Transport authorities are considering a grand bridge construction project to improve the Addis Abeba light railway system and address long-standing traffic congestion. Estimated to cost 1.2 billion Br, four high-traffic areas—Gurd Shola, CMC Meri, Gojam Berenda, and Saris Addis Sefer—have been selected for the pilot construction of overhead bridges.

According to the study, they will each span up to 70m long, stand 5.4m high, and be at least four meters wide. The construction will involve structural concrete and steel skeletons, with aluminium finishing, and is expected to be completed in six months. Authorities are also considering 30 additional overhead bridge locations, as well as underground tunnels.

Officials believe the severe congestion and accidents caused by the current road infrastructure will be addressed. The city's Roads Authority and Traffic Management Agency have completed the design and are moving to float a bid to select the contractor for overhead and underground bridges. Among the companies that showed interest is the China Communication Construction Company (CCCC).

According to Elias Zerga, deputy director of the Agency, they plan to alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate free pedestrian movement, which has had a major economic and social impact, particularly with the growing population.

"Its impact was negative on the transportation system," he said.

However, finance and structural feasibility remain key challenges, according to Elias. In the meantime, roundabouts in such areas will be converted into cross-sectional roads to ease congestion. The Sahelte Mihret roundabout is already under construction with others following suit in due time.

The light railway includes two lines, covering 32.5 km: one stretching from Ayat to Torhayloch and another from Menelik II Square to Akaki-Qaliti. It commenced in 2015 and consumed 475 million dollars, of which 85pc came from the Chinese Ex-Im Bank. It was initially managed by the Ethiopian Railway Corporation, which had losses of 15.6 billion Br this year. It was planned to provide a capacity of 15,000 passengers per hour.

Mergia Sefera, head of the Infrastructure Road Safety Engineering Department, recalls the traffic congestion and safety issues near train stations and roundabouts. He noted the difficulties pedestrians face crossing with 800m average distance between stations.