1. Awards & Honors

The project is a major, high-standard toll highway in Ethiopia and forms an integral part of the Cairo–Cape Town Trans-African Highway network.

2. Project Background

The Modjo–Hawassa Expressway (MH Highway) is located in south-central Ethiopia and serves as a national-level expressway corridor connecting Modjo, Meki, Batu/Zeway, Arsi Negele, and Hawassa.

The project’s northern terminus connects with the Addis Ababa–Adama highway network near Mojo, while its southern end extends to Hawassa. According to publicly available data, the most recent alignment along the entire route is approximately… 202 kilometers 。

The project is being constructed to the standard of a two-way, four-lane expressway and constitutes a key infrastructure component for Ethiopia’s expansion from its capital economic corridor into the southern agricultural, industrial, and regional trade corridor.

The Mojo–Hawassa transport corridor serves several key agricultural regions, urban centers, and industrial parks in southern Ethiopia, while also linking to the cross-border road network heading toward Kenya, thereby exhibiting distinct dual characteristics of domestic logistics and regional trade.

The project is being implemented by the Ethiopian Roads Administration (ERA) and adopts a phased construction approach financed through multilateral and bilateral funding institutions.

Package / Lot 1: Modjo–Meki

Route approximately 56.4 kilometers 。

This paragraph is mainly composed of The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Ethiopia Providing financial support is an integral part of Phase I of the MH Expressway, which is being constructed to the standards of a newly built, asphalt‑paved, four‑lane dual‑carriageway expressway.

Package / Lot 2: Meki–Batu / Zeway

Route approximately 37 kilometers 。

This paragraph is mainly composed of Korea Exim Bank (EDCF) and the Government of Ethiopia Support construction.

Lots 1 and 2 together constitute Phase I of the project, with a total area of approximately 93 kilometers , and then Opened to traffic in September 2021. 。

Package / Lot 3: Batu / Zeway–Arsi Negele

Route approximately 57.1 kilometers 。

This section mainly obtains World Bank Financing support.

The subsequent construction of the project is being advanced with the participation of engineering firms, including China Communications Construction Company.

Package / Lot 4: Arsi Negele–Hawassa

Route approximately 52 kilometers , with the finish line located near Hawassa.

This section has received financing support from the China Exim Bank and is one of the key segments in China’s participation in the MH High-Speed Rail Project.

3. Engineering Challenges

3.1 Active Tectonic Fissures in the East African Rift Valley

One of the most representative engineering challenges of the MH Expressway is its alignment crossing through… Ethiopian Rift Valley 。

Relevant specialized engineering studies indicate that certain sections along the MH Expressway exhibit conspicuous ground fissures, posing geological risks to both the highway’s construction and its long-term operational safety.

In particular, in certain sections of the southern area, both visible and hidden ground fissures, as well as localized subsidence and other geological phenomena, are present.

Ground fissures are associated with regional tectonic movements and are also influenced by seasonal rainfall, subsurface erosion, and other factors.

Accordingly, the project imposes stringent requirements for long-term subgrade stability, crack control, and comprehensive drainage.

3.2 Expansive Soils and Low-Load-Bearing Subgrades

In certain areas of the project, the subgrade soils exhibit high plasticity, swellability, and low bearing capacity.

Relevant engineering studies indicate that certain natural subgrade soils exhibit low CBR values and significant swelling potential.

This type of soil is prone to swelling, shrinkage, and changes in strength when its moisture content varies.

For highways, these phenomena can easily lead to:

Uneven deformation of the subgrade;

Differential settlement of the road;

Pavement reflective cracking;

Long-term damage to the base and surface layers.

Therefore, special subgrade treatment and subgrade reinforcement constitute key engineering priorities for ensuring the long-term durability of this project.

3.3 Heavy Rainfall, Floods, and Subgrade Scouring Risks

The project is located on the East African Plateau and in the Rift Valley region, which are characterized by a pronounced rainy season.

