Draft Geometric Design Report

Woldia Town Stadium Access Road Ethiopian Roads Authority
Design and Build Road Project

Geometric Design Report Feb . 2021
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................6
1.1 Introduction and Purpose......................................................................................6
1.2 Contract Data........................................................................................................8
1.3 Scope of Work s and Objectives...........................................................................8
1.4 Items of work........................................................................................................9
1.5 Project Description..............................................................................................11
1.5.1 Topography..................................................................................................12
1.6 Scope of Detailed Design....................................................................................13
In section 6.4 of the employer requirement of Roadway and geometric design....13
In Section 6.4.4 Design criteria....................................................................................13
1.7 Standards and reference publications..................................................................13
1.7.1 Conflicts & Priority.....................................................................................14

2 GEOMETRIC DESIGN.......................................................................................15
2.1 Introductory Notes on Geometric Design...........................................................15
2.2 Design Control and Criteria................................................................................16
2.2.1 Road functional classification......................................................................16

2.2.2 Design Standards.........................................................................................17
2.2.3 Design Vehicles...........................................................................................18
2.2.4 Design Speed...............................................................................................19
2.2.5 Terrain Classification...................................................................................19
2.3 Detailed Road Design....................................................................................21
2.3.1 Horizontal Alignment..................................................................................21

2.3.2 Vertical Alignment......................................................................................22
2.3.3 Road Widths, Cross Sections.......................................................................22
2.3.4 Carriage Way Cross fall...............................................................................23
2.3.5 Shoulder/walkway.......................................................................................23
2.3.6 Shoulder/walkway cross slope.....................................................................24
2.3.7 Transition Curves.........................................................................................24
2.3.8 Super elevation............................................................................................24
2.3.9 Widening......................................................................................................26
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2.3.1 Side Slopes and Back Slopes.......................................................................27

2.3.2 Intersection Design......................................................................................29
2.3.3 Departure from the standards.......................................................................30
3 ROAD SAFETY DESIGN...................................................................................34
3.1 Introduction......................................................................................................34
3.2 8.2 Traffic signs..........................................................................................34
3.3 Road /Pavement markings............................................................................35
3.4 Marker posts....................................................................................................35
3.5 ROW Marker Posts........................................................................................36
3.6 Rumble strips...................................................................................................36
3.7 Guard Rails......................................................................................................37
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List of Tables
TABLE 1-1: CONTRACT DATA........................................................................................................................ 8
TABLE 1-2, PROJECT DESCRIPTION............................................................................................................... 11
TABLE 2-1: GEOMETRIC DESIGN STANDARD PARAMETERS FOR THE PROJECT ROAD .............................................17
TABLE 2-2: DESIGN VEHICLE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS................................................................................18
TABLE 2-3: LIST OF TOWN/VILLAGE SECTION......................................................................................23
TABLE 2-4: SUPER-ELEVATION RATES AND LENGTH OF RUN-OFF: 4% FOR URBAN SECTION.....................................26
TABLE 2-5: CURVE WIDENING TABLE................................................................................................... 27
TABLE 2-6: FILL WIDENING TABLE....................................................................................................... 27
TABLE 2-7: SLOPE RATIO TABLE – VERTICAL TO HORIZONTAL..........................................................28
TABLE 2-8: DEPARTURE FROM MAXIMUM GRADIENT...........................................................................30
TABLE 2-9: DEPTH OF CUT/FILL BEFORE AND AFTER DEPARTURE ALONG THE ROAD.................................................31
Table 3-1: Guide Post spacing....................................................................................................... 36
List of Figures
FIGURE 1-1: LOCATION MAP OF THE PROJECT..........................................................................................................12
FIGURE 2-1: SUPER ELEVATION DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLE FOR SPIRAL CURVE TRANSITION.............................................25
Figure 2-2: Super Elevation Development Principle For Circular Curve Transition.......................................25
Annex
Annex 01 List of Horizontal Curve Data
Annex 02 List of Vertical Curve Data
Annex 03 Typical Section
Annex 04 Visual Soil Extension
Annex 05 Road Marking Standard
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List of Abbreviations
AADT Annual Average Daily Traffic

