Addis Ababa — The Addis Ababa City Roads Authority (AACRA) has officially relaunched the long-delayed road construction project stretching from Edna Mall to the British Embassy, with a total investment of 1.2 billion birr, after years of suspension due to zoning and administrative issues.

The revamped project, now redesigned and fully restarted, aims to transform one of the capital’s busiest and most neglected corridors—an area long criticized by residents for heavy traffic congestion, deteriorated asphalt, and lack of maintenance.

A Project Previously Stalled — Now Relaunched Under a New Blueprint

In a statement to Menaheria Radio, Ato Iyasu Solomon, Public Relations Officer of the Addis Ababa Roads Authority, explained that the project had originally begun several years ago with financing from the World Bank.

However, construction stalled due to zoning complications, land use adjustments, and administrative hurdles.

“The road from the British Embassy to 22 and Edna Mall was previously started with a budget from the World Bank. However, it was suspended for various reasons, including zoning,” Ato Iyasu said.

With a new design and updated technical provisions, the city has now removed the old, deteriorated road structure and launched full construction on a new alignment.

3.4 km Total Length — Shared Between City Government and Chinese Contractor

The rehabilitated road project covers a total of 3.4 kilometers:

• 1.4 km of the stretch is now under construction by China Construction Corporation
• The remaining section—from Edna Mall to 22 Mazoria—is being carried out directly by the Addis Ababa City Administration

The revised scope includes:

• Full roadway reconstruction
• Modern drainage systems
• Sidewalk and pedestrian upgrades
• Underground utilities and ICT ducting
• Safety and traffic-flow improvements

According to officials, the new road will be built to a standard that allows integration of information technology services, likely referencing fiber-optic ducts, traffic signalization infrastructure, and smart mobility systems.

High-Traffic Corridor Long Awaiting Maintenance

The Edna Mall–British Embassy corridor is one of Addis Ababa’s busiest commercial and diplomatic routes. It serves:

• Major hotels
• Shopping malls
• Office complexes
• Embassy facilities
• Dense residential neighborhoods

For years, commuters have complained about potholes, flooding during the rainy season, unsafe pedestrian paths, and chronic congestion.

Ato Iyasu acknowledged this history:

“It has been one of the roads that the community has been complaining about for a long time without any maintenance,” he said.

Construction Already Underway — With Rapid Progress

The city reports that construction is advancing quickly. Work has already begun on drainage systems and excavations across a 400-meter section of the road. Contractors have moved equipment on-site and are working under accelerated schedules.

“The work is currently being carried out at a rapid pace… The road is expected to be fully completed and opened to the public this year. It is being worked on with attention,” Ato Iyasu added.

Strategic Importance for Mobility and Urban Renewal

Urban planners note that revitalizing this corridor is critical for the city’s:

• Commercial mobility
• Diplomatic access
• Tourism flow
• Public safety and walkability

The project also aligns with Addis Ababa’s broader infrastructure modernization agenda, which includes expanding smart traffic systems, improving public transport links, and reducing bottlenecks in high-density areas like Bole, Kazanchis, and Arat Kilo.

Next Steps

Upon completion, the city expects:

• Improved traffic flow
• Reduced travel time between Bole and the city center
• Better drainage and flood resilience
• Safer, more accessible pedestrian walkways

Officials reaffirm that the project is on a timeline to be completed and opened before the end of the Ethiopian fiscal year.