BergerWorld: 3rd Quarter 2008

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the largest country of the Arabian Peninsula, is more than two million square kilometers and has a population of over 27 million. As the world's leading petroleum exporter, the Kingdom's economy is booming, ranking among the most rapidly developing nations in the world. The Kingdom is currently undertaking an ambitious $6 billion program to construct the 2,400-kilometer Saudi Railway (SAR), connecting the major cities of Qurayyat, Al Jawf, Hail, Buraidah, Majamaa and Riyadh and linking the northern bauxite and phosphate mineral mines of Al Jalamid and Az Zabirah with processing facilities at the proposed Port of Ras Az Zwar.

The Berger Group, leading an international consortium, is managing the project-one of the largest civil/railway works in the world. Berger's duties include selecting construction contractors; installing signaling and telecommunication systems; procuring freight and passenger rolling stock; selecting an operation and maintenance management firm; and supervising construction for all track work, structures, stations, yards and terminals, including workshops, maintenance facilities and crew quarters.

The SAR corridor, defined in earlier feasibility studies, is currently being constructed across a challenging terrain of large sand dunes and remote desert. It will parallel an existing highway in some areas, necessitating the construction of extensive culverts and bridges. SAR will also connect to a Dammam-Riyadh east-west link and a proposed bridge link from Riyadh to Jeddah Port.

In addition to enhancing Saudi Arabia's economy, SAR is expected to spur the development of adjacent areas, cities, towns and villages, encouraging the introduction of a number of industries within the north-central portion of the Kingdom. SAR is also expected to link with Amman, Jordan, accommodating international traffic movements.