AASHTO American Association of State Highway Transport Officials
ADT Average Daily Traffic
BoQ Bill of Quantities
CBR California Bearing Ratio
CN Curve Number
CSA Central Statistical Agency
0
C Degree Celsius
DS Design Standards (ERA Geometric Design Manual)
EHS Environmental Health and Safety
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EIRR Economic Internal Rate of Return
EMA Ethiopian Mapping Authority
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
ERA Ethiopian Roads Authority
ESA Equivalent Standard Axles (8.16 ton)
ETB Ethiopian Birr
FDRE Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
FYRR First Year Rate of Return
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GIS Geographical Information System
GPS Global Positioning System
IDF Intensity Duration Frequency
IRI International Roughness Index
IRR Internal Rate of Return (economic)
ISO International Standards Organization
km kilometre
LHS Left Hand Side
LP Longitudinal Profile
m metre
No. Number
PAP Project Affected Persons
QA Quality Assurance
QAP Quality Assurance Plan
QM Quality Management
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RAP Resettlement Action Plan

RC Reinforced Concrete
RFP Request for Proposal
RHS Right Hand Side
ROW Right of Way
SCS Soil Conservation Service (US)
SIA Social Impact Assessment
SN Structural Number
SNP Structural Number (adjusted for subgrade strength)
Sq km square kilometres
ToR Terms of Reference
TRL Transport Research Laboratory (UK), previously TRRL
Zeluel Yohannes General Contractor Joint Venture Bokra Construction and Trading P.L.C v
Woldia Town Stadium Access Road Ethiopian Roads Authority Design and
Build Road Project
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction and Purpose
To address development constraints caused by poor condition of roads and restricted access and,
owing to the importance of the road transport in supporting social and economic growth and in
meeting poverty reduction objectives, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has placed an
increased emphasis on improving the quality and size of the road infrastructure. The government of
Ethiopia had formulated, in 1996, a strategy named Road Sector Development Program (RSDP). The
RSDP has now stretches to the fourth phase where three phases each covering five years have
already completed. Under the various RSDP schemes, the government has made a huge amount of
investment towards improvement of the road network; both qualitatively and quantitatively. These
investment outlays cover the finance for the rehabilitation or upgrading of the main trunk, link and rural
roads and construction of new roads to expand the network.
As has been the case in the past, the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
(FDRE) continues its commitment to give the road sector the highest priority and is preparing more
projects for funding by donors and from the national budget. Individual road projects are selected for
inclusion in the RSDP on the basis of needs assessment and taking into account the level of traffic,
road condition and access problem etc. In accordance with the above and its overall road sector
strategy, the FDRE, represented by Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA), has allocated sufficient budget
to finance payments for the design and construction works of Woldia Town Section Road project
including Woldia Town Stadium Access Road Design and Build Road Project through the Design and
Build contract delivery strategy.
The Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (the
Employer) signed an Agreement with Zeluel Yohannes General Contractor Joint Venture Bokra
Construction P.L.C on the 24th day of January, 2018 for Design and Construction of Woldia
Town Section Road project (5.36Km) and on the 24th day of January, 2018 for Woldia Town
Stadium Access Road Design and Build Road Project(2.17)
The purpose of this Detail Geometric Design Report for Woldia Town Stadium Access Road Design
and Build Road Project is to present the process and the approach that has been used for the
preparation of Geometric Design and Drawings to the Employer’s Representative and ERA. This
report mainly prepared to present the geometric design consideration. It makes reference to the other
Zeluel Yohannes General Contractor Joint Venture Bokra Construction and Trading P.L.C 6
Build Road Project
project reports and recording when it is related with it, but does not repeat significant parts of those
reports.
Build Road Project
1.2 Contract Data
Table 1-1: Contract Data
Project Name: Woldia Town Section Road project (5.36Km)

