The local Saudi Binladin Group has been awarded two contracts worth a total of SR1.9bn ($507m) to build roads and related infrastructure in Mecca.

The local contractor signed the contracts with the Mecca Development Authority on 28 May. The work will involve the construction of 19.5 kilometres of roads, bridges and tunnels in Mecca and the surrounding area.

The first contract involves work on the second ring road and the second contract involves construction works on the third phase of the third ring road. The infrastructure work is part of the King Abdullah construction scheme for Mecca. The work will take three years to complete.

The road projects are part of the kingdom’s plans to improve the transport infrastructure in the holy city. In addition to new road schemes, Mecca is planning to build the Mecca Mass Rail Transit (MMRT). The MMRT is planned to help transport pilgrims around the western city during the busy Hajj period. The MMRT project will consist of four lines and will run for about 113km around Mecca city centre with about 24 stations.