SMEC is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Ethiopian Roads Authority on two vital projects that will significantly improve transport road connectivity and conditions.
Alleviating traffic congestion in Addis Ababa
SMEC has been awarded a contract to produce a comprehensive road congestion study set to reduce traffic congestion along Addis Ababa’s trunk roads.
Traffic bottlenecks along Addis Ababa’s trunk roads pose serious and complex problems with substantial adverse effects on personal travel time, vehicle operating costs, air quality, public health, and economic activities. Furthermore, in the past, investment in Ethiopia’s transport infrastructure has increased traffic volumes exasperating the very congestion it tried to alleviate.
Enhancing the smooth and safe flow of traffic while reducing the negative economic impact of road congestion, our work aims to significantly enhance operating efficiency once complete.
Alongside the study to improve traffic flow on existing selected roads, SMEC will also develop a national traffic model for Addis Ababa, propose alternative routes for the two major trunk roads connecting to major cities, and provide short and long-term traffic solutions on selected roads.
Supervising construction of Arsi Robe Road
SMEC is also engaged in a key Design and Build initiative that will see us supervise construction of another critical road in Ethiopia.
Once complete, the road will connect the town of Arsi Robe with the Agarfa district, the Ali district, Wabe River Bridge and two spur roads.
Located in Oromia Regional State, the project road begins in the town of Arsi Robe which is accessible through Iteya. Under construction through Huruta, Arsi Robe Road will pass through Ticho/Tena Woreda (Ticho town) and Sherka Woreda (Gobesa Town) and end connecting at Wabe River Bridge.
The project involves selection of best alignment along the control points, along with design and construction of 97-kilometres of road with design class of DC-5 with Asphalt Concrete Surfacing (AC).
As owner’s engineer, SMEC will also oversee the removal of substandard structures and supervise construction of new culverts, drainage structures and bridges. Our work on this project will run over 48 months.
“As the second most populous nation in Africa, with a consistently growing economy, Ethiopia pursues an ambitious development agenda that requires high-quality advisory and consulting expertise in the infrastructure and urban sectors,” shared Nasser Harrasay, Regional Manager, Eastern & Western Africa, Africa Division.
“Our regional SMEC team is ensuring transfer of knowledge by promoting the participation of locals in the delivery of these key projects in Ethiopia.”