Woldia Town Stadium Access Road Project
(2.17)
Project Ref.No:
Funding: Government of Ethiopia
Employer Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA)
Head Office Ras Abebe Aregay Street (P.O.
Box 1770)
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contractor : Zeluel Yohannes General Contractor Joint
Venture Bokra Construction and Trading
P.L.C
Employer’s Representative: Pure Consulting Engineers Plc.
Project Period:
Contract Sign Date
Commencement Date
Project Cost
1.3 Scope of Work s and Objectives
The project comprises:
 Investigating, surveying, Designing and constructing of the roadway and any necessary
structures
 Designing and constructing DC6 standard road and as modified in the Employer requirement,
 Designing and Constructing Bridges, and culverts
 Designing and constructing surface drains
 Designing and constructing under drains where appropriate
 Designing and Constructing Paved Roadways
 Designing and Constructing gabions, Retaining Walls, and other road protection works
 Pavement Markings and Erecting Traffic Signs
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 Compatible traffic management during the construction stages of the project.
 Studying and applying applicable environmental mitigation measures at design stage so that
the impact of the construction of the road on the environment shall be prevented initially
 Framing a sound Environmental Management plan to be followed at construction stage so as

to mitigate the negative impacts to the absolute minimum desirable
 And other necessary works to meet the Employer’s requirement
1.4 Items of work
The work shall consist of furnishing all design, plans, documentation, equipment, materials, labour and
incidentals necessary to complete the road project successfully in compliance with the contract
provisions. The Contractor for this project shall perform, as minimum, the primary item of work listed
below. This list is not all-inclusive and the Contractor shall be responsible for identifying all items of
work and executing them according to the design and specifications to meet the employer’s
requirement.
Design work Items:
 Topographic Survey
 Geotechnical investigation
 Geometric Design
 Junction Design
 Pavement Design
 Bridge Design
 Culvert (Pipe/Box/Slab) Design
 Side Drains design
 Under Drain Design
 Retaining Wall Design
 Permanent Signs Design
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 Pavement Marking Design
 Roads Safety Audit
 Design of Protection Works such as guard rails, gabions, grassing, etc
 Quality management program of implementation
 Design Documents
 Record drawings of As Built plans
Construction work Items:
 Construction of the roadway to DC6 standard (as per ERA’s 2013 Geometric Design
Standard)and as modified in this Employer’s Requirements.
 Demolishing and removal of substandard structures such as pipe, slab and box culverts, bailey
bridge, Fords and Vented Causeways, if any
 Constructing new Bridges and culverts (pipes/slab/box culverts as required)
 Clearing and maintaining the existing structures, if any, and improving their flow direction
 Constructing under drains wherever deemed necessary
 Constructing surface drains
 Constructing surface drains on benches
 Constructing Asphalt Concrete Pavement
 Constructing walkways and median as per the cross section given
 Constructing Retaining Walls, Gabions, and other road protection works
 Pavement Markings and Erecting Traffic Signs, Guide Posts, Km Posts, Guard Rails
 Constructing other ancillary works as required
 Constructing detour/diversion Roads to manage traffic as deemed necessary
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 Reinstatement of used quarries, borrow and any other sites
1.5 Project Description
The project road is located in Northern part of Ethiopia, in Amhara National Regional State,
particularly in North Wollo Zone. The project road fully located in Woldia Town which is
520Km from Addis Ababa. The Woldia Stadium access road project comprises three different
segments which gives access and links the stadium with the Woldia towns. These three
segments designated as Segment One(1), Segment two(2) and Segment three(3). Segment
one(1) which have a total length of 1.12km starts from Mechare Roundabout and end at near
to the Main Gate of the Stadium. Segment one(2) starts from Segment one at station 0+700
and ends on the main roads from Dessie to Woldia Town. Segment one(2) is 708m long.
Segment three(3) which have a length of 128m starts from end of Segment one(1) and
directs towards and ends at the main gate of Stadium
Table 1-2, Project Description
Project Name Woldia Town Stadium Access Road Design and Build Road
Project
Region / Zone/City Amhara National Regional State / North Wollo Zone / Woldia
Town
Starting Point Description Segment One(1) at Mechare Roundabout
Segment two(2) at Station 0+700 on Segment one
Segment three(3) at end of Segment One(1)
Ending Point Description Segment One(1), Near to Stadium main gate
Segment two(2) on the main road from Woldia to Dessie
Segment three(3) at Stadium main gate
Length (km) Segment One(1), 1.29Km
Segment two(2) 0.708Km
Segment three(3) 0.13Km
Total Length 2.12Km
Climate Classification C-3- Woina Dega (Altitude : min. 1850m – max. 1885m)
Design Standard DC 6
Surfacing Asphalt Concrete carriage way and SST shoulder
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Figure 1-1: Location map of the project
1.5.1 Topography
The Project Road is primarily traversing through trolling terrain based the classes of the ERA
Geometric Design Manual (sub-chapter '5.6 Terrain'),
1.6 Scope of Detailed Design
Various sections of the Contract between the Zeluel Yohannes General Contractor Joint Venture
Bokra Construction and Trading P.L.C (Contractor) for the 'Construction Works of Woldia Town
Stadium Access Road Project' define the scope of the detailed design including
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In section 6.4 of the employer requirement of Roadway and geometric design
 Design and construct the roadways in accordance with the requirements of this section,
including referenced standards and publications, performance requirements, design and
construction criterion, and required submittals. The roadway design shall be done with a
view of delivering acceptable and fit for the purposes design for the road users and avoids
any disruption to people living alongside of the road. The design shall provide sufficient
solutions to problems that may arise in relation to terrain condition, in particular in
town/village sections the geometric design must consider accessibility.
In Section 6.4.4 Design criteria
 The Contractor shall conduct all work necessary to complete the design and construction
of the road geometry in coordination with all other elements of work required for the
project.
1.7 Standards and reference publications
Design and construct the roadway in accordance with the requirements of the standards listed
below in the order of priority.
 ERA’s 2013 Geometric Design Manual
 ERA’s 2013 Standard Technical Specification and Method of Measurement for Road Works
 ERA’s 2013 Standard Drawings
 ERA’s 2013 Pavement Design Manuals
 ERA’s 2013 Drainage Design Manual
 ERA’s 2013 Bridge Design Manual
 ERA’s 2013 Geotechnical Design Manual
 ERA’s 2013 Site Investigation Manual
 ERA Standard Environmental Procedures Manual (2013)
 American Association of State Highway and Transport Officials (AASHTO), Latest Version.
Build Road Project
1.7.1 Conflicts & Priority
If there is any conflict among standards, adhere to the standard with the highest priority. The
Contractor shall also use the most current version of each listed standards.
2 GEOMETRIC DESIGN
2.1 Introductory Notes on Geometric Design
Build Road Project
The overall process of the road alignment (horizontal and vertical) design in different terrain
condition to meet the need of the road users is generally known as geometric design. The
main geometric features are:
 The horizontal alignment;

