• Project on track for August 2025 finish
ADDIS ABABA- The Ethiopian Roads Administration (ERA) has announced that the construction of the Batu-ArsiNegele Expressway Project, which is part of the Mojo-Hawassa Expressway, will be completed by August 2025.
Mojo-Hawassa Expressway Project Manager, Engineer Addishiwot Tadese, stated during a field visit that the project is currently 85 percent complete. The main road construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of August 2025.
The 57.6 km-long Mojo-Hawassa Expressway has 99 percent of earthworks completed, with most of the road covered in asphalt pavement.
Engineer Addis noted that over 200 drainage pipes have been installed, and crossings have been fully completed. The last 35 km of asphalt paving work is progressing rapidly.
He indicated that the road includes underpasses and overpasses for cattle and pedestrians to cross safely. The underpasses are 100 percent complete, while the overpasses have reached 80 percent completion.
He stated that the Batu-Arsi Negele Expressway Project is being fully implemented with the support of the World Bank, with a budget of 4.6 billion Birr. The project includes two overpasses: the Bulbula Overpass and the Langano Overpass.
The Bulbula Toll Plaza, located at the intersection of Bulbula-Alage and Bulbula town, is currently under construction as part of the toll road system. The Ethiopian Toll Roads Enterprise is responsible for constructing the toll plaza, bridges, and a two-kilometer connecting road to the town, along with offices, garages, traffic centers, and weighing scales.
The construction of the pedestrian walkway, housing, and parking lot are considered sub-projects. Engineer Addis explained that regional authorities will handle boundary enforcement, and the expressway is expected to open for traffic within a year.
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 23 MARCH 2025