Some routes face risks of seasonal heavy rainfall, flooding, surface runoff, and subgrade erosion.

After becoming saturated, the bearing capacity of certain loose soil masses decreases significantly; therefore, road construction must prioritize addressing this issue.

High embankment stability;

Subgrade slope protection;

Culvert drainage;

Side drainage;

Rapid diversion of surface runoff;

Waterproofing damage to road structures.

3.4 Long-Term Pavement Durability and Heavy Traffic Loads

The MH Expressway not only handles regular passenger traffic but also serves as a vital transportation corridor linking Ethiopia’s southern agricultural regions, industrial parks, and logistics hubs.

With the project fully commissioned, it is expected to handle a significant share of long-distance passenger and freight transport.

The impact of freight vehicles and heavy-axle-load traffic on asphalt pavements:

High-temperature stability;

Rutting resistance;

Fatigue resistance;

Water damage resistance;

Long-term structural durability

Set higher standards.

Meanwhile, the rainy-season environment and fluctuations in subgrade moisture content further increase the risk of pavement damage.

3.5 Large-Scale Bridge and Culvert, Interchange, and Overpass Projects

The MH Expressway is not merely a road‑paving project; it is a comprehensive transportation undertaking that encompasses bridges, culverts, interchanges, and overpass structures.

Some sections must cross rivers, ordinary roads, and other existing transportation facilities.

Therefore, the project simultaneously involves:

Bridge concrete construction;

Prestressed system;

Grouting of bridge ducts;

Bridge-head transition section;

High-fill subgrade;

Culverts and drainage works.

The long-term durability of these structures is likewise a key focus of material and construction quality control.

3.6 Ecological Conservation and Wildlife Passage

Some sections of the project traverse the East African Rift Valley lakes region and ecologically sensitive areas.

To mitigate the impacts of highway construction on riparian ecosystems and wildlife migration, the project has established dedicated ecological conservation facilities, such as **wildlife crossings**.

This means that the project must not only address road capacity but also ensure coordination between infrastructure development and the ecological environment.

4. Use of Products / Houde Products Applied

For projects such as the MH Expressway in Ethiopia… Rift valley geology + expansive soil subgrade + intense seasonal rainfall + long‑distance asphalt highway + bridge and culvert structures In engineering, the material compatibility of Houde can be focused on five key areas:

Asphalt pavement resistance to rutting, resistance to water damage during the rainy season, reinforcement of special subgrades, enhancement of pavement structure, and prestressing construction for bridges.

For projects similar to the MH Expressway, Houde can be tailored to suit different sections of the works:

SBS modifier, high-performance anti‑stripping agent, biaxially oriented plastic geogrid, polyacrylonitrile road‑use reinforcing fiber, and duct grouting agent (for highways) 。

Through the targeted application of specialized materials, it is possible to enhance the stability and resistance to water damage of asphalt pavements, improve the overall stability of special subgrades, and ensure the construction quality of prestressed systems in highway bridges.

Compliance Note: At present, no specific supply contract for MH High-Speed’s Hode products, nor proof of model and quantity, has been obtained. Therefore, the term “compatible/usable” is used uniformly here and should not be construed as an actual supply commitment.

Product Compatibility and Disassembly

SBS modifier

It is suitable for asphalt pavements on expressways, enhancing the high-temperature stability and deformation resistance of asphalt mixtures and improving the rutting resistance of roads under the long-term effects of heavy freight traffic and vehicles with high axle loads.

High-efficiency anti‑spalling agent

Suitable for road environments with pronounced rainy seasons and a high risk of water damage, it enhances the adhesion between asphalt and aggregates, thereby reducing the likelihood of stripping and early‑age distress caused by moisture ingress.

Biaxially Oriented Plastic Geogrid

It is suitable for soft subgrades, expansive soils, large embankments, and areas requiring reinforcement, enhancing the overall stability of the subgrade, improving its load-bearing capacity and resistance to deformation, and helping to control differential settlement.

Polyacrylonitrile Road-Use Reinforcement Fiber

It is suitable for strengthening road structures and controlling cracking, and can enhance the crack resistance, fatigue resistance, and long-term durability of pavement materials.

Hole Grouting Agent (Highway)

It is suitable for grouting prestressed ducts in highway bridges, enhancing the workability and compactness of the grout, reducing the risk of construction defects such as bleeding and voids, and providing long-term protection for the prestressing tendons.

5. Technical Solution

The core construction logic of MH Expressway can be summarized as:

By constructing a new four-lane双向 toll highway, implementing specialized geotechnical ground‑improvement measures, establishing an advanced flood‑drainage system, building bridge‑and‑culvert interchanges, providing wildlife crossings, and deploying an ITS and electronic tolling system, a modern highway corridor has been established to connect Ethiopia’s central and southern economic regions and further integrate into the East African regional transport network.

5.1 Phased Construction System for Lot 4

The project has a total length of approximately 202 kilometers and will be implemented in four major sections, carried out in phases.

Lot 1 and Lot 2 comprise Phase I of the Modjo–Batu/Zeway section.

Lots 3 and 4 continue to extend southward to Arsi Negele and Hawassa.

This construction model enables the African Development Bank, the Export-Import Bank of Korea, the World Bank, the Export-Import Bank of China, and the Government of Ethiopia to participate, respectively, in project financing and construction.

5.2 Two-way, four-lane expressway system

The project adopts a scheme for constructing a new asphalt‑paved expressway.

The first-phase Modjo–Zeway section is configured as a four-lane dual-carriageway expressway, with a central median, shoulders, and the necessary safety facilities provided.

The subsequent sections also employ a controlled-access highway system and are connected to沿线 cities and ordinary roads via interchanges and connecting roads.

5.3 Geological Risk Assessment of the East African Rift Valley

In response to the issue of ground fissures, the engineering study employs:

Field geological survey + Remote-sensing interpretation + Engineering exploration + Laboratory testing

Comprehensive identification of ground fissure distribution and formation mechanisms.

By distinguishing between surface‑visible fractures and concealed fractures, and by analyzing seasonal rainfall, subsurface erosion, and regional tectonic activity, this study provides a scientific basis for highway subgrade design and geological hazard mitigation.

5.4 Special Subgrade Treatment

For certain subgrades characterized by high plasticity, low CBR values, and swelling potential, targeted ground stabilization and subgrade treatment measures are required.

The main technical logic includes:

Treatment of poor soil conditions;

Subgrade stabilization;

Layered filling;

Compaction control;

Subgrade reinforcement;

Drainage and dewatering;

Uneven settlement control.

For material solutions in similar projects under the Houde initiative, the overall integrity of special roadbeds can be enhanced by incorporating geogrids and other materials.

5.5 High Embankments and the Integrated Drainage and Waterproofing System

To address flood, saturated soil, and scour risks, the project incorporates elevated embankments and an extensive network of culverts for drainage.

By raising the road elevation on certain sections and establishing a comprehensive system of culverts, ditches, and surface drainage, floodwaters and seasonal surface runoff can be efficiently conveyed through the roadway.

At the same time, slope protection helps mitigate erosion-induced damage to the road structure.

5.6 Interchanges, Wildlife Crossings, and Intelligent Transportation

The MH Expressway employs a controlled-access design, connecting with towns along the route and existing road networks via interchanges and connector roads.

The project is being constructed concurrently:

Dual-carriageway expressway;

Interchange;

Wildlife corridor;

Electronic toll collection facilities;

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS);

Traffic monitoring and incident management facilities.

This makes the MH Expressway not only a highway, but also a modern high-speed transportation management system.

6. Project Outcomes

The MH Expressway has now been completed. Some contract sections have been put into operation, while the southern section is undergoing ongoing construction and final completion. The state.

The first phase, spanning approximately 93 kilometers, has been put into operation ahead of schedule.

The Modjo–Meki and Meki–Batu/Zeway sections have completed their major construction works and have… Opened to traffic in September 2021. 。

Upon the commencement of Phase I operations, a high-standard expressway connecting Modjo to Batu/Zeway will be established.

The southern section continues to advance steadily.

As of End of March 2026 , the publicly disclosed construction progress shows:

Batu/Zeway–Arsi Negele section: Cumulative completion stands at approximately 97.16%.

Arsi Negele–Hawassa section: Cumulative progress stands at approximately 64.57%.

Therefore, the official website currently recommends describing the project status as:

“Some sections of the project have already been put into operation, while the remaining southern sections are currently under construction and in the final stages of completion.”

It is not recommended to write, “The entire line has been completed and opened to traffic.”

Significant reductions in travel time are expected.

The World Bank projects that, once the entire line is fully operational, the journey from Modjo to Hawassa will take approximately… Reduced from 5 hours to approximately 3 hours. 。

Travel time is expected to be reduced by up to approximately 40%。

Expected to reduce vehicle transportation costs.

Higher‑standard highway conditions are expected to reduce vehicle fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and other operating expenses.

According to publicly available data from the World Bank, vehicle operating costs could decrease by approximately 15%—20% 。

This holds significant economic value for agricultural logistics, industrial transportation, and long-distance freight in southern Ethiopia.

Improve transportation conditions for populations of 1.5 million or more.

The project is expected to improve the areas along the route. More than 1.5 million people Transportation access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, industrial zones, and other public service facilities.

Serving the Hawassa Industrial Park and the Southern Economic Corridor

The MH Expressway connects Hawassa with key economic hubs along its route.

Hawassa is a major industrial and urban center in southern Ethiopia, and the improvement of its highway network will further enhance transportation efficiency between the local industrial park and the southern industrial zone on the one hand, and the central logistics network on the other.

7. Key Figures

8. Value to China & Ethiopia

The value to Ethiopia

The most direct value of the MH Expressway lies in establishing a high-standard transportation corridor that extends from Ethiopia’s central economic region to the south.

The project connects key nodes such as Modjo, Batu, Arsi Negele, and Hawassa, establishing more efficient road links among agricultural production areas, urban centers, industrial parks, and the national logistics network.

Under conventional road conditions, the travel time from Modjo to Hawassa is approximately 5 hours.

Once the expressway is fully operational, travel time is expected to be reduced to approximately three hours, while vehicle operating costs will also decrease.

For agricultural producers and businesses, improved road infrastructure helps reduce the time it takes for agricultural and industrial products to reach markets and logistics centers.

For residents along the route, it will enhance transportation accessibility to schools, healthcare facilities, employment opportunities, and public services.

More importantly, the MH Expressway is not merely a domestic intercity highway.

The project belongs to Cairo–Cape Town Trans-African Highway System , heading south, it can further connect to Ethiopia’s road network leading toward Kenya.

Accordingly, the project will facilitate the movement of goods and people between Ethiopia and the East African regional market, while enhancing regional transport connectivity.

Value to China

The MH Expressway is also one of the flagship projects showcasing the participation of Chinese financial institutions and engineering firms in Ethiopia’s transport infrastructure development.

Among them, The 52-kilometer section of the Arsi Negele–Hawassa road has secured financing support from the Export-Import Bank of China. 。

Chinese engineering firms have also participated in the construction of the relevant road sections.

The project is confronted with a complex engineering environment characterized by ground fissures in the East African Rift Valley, expansive soils, monsoon flooding, specialized subgrades, long‑span asphalt pavements, and large bridges and culverts, thereby imposing stringent requirements on highway construction organization and the durability of construction materials.

