In a significant development for Addis Ababa’s urban planning, Phase II of the city’s corridor project is set to build on the achievements of Phase I, which enhanced urbanization and infrastructure. This upcoming phase aims to refine and extend the successes of its predecessor by integrating effective practices and addressing previous challenges. The new phase is expected to link the city center with key entry points and expanding neighborhoods, promising to enhance connectivity and foster a more cohesive urban landscape for Addis Ababa’s residents.
Key Features of Phase II Corridor Development
Enhanced Connectivity Across Key Areas
Phase II of Addis Ababa’s corridor development, spanning a total of 43 kilometers, is set to enhance connectivity across key areas of the city, including the Bole, Lemi Kura, and Akaki Kaliti sub-cities. The project encompasses several major segments:
- A 14.8-kilometer stretch from Anbessa Garage (Kelebet Menged) through Mebrat Hayil, Goro, and Koye Square.
- A 12.8-kilometer route linking Bole Cargo, Bulbula, and Koye Square.
- A 4.4-kilometer corridor connecting Bole Bridge to Bole Homes, Airport VIP Entrance, and Goro.
- A 5-kilometer stretch from Goro Square to Seba Hulet Area, Summit Soft Factory Area, and Fiyel Bet, ending at CMC Square.
- A 5.9-kilometer segment from Fiyel Bet to Figa, Sahelit Mhiret Square, and Jacross.
Spatial Scope and Phases
The spatial scope is structured into two key phases:
- Phase One includes routes starting from 4 Kilo to Piasa and ending at Mexico Square, and from Mexico Square connecting Sarbet,Qera,Wello Sefer, Bole,Megenagna & CMC.
- Phase Two features routes connecting Anbessa Garage (Ring Road) to Koye Square, Bole Cargo to Koye Square, Bole Bridge to Goro, a 5-kilometer stretch from Goro Square to CMC Square, and a 5.9-kilometer segment from Fiyel Bet to Jacross.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Initiatives
Airport Cargo to Bulbula Corridor Development
The Airport Cargo to Bulbula corridor development plan spans a total area of 566.57 square meters and includes:
- Neighborhood parks
- Woreda-level parks
- Recreational facilities
- Sport fields
- A multifunctional forest
- River buffer zones
- Sub-city level parks
- A cultural and civic center
- A secondary school
- A telecom station
- A water reservoir
- Low-density mixed residences
- Surface parking
- Comprehensive road networking
Bole Homes to Anbessa Garage and ICT Park Corridor
The Bole Homes to Anbessa Garage and ICT Park corridor covers 798.15 square meters and incorporates:
- River buffer zones
- Woreda sport fields
- Neighborhood and city-level parks
- Multifunctional forests
- A health center
- A cultural and civic center
- High-density mixed residences
- A secondary school
- Governmental institutions
- An electric power station
- A bus depot
- High-tension electric lines
- Small markets
- A hospital
- A relocation site
- A fire and emergency center
- Woreda administration offices
- A sport center
- A freight terminal
- Extensive road networks
Koye Feche Roundabout to Bulbula River Corridor Development
The Koye Feche Roundabout to Bulbula River corridor development plan covers 3383 square meters and features:
- River buffers
- Woreda and city-level parks
- High-tension electric line buffers
- Hot springs
- Multifunctional forests
- Manufacturing and storage facilities
- High-density and low-density mixed residences
- A wastewater management and treatment station
- Small markets
- Recreational facilities
- Secondary schools
- Road and setback regulations
Revised Setback Regulations and Infrastructure Enhancements
A document obtained by Addis Insight shows that “central to the revised setback regulations is the establishment of a minimum 10-meter buffer on major roads to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic, with flexibility for adjustments based on findings.” The infrastructure plan details essential components such as:
- Taxi stations
- Public restrooms
- Provisions for incorporating multi-story buildings and arcades into existing developments
Insights from Phase I and Future Urban Planning
Building on insights from Phase I, the study advocates for:
- Creating alternative routes
- Expanding the capacity of internal roads
- Converting certain roads into collector routes to ease congestion and optimize traffic management
Additionally, enhancing green spaces is a key focus, with plans for:
- New plazas
- Expanded parks
- Riverside developments
Setting Construction Standards and Aligning Major Projects
The study also underscores the importance of setting construction standards that cater to both temporary commercial uses and permanent, high-density developments. It addresses the need for:
- Standardized fencing around critical institutions and industrial areas
- Aligning major national projects such as Gelan Gura Village and the Windows Of Africa Project with the city’s broader development strategy
Special Attention to Gateway Projects
Special attention will be given to gateway projects that bolster Addis Ababa’s connectivity with Ethiopia and Africa, reinforcing the city’s status as a major urban hub.
Addressing Gaps and Ensuring Cohesive Development
A document obtained by Addis Insight shows that “some developments remain uncoordinated or disconnected, particularly in areas such as between Bole Cargo and Bole Michael, as well as between Summit Soft Factory and Derartu Square.” To address these gaps, a uniform design framework is being established to ensure that the corridors bordering Sheger City develop in a cohesive manner, thereby promoting an integrated and well-coordinated urban environment.
Substandard, insensitive, unbalanced, insubstantive & callous report. Shame, shame, shame.
Let us be real The country is torn apart by a war sponsored by Prime minister Abiy Ahmed( a novel prize recipient for peace) in every part of the county. Instead of creating peace in the country he is busy planning trees and decorating the city. We Ethiopians are waiting for a time for this fake prime minister and his corrupted government to go.
Great. Keep it up! Don’t give up!