Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed unveils massive twin-road network to tackle capital’s traffic crisis.

By Staff Writer | Published: April 2026

ADDIS ABABA – In a major infrastructure announcement that promises to reshape the capital’s transport landscape, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed has revealed that modern expressway projects stretching 100 kilometers each are under construction at all five gates of Addis Ababa.

The announcement was made during the Prime Minister’s message at the inauguration ceremony of the Haro Dendi Lodge, a new tourism development located west of the capital.

“At all five gates of Addis Ababa, expressway projects are being constructed,” the Prime Minister said.

Five Gates, Five Highways

The ambitious plan places Addis Ababa at the center of a modern, high-speed road network radiating outward in five directions. Each corridor will feature approximately 100 kilometers of modern expressway designed to international standards.

Solving the Capital’s Traffic Nightmare

Addis Ababa, home to over four million residents and serving as Ethiopia’s economic and political hub, has long struggled with severe traffic congestion. Commuters regularly spend hours in gridlock, and the city’s aging road infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with rapid urbanization and rising vehicle ownership.

The Prime Minister made clear that these new highways are designed to address this crisis directly.

“The highways being built are intended to reduce the severe traffic congestion observed with Addis Ababa at the center, and they are modern roads leading to all five directions of the country,” he said.

The Twin Road Concept

A key feature of the announcement is the twin road (dual carriageway) approach being adopted for several corridors.

Adama Route: While an expressway to Adama already exists, an additional twin road is now under construction.

Ambo Route: “In addition to the existing road leading to Ambo, another twin road is being constructed,” the Prime Minister said. Once completed, the two roads will function as a true highway system – one dedicated to inbound traffic, the other to outbound traffic.

Debre Berhan Route: Similarly, the northern gateway is receiving an additional road, with the same twin configuration planned.

Fiche and Woliso Routes: The Prime Minister confirmed that similar road construction projects are underway at the gates leading to Fiche (southwest) and Woliso (south), completing the five-gate vision.

Economic and Social Impact

The new expressway network is expected to deliver significant benefits across multiple sectors.

For daily commuters, the project promises reduced travel time, less congestion, and safer roads. For logistics and trade, faster movement of goods and lower transportation costs will boost economic efficiency. Regional integration will be strengthened through stronger economic links between Addis Ababa and surrounding zones. Tourism will benefit from easier access to destinations like Haro Dendi, Ambo, and beyond. Additionally, thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created during the construction phase.

An Ongoing, Expanding Project

The Prime Minister emphasized that this is not a one-time effort but an ongoing, expanding program.

“As the results become visible, hundreds and hundreds of kilometers will continue to be added step by step, and the construction will continue forward,” he said.

This suggests that the initial 100-kilometer corridors may be extended further in the future, creating an even more extensive network connecting Addis Ababa to the regions.

The Occasion: Haro Dendi Lodge

The Prime Minister’s message was delivered during the inauguration of the Haro Dendi Lodge, a new tourism and hospitality development located west of Addis Ababa along the Ambo corridor.

The choice of venue is significant. It highlights the link between infrastructure and tourism development, demonstrates the government’s commitment to unlocking Ethiopia’s natural beauty for visitors, and showcases the Ambo corridor, which will directly benefit from the new twin road.

Part of a Broader Infrastructure Push

The five-gate expressway project is the latest in a series of major infrastructure initiatives under Prime Minister Abiy’s administration.

The Addis Ababa–Adama Expressway is already operational. The Addis Ababa–Ambo Twin Road and the Addis Ababa–Debre Berhan Twin Road are both under construction. The Fiche and Woliso corridors are also under construction. Additionally, the Addis Ababa Corridor Development project, the REST (Riverside) Project, and various inter-city highways are either ongoing or in planning stages.

Challenges Ahead

While the announcement has been welcomed, significant challenges remain.

Building 100-kilometer highways through populated and agriculturally valuable land requires extensive land acquisition – a process that has historically involved disputes over compensation and displacement.

Major infrastructure projects also require enormous financial resources. Questions remain about funding sources, debt sustainability, and budget allocation.

The Prime Minister did not provide specific completion dates. Given the scale of the work, these projects may take years to fully realize.

Furthermore, highways alone cannot solve traffic congestion if not integrated with public transit, land-use planning, and alternative transportation options.

Public Reactions

Early reactions to the announcement have been mixed.

“This is exactly what Addis needs. The traffic is unbearable, and these roads will make a huge difference,” said one Addis Ababa resident.

A transport analyst added, “The twin road concept is smart. Separating inbound and outbound traffic will dramatically improve flow.”

However, some expressed caution. “What about the people who will be displaced? Will they be fairly compensated?” asked a civil society observer.

An urban planner noted, “I hope they also invest in public transit. More highways can mean more cars.”

What Comes Next

Key milestones to watch in the coming months and years include the completion of the Ambo and Debre Berhan twin roads, progress on the Fiche and Woliso corridors, and the ongoing land acquisition and compensation processes. Further announcements regarding additional extensions are expected in future phases.

Conclusion: A Capital Transformed?

If fully realized, the five-gate expressway project will fundamentally reshape Addis Ababa and its relationship with the surrounding regions.

The vision is clear: five modern highways radiating from the capital, twin roads separating inbound and outbound traffic, reduced congestion, faster travel, safer journeys, economic integration between Addis Ababa and its hinterlands, and a foundation for continued infrastructure expansion.

The questions that remain include whether funding will materialize, whether land acquisition will be handled fairly, whether the projects will be completed on time and on budget, and whether they will be integrated with public transit and smart urban planning.

Only time will answer these questions. But for now, the announcement represents one of the most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in Ethiopia’s recent history.

As the Prime Minister himself said, the work is already underway – and it will continue, kilometer by kilometer, gate by gate, road by road.

At a glance:

“Five gates. Five highways. One vision: a connected, mobile, prosperous Ethiopia.”

© 2026 – Ethiopia Infrastructure News | Haro Dendi Lodge, Addis Ababa