From the perspective of Hode’s material solutions, MH High-Speed comprehensively embodies:

Typical application scenarios include asphalt modification for highways, resistance to water damage, reinforcement of special subgrades, crack resistance in pavements, and prestressing construction for bridges.

Therefore, this project is well-suited to serve as a showcase of virtue.

Highway asphalt materials + geosynthetic materials + engineering fibers + bridge construction materials

A representative overseas case of the integrated solution logic.

FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the MH Expressway project in Ethiopia?

MH Highway is the abbreviation for the Modjo–Hawassa Expressway.

The project is located in south-central Ethiopia, extending from Modjo to Hawassa over a total length of approximately 202 kilometers, and constitutes an important high-standard toll highway in the country.

Q2: What is the total length of the MH Expressway?

According to the standard adopted in mainstream official project documentation in recent years, the MH Expressway has a total length of approximately 202 kilometers 。

Various early planning documents have previously cited approximate figures such as 202 kilometers and 203 kilometers; therefore, the Houdé official website recommends adopting a unified designation:

“The total length is approximately 202 kilometers.”

Q3: How many major contract sections does the MH Expressway comprise?

The project is primarily divided into four contract sections:

Modjo–Meki approximately 56.4 kilometers;

Meki–Batu/Zeway approximately 37 kilometers;

Batu/Zeway–Arsi Negele approximately 57.1 kilometers;

Arsi Negele–Hawassa is approximately 52 kilometers.

Q4: What are the representative engineering features of the MH Expressway?

One of the project’s most representative engineering features is… Crossing the active region of the East African Rift Valley 。

Certain sections exhibit ground fissures, expansive subgrade soils, seasonal rainfall, flood scouring, and other geotechnical challenges, thereby imposing stringent requirements on geological investigations, subgrade stability, road drainage, and pavement durability.

Q5: Has the MH Expressway been fully completed?

As of now, it is not advisable to state that “the entire line has been completed and opened to traffic.”

Lot 1 and Lot 2 are now open to traffic.

As of the end of March 2026, Lot 3 has achieved a cumulative construction progress of approximately 97.16%, while Lot 4 stands at about 64.57%.

The official website recommends using:

“Some contract sections are already in operation, while the remaining sections are under construction and being finalized.”

Q6: What benefits are expected upon the completion of the MH Expressway?

According to relevant World Bank data, once the entire line is fully operational, the travel time between Modjo and Hawassa is expected to be reduced from approximately… Reduced from 5 hours to approximately 3 hours. 。

Vehicle operating costs are expected to decrease by approximately 15%—20% 。

Meanwhile, the project is expected to improve more than 1.5 million people Transport accessibility.

Q7: Which Hode products are suitable for MH high-speed projects of the same type?

Depending on the specific engineering components and project technical requirements, it can be adapted to Houde:

SBS modifier, high-performance anti‑stripping agent, biaxially oriented plastic geogrid, polyacrylonitrile road‑use reinforcing fiber, and duct grouting admixture (for highways) 。

These products correspond to:

High-temperature stability of heavy-load asphalt pavements;

Roads are resistant to water damage during the rainy season;

Reinforcement of special and weak subgrades;

Crack-resistant pavement reinforcement;

Construction of prestressed ducts for bridges.

Specific product models and application solutions shall be determined in accordance with the project’s technical specifications, local raw materials, and on-site testing.

Q8: Why is MH High-Speed suitable as a case study for highway material solutions?

Because the project simultaneously possesses:

East African Rift Valley ground fissures, expansive soil subgrades, monsoon flooding and erosion, long‑span asphalt pavements, freight traffic, bridge and culvert structures, and ecological conservation.

and various other typical engineering scenarios.

These conditions collectively reflect the requirements of large-scale expressways:

Pavement rutting resistance, resistance to water damage, subgrade stability, crack resistance and durability, as well as bridge construction quality.

Comprehensive requirements for material properties.

Accordingly, MH Expressway boasts a strong portfolio of representative cases in the field of highway material solutions for overseas projects.