GTS carried out a traffic impact study for a large-scale development in Riyadh that included a new shopping mall, an upgraded existing shopping mall, a cinema, and a hotel. The project, located between two major north-south arterials in central Riyadh, presented multiple challenges from a traffic impact perspective as the adjacent roads already experience congestion. 

The TIS began with an overview of existing conditions. For a better understanding of the expected impact of the project, a baseline analysis was conducted in which the existing road network and junctions were assessed, as well as planned public transport facilities. The operational analysis calculated the level of service for each intersection as well as the AM and PM peak delay and the volume-to-capacity ratio for all relevant road segments. This was followed by analysis of trip generation, trip distribution, mode share, trip assignment, site access, internal circulation, emergency access, and parking. Many considerations specific to this unique site, such as basement parking access and pick-up and drop-off areas, were also considered. The analysis of parking access included recommendations for shared parking to increase efficiency.

The study concluded with several recommendations to mitigate the impact of the development on the surrounding road network, including consideration of additional turn signals, adaptive control systems, a travel demand management program, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity improvements, and emergency access improvements. The study also recommended consideration of significant levels of rideshare pick-up and drop-off traffic, and identified issues that might arise due to the site’s proximity to a transit station. The result of the study is the finding that with certain mitigations, this major development in the heart of the city can take place without substantially impacting the road network.