 Vertical alignment; and
 Road Cross Section
Besides these main features, geometric design involves design of road furniture and safety
enhancing structures and elements
The process of geometric design usually encompasses design considerations resulting from
multi-disciplinary studies which try to define the various contexts of the project road.
Accordingly, geometric design has to be carried out in a context sensitive manner. Context
Sensitive Design is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves all constituents to
develop a transportation facility that fits its physical setting and preserves scenic, aesthetic,
historic and environmental resources, while maintaining safety and mobility to all road users,
and enhancing the economic, social and other needs of the society.
In terms of this concept, it is assumed that every project is unique which requires designers to
address the needed roadway improvements while safely integrating the design into the
unique surrounding natural and built environment.
Thus, geometric design must aim at combining various geometric design elements to produce
a sound and harmonious design which
 Provide the most simple geometry attainable, consistent with the physical constraints,
 Provide a design that has a reasonable and consistent margin of safety at the
expected design speeds,
 Provide a facility that is adequate and convenient to all the road users at the expected
traffic conditions,
 Provide a facility that is Stable and Sustainable
 Provide a facility that is in harmony with the community and preserves environmental,
scenic, aesthetic, historic, and built and natural resources of the area.
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 Provide a facility that has acceptable economic returns
Geometric design standards often define parameters and limiting values considering the
following three main objectives:-
 it shall ensure safety and comfort of drivers;

