The Batu-Negelle Arsi expressway, part of the Moyo Hawassa development project, is being constructed at a cost of 5 billion 39 million Birr and has reached 99% progress. This project forms part of the Addis Ababa-Moyo-Moyale-Lamu-Mombasa Trans International Highway.
Addis Ababa, March 5, 2026 (FBC) – The Ethiopian Roads Authority has stated that the Batu-Negelle Arsi expressway, part 3 of the Moyo Hawassa development project, is progressing under construction.
According to Engineer Defaru Derese, leader of the Moyo Hawassa construction projects department at the authority, the project is being built at a cost of 5 billion 39 million Birr and has achieved 99% progress. The road measures 57 kilometers 4 meters in length and 31 meters 6 centimeters in width.
The funding for the project comes from the World Bank, with construction handled by the China Communication Construction Company. This initiative aims to halve travel times and serves as a segment of the Addis Ababa-Moyo-Moyale-Lamu-Mombasa Trans International Highway. Additionally, it forms part of the 10,000-kilometer Eastern Africa Corridor.
The project is expected to provide significant dividends for the region's economic and social development. In particular, by reducing transportation costs, it will create opportunities for tourism growth.
