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Linear section of Highway 10 crosses the Rub’ al Khali, sustains intense truck traffic and mentally challenges drivers
Highway 10, in Saudi Arabia, entered the Guinness World Records by registering a continuous stretch of 240 kilometers completely straight. Guinness confirmed the record after technical measurements and officially recognized the segment between Haradh and Al Batha as the longest linear stretch on the planet.
Drivers travel for more than two hours without moving the steering wheel, in the heart of the Rub’ al Khali desert. The highway extends for 1,480 kilometers and connects Ad Darb to the border with the United Arab Emirates.
The Saudi government initially built the road for the use of King Fahd. Later, it integrated the road into the public network and transformed it into a strategic corridor for cargo transport.
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Rub’ al Khali desert explains the completely linear layout
The highway crosses the Rub’ al Khali, known as the Empty Quarter, noted by the Britannica Encyclopedia as the largest continuous sand desert in the world. Since the region has no significant mountains, valleys, or natural obstacles, engineers designed a completely straight layout.
The landscape displays only sand and a fixed horizon, with no significant visual changes over hundreds of kilometers. The structure features full asphalt and, for most of the route, offers two lanes in each direction.
Trucks cross the desert daily and maintain an intense flow of goods between the center and the west of the country. This scenario reinforces the uniqueness of the highway in the global context.
Speed limits and intense traffic shape the dynamics of the road
Authorities set limits according to the type of vehicle. Cars can reach up to 120 km/h in certain sections, while buses operate at up to 100 km/h.
Trucks operate with a limit of 80 km/h, which directly influences the flow dynamics on the highway. In 2018, the Saudi government announced the possibility of 140 km/h for light vehicles in specific points.
In practice, however, constant heavy traffic reduces the viability of these maximum speeds. Drivers need to adapt their driving to the real conditions of the road.
Mental challenge draws attention from specialists
Although the route seems simple from a technical point of view, drivers face a challenge that is primarily psychological. The monotony of the landscape and the absence of curves contribute to fatigue and drowsiness at the wheel.
Continuous driving without relevant visual stimuli requires constant concentration, especially on long trips. Additionally, camels occasionally cross the road, increasing the need for vigilance.
The specialized site Dangerous Roads included the stretch in its list of challenging routes from a mental perspective. Experts highlight that the driver’s focus becomes a central element for safety.
Safety measures have been reinforced over the years
In light of these characteristics, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics of Saudi Arabia has adopted structural improvements over the years. The ministry installed paved shoulders and protective barriers.
The teams also implemented detailed directional signage and mileage signs along the stretch. Reflective strips known as “cat’s eyes” were applied to enhance visibility.
These actions reduce risks associated with monotony and constant heavy traffic. The set of measures reinforces safety on one of the most linear stretches on the planet.
Other straight roads have also marked history
Before the Saudi record, the Eyre Highway in Australia led with 146 kilometers of straight stretch in the Nullarbor Desert. The Australian road remains one of the most unique driving experiences on the continent.
In the United States, ND-46 in North Dakota features long linear stretches. In Argentina, sections of Route 40 cover practically continuous kilometers.
Still, none of these roads reach the 240 kilometers of absolutely straight stretch of Highway 10. The Saudi road has established itself as a technical reference in global road engineering.
Would you face more than two hours driving straight through the world’s largest sand desert?
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