 it shall ensure that the road is designed economically; and
 it must ensure uniformity of the alignment
2.2 Design Control and Criteria
2.2.1 Road functional classification
Road function is basically related to the most common types and purposes of travel, trip and
character of service the roads provide. The character of service can broadly be understood
as mobility, access and a mixture of Mobility and Access.
In the Ethiopian context road classification is based on the function of the road it serves. In
line with this the Ethiopian Roads Authority Geometric Design Standard Manual, 2013, has
classified the existing roads based on the function they serve. It has also set terms on which
future road classification should base.
Functional classification (the grouping of highways by the character of service they provide) of
roads was developed mainly for transportation planning purposes. ERA’S Design Standard
classifies roads into five (5) categories based on the character of service they provide. These
are
 Trunk Roads
 Link Roads
 Main Access Roads
 Collector Roads
 Feeder Roads
Since the road give access and mobility between Woldia town and Stadium, the road could be
classified as Link (Class IV) which can be designed to design classes ranging from DC3 to
DC7 according to ERA Geometric Design Manual 2013.
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2.2.2 Design Standards
The project road has been design to DC6 (as per ERA’s 2013 Geometric Design Standard) standard
as modified and indicated in Error: Reference source not found of employer requirement section
6.4.3 and in ERA’s 2013 Geometric Design Manual and as shown Below
Table 2-3: Geometric Design Standard Parameters for the Project Road
Urban
Design Element Unit
Design Speed km/h 50
Width of Running Surface m 7.0+
Min. Stopping g=0% m 65

Sight Distance g=5% m 70
g=10% m 75
Min. Passing Sight Distance m 180
% Passing Opportunity % 20
Min. Horizontal SE=4% m 95

Curve Radius
Transition Curves Required No
Max. Gradient(Desirable) % 7
Max. Gradient (Absolute) % 9
Minimum Gradient % 0.5
Maximum Super-elevation % 4
Min. Crest Vertical Curve K 10
Min. Sag Vertical Curve K 7
Normal Cross fall % 2.5
2.2.3 Design Vehicles
The selection of the appropriate design vehicle is a key element in deciding lane width and
providing minimum turning paths at the intersections. The design vehicle considered for the
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project road [according to ERA Geometric design manual 2013] is DV4 with a dimension of
overall length of 15.2 m and a width of 2.6 m.
The major intersection of the project has been design with proper intersection design
principles to allow a smooth entry and exit for DV4 vehicles. All major intersection has been
design in detail and included with the design drawings.
Table 2-4: Design vehicle physical characteristics
Overhang(m Min.
Dimensions (m) Wheel
Design ) Turning
Designation base
Vehicle Radius(m
Height Width Length Front Rear (m)
)
Semi-Trailer
DV4 4.1 2.6 15.2 1.2 1.8 13.2 13.7
Combination
2.2.4 Design Speed
Design speed is the maximum safe speed that can be maintained over a specified section of
highway when conditions are so favourable that the Design features of the highway govern.
Above minimum design values should be used where feasible, but in view of the numerous
constraints often encountered, practical values should be recognized and used. Some
features, such as curvature, super elevation, and sight distance, are directly related to, and
vary appreciably with the design speed.
For the subject project, the design speed chosen depends on the Design Standard provided
in the employer requirement and Area classification. And the project road totally fall in the
woldia town. Therefore the project design speed is 50Km/hr
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2.2.5 Terrain Classification
Topography and physical features play an important role in the location and design of a road.
To design a road economically and adequately and to entertain the different factors, the
design elements must be related to topographic features.
In general, construction costs will be greater as the terrain becomes more difficult and higher
standards will become less justifiable or achievable in such situations than for roads in either
flat or rolling terrain. Drivers should also expect lower standards in such conditions and
therefore adjust their driving accordingly, so minimizing accident risk. Design speed will
therefore vary with terrain.
Terrain class need to be established before a road is designed hence it needs to be defined
independently of the alignment that is finally selected for the road. It is determined by
counting the number of 5meter contours crossed by straight line connecting the two ