In a factory, internal roads are not just asphalt between buildings but part of the production line: a truck waiting at the gate or struggling to turn means delays in supply and shipping, pedestrians in the forklift path mean daily danger, and a road civil defense cannot reach means a building that cannot be put out quickly. Many factories discover their roads are too narrow after operation starts, when changes are costly and eat into production space. This guide explains the principles of internal road design, civil defense access, separating traffic, paving and drainage, and the link to the requirements.
Design Principles
- A loop or one-way route for trucks wherever possible.
- A turning radius suited to the largest expected truck.
- Waiting areas for trucks away from the gate and public street.
- Separating pedestrians from vehicles with defined walkways.
- Separate parking for staff and visitors.
- Rainwater drainage and preventing water pooling.
Types of Movement Within the Factory
| Movement | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Supply and shipping trucks | A wide route, easy turning, direct access to docks |
| Forklifts | Defined routes between warehouse and production |
| Staff and visitor cars | A separate entrance and parking near administration |
| Pedestrians | Safe walkways and marked crossings |
| Civil defense | Access close to building facades |
Civil Defense Access
Civil defense instructions for facilities state that civil defense vehicles must be able to reach within 5 to 6 metres along one facade of industrial buildings, and along two or more facades where the height exceeds the limit stated in the instructions. This makes internal roads part of the safety system. Read: Civil defense requirements for factories.
Relationship With the Requirements
Entrances, parking and loading areas are items in MODON's building requirements. Read: Building requirements in industrial cities. For loading dock design: Loading and unloading area design.
Paving and Drainage
- Pavement layers designed for repeated truck loads, not light vehicles.
- Falls towards drains or channels that prevent water pooling in front of docks.
- Concrete areas at turning and frequent stopping points.
- Clear road markings and direction signs.
Roads and Expansion
When planning a future expansion, design the roads to serve new buildings without redrawing the whole site. Read: Adding buildings on an industrial plot. For large projects with heavy traffic, a traffic study of the entrances may help. See our traffic study services.
Common Mistakes
- A narrow road forcing trucks to reverse.
- Staff parking on the truck route.
- Trucks waiting on the public street.
- Additional buildings cutting off the fire route.
- Light paving that fails within a few years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need two entrances to the factory?
It depends on traffic volume and the requirements; separating the truck entrance from the staff entrance improves safety.
What type of paving is suitable?
It is designed for repeated truck loads with suitable layers.
Are roads reviewed in drawing approval?
Yes, as part of the site plan. Read: MODON comments on factory drawings.
What road width is suitable?
Truck types, direction of movement and civil defense requirements determine it; the designer calculates it for each site.
Do internal roads need lighting?
Yes, for factories that operate at night or receive trucks after sunset, for safe movement.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that designs internal roads and yards for factories: safe truck routes, separated traffic, civil defense access, and suitable paving and drainage. See our internal roads and yards design service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.