Saudi Arabia’s Highway 10 has recently claimed the title of the world’s longest straight road, surpassing Australia’s Eyre Highway. According to the Guinness World Records, this remarkable achievement highlights a significant milestone in transportation infrastructure, offering travellers an unmatched journey across vast distances with unobstructed views.
A Remarkable Feat of Engineering
Highway 10 stretches for 256 kilometres (159 miles) through the vast expanse of the Rub Al-Khali desert, also known as the Empty Quarter. This desert is the largest sand desert in the world, and the road traverses it without any bends or noticeable changes in elevation. The super-straight stretch offers an estimated driving time of around two hours, making it a unique and memorable experience for those who traverse it.
Historical Significance and Construction
Originally constructed as a private road for King Fahd, Highway 10 runs from Haradh, a city renowned for its oil and gas reserves, to Al Batha, near the United Arab Emirates border. This road was built to serve as a high-speed route, potentially for the King’s use, although the exact reasons behind its construction remain speculative.
Surpassing Eyre Highway
Previously, the Eyre Highway in Australia held the record for the straightest road. This 146-kilometre-long stretch connects Western Australia and South Australia. Highway 10’s longer straight stretch now holds this title, making it a significant landmark in road engineering.
Driving Cautions and Hazards
While driving on Highway 10 might seem like an opportunity to set the cruise control on autopilot, drivers are advised to remain vigilant. Information from dangerousroads.org highlights that despite the lack of bends, collisions are not uncommon. The desert landscape presents its own set of hazards, including the potential for encounters with stray camels and occasional kangaroos.
A Testament to Modern Engineering
Regardless of its origins, Highway 10 stands as a testament to modern engineering. It offers a truly unique driving experience, one that combines the thrill of an uninterrupted journey with the need for a healthy dose of driver awareness. For those seeking an unparalleled adventure across one of the world’s most extreme landscapes, Highway 10 provides an extraordinary route worth exploring.
