Bridge built over the Awash River at the cost of 240 million Birr and that is along the Ethiopia – Djibouti road was inaugurated on Saturday, February 28, 2015.

The bridge is said to have a capacity of carrying 40.8 Tons and allows two vehicles cross at a time. It is said it will serve 22,000 vehicles in a single day.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony Transport Minister, Workneh Gebeyehu, said the new bridge will play a vital role in mobility of goods to and from the Port of Djibouti.

The project was financed by the Government of Japan. According to Samson Wondimu, Ethiopian Roads Authority Public Relations Director, the construction was also carried out by the Japanese firm Sato Kiyo. He furthered consultancy work was also carried out by another Japanese company, Central Construction.

According to Samson the bridge is 9.3 meters wide and 145 meters high.

Source: Walta Information Center