ENR 2025 Global Best Projects
Award of Merit, Rail/Transit: Line 4-5-6 Riyadh Metro
Completion of the Riyadh Metro brings robust public transportation to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing capitol city.
Line 4-5-6 Riyadh Metro
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Award of Merit, Rail/Transit
Submitted by FCC Construcción
Owner: Royal Commission for Riyadh City
Lead Design Firm: AtkinsRéalis & Typsa JV
Contractor: FCC Construcción
The buildout of a massive passenger rail network for the Saudi Arabia capital of Riyadh was a complex effort to deliver a complete public transportation system. Lines 4-5-6 of the system comprise 29 stations across more than 70 km of track, with 24 viaducts, 28 underground tracks and 13 surface tracks.
The project involved several firsts for construction in Saudi Arabia, including the largest tunnel-boring machine ever used in the kingdom and the first application of the full-span launching method for rail viaducts. Coordinating the project required a multilingual approach to manage a workforce of over 9,500 workers from 42 different countries.
The scope of the project was expanded while it was already underway, including the addition of stations for a park-and-ride facility, a science park and two new rail stops at King Khalid International Airport. Despite the expanded and changing scope, the project team was able to avoid delays on other elements of the project already under way.
There were also logistical challenges of working in a desert environment, with 2.18 million cu meters of concrete poured during the project in ambient temperatures that often exceeded 45°C (113°F).
The Riyadh Metro’s driverless trains are fully automated, and the metro is expected to reduce traffic congestion and boost economic development in Riyadh.
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