between Jeddah and Makkah covering a length of 27 kilometers. The road has a total length of 73 kilometers with four lanes in each direction. The ministry revealed that the completion rate in the first phase, which is seven kilometers long, is 78 percent, compared to 85 percent in the 19-km second phase, while the fourth phase of the project, which is 20 kilometers long, is under the process of awarding. The ministry sources stated that the project will contribute to accommodate the increase targeted by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in serving the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims as well as residential areas and neighborhoods located in the east of Jeddah and the north of Makkah, in addition to shortening the average travel time between north Jeddah and Makkah, and directly linking King Abdulaziz International Airport with Makkah. The road project will also contribute to raising the efficiency and effectiveness of the performance of the transport sector, facilitating the movement of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and reducing traffic congestion on existing roads, especially the Haramain Expressway.