Riyadh, February 1, 2025 — In a significant leap towards modernizing road safety and infrastructure, the Roads General Authority (RGA) has launched the "Distinct and Safe Roads" campaign, incorporating advanced technologies to enhance road maintenance, safety, and efficiency across the Kingdom. This initiative underscores the RGA’s commitment to maintaining world-class standards in road management while ensuring the highest levels of safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.
At the heart of the campaign is the world’s largest survey and evaluation fleet, which has been equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and specialized tools to ensure the precision and efficiency of the assessments. These advanced devices are capable of scanning road surfaces for damage, measuring skid resistance, analyzing deviations in road layers, and assessing the roughness and thickness of the roads. With these technologies, the RGA can monitor the condition of the roads in real time, analyze data efficiently, and make informed decisions on the timing and scope of maintenance, ultimately improving road quality and extending the lifespan of infrastructure.
A standout feature of this innovative campaign is the introduction of a ground paint measuring device, which is being used for the first time in the Middle East. This device, combining a high-resolution camera and GPS technology, is capable of accurately measuring road markings at speeds of up to 80 km/h. By evaluating the reflectivity of road markings, it helps create a detailed and comprehensive database of road surface conditions. This innovation plays a crucial role in optimizing maintenance operations, improving cost-efficiency, and ensuring that road markings remain highly visible for safe driving conditions.
Additionally, the RGA has integrated drone technology into its road inspection process, a vital tool for accessing hard-to-reach or difficult-to-inspect areas such as culverts, elevated structures, and regions obstructed by physical barriers. These drones also conduct thermal scans, allowing the RGA to monitor cleanliness, detect potential issues like debris buildup, and ensure that roads are maintained to the highest standards. The integration of drone technology not only enhances the scope of inspections but also automates many aspects of the maintenance process, improving the speed and effectiveness of road safety management.
The "Distinct and Safe Roads" campaign exemplifies the RGA’s commitment to leveraging technology to streamline road safety measures and create a more efficient, responsive road maintenance system. By utilizing state-of-the-art technologies like artificial intelligence, drones, and advanced measurement tools, the campaign aims to create safer, smoother, and more sustainable roads for the people of Saudi Arabia. This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to improve infrastructure and support the goals outlined in Vision 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in road safety and innovation.