The Ethiopian Government selected the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) to construct the bridge in 2019. The CCCC has been active in Ethiopia for over 20 years, including the Addis Ababa-Adama expressway, the Addis Ababa Bole international airport passenger terminal, the African Avenue road, Measo-to-Djibouti railway, and constructed & commissioned several industrial parks, such as the Kombolcha Industrial Parks. Currently, it has four ongoing road projects, namely the Hawassa Airport-Bishan Guaracha. Jijiga-Gelesh, Cherereti-Hagermekor, and Arsi Negele-Hawassa.
The Ethiopian Government fully funds $51 million for constructing the Bahir Dar Abay Bridge. It is supervised by a Turkish consultant named BOTEK Bosphorus in sub-consultancy with STADIA Engineering Works Consultant. The bridge spans 380m to accommodate three lanes, a bicycle path, and a walkway on each left & right lane. It will replace the existing 60-year-old Bahir Dar Abay bridge, losing its quality and strength. The new bridge will be robust, spacious, and improve traffic flow in Bahir Dar.
Once completed, the Bahir Dar Abay Bridge will be Ethiopia’s longest, surpassing the 319m Bashilo River Bridge completed in October 2006. The 3rd bridge will be the 305m bridge over the Baro River in Gambella Regional State, while the 4th will be the 303m Abay Bridge.
