To replace an aging structure following the January 2006 Hajj season, construction began on a new multi-level bridge with improved features for easy access and increased safety measures using modern designs by Dar Al-Handasah and constructed by Saudi Binladin Group. By staying within schedule, pilgrims at the next Hajj season (2006/07) had full use of completed ground and first-levels without difficulty or issues while construction continued on subsequent floors that would later be completed before December 2007 for use during that year’s Hajj period (1428 AH). Among its many benefits include a wider column-free internal area with an increased length of jamrah pillars since pre-2006 days plus additional ramps and tunnels available to users while bottlenecks have been eliminated helping users navigate better through these commonly crowded spaces.
To provide shelter against harsh desert sunlight, the plan includes canopies covering each of the three jamrah pillars serving similar purposes to ramps located adjacent to each pillar, providing efficient evacuation routes in case of emergency. In their continuing commitment to safety and comfort during the Hajj season, Saudi authorities issued a fatwa allowing stoning activities to occur only between sunrise and sunset instead of the mid-day period previously preferred by most pilgrims.
