As part of the preparations for the Hajj season in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to enhance the public health of pilgrims and improve their quality of life, flexible rubber asphalt will be utilized in the pedestrian walkways at the "Holy Sites," according to the Saudi newspaper "Okaz." The General Authority for Roads stated that this scientific innovation has been implemented in partnership with several entities along the parallel path to Pedestrian Route No. 6, leading to Mount Arafah in the Arafat area.
This technology relies on reusing rubber from recycled tires in asphalt mixtures, which contributes to reducing tire waste accumulation and minimizing pollution caused by their burning. According to the newspaper, experiments have shown that the rigidity of conventional asphalt surfaces and sidewalks causes strong reactions on the joints and feet of pilgrims, especially the elderly, who constitute 53% of the total pilgrims. This has led to increased pressure on health facilities during the Hajj season.
The newspaper noted that 38% of injuries during the Hajj season typically concentrate in the foot and ankle area. Therefore, the flexible asphalt technology helps alleviate pressure on the joints and feet, providing a sense of comfort while walking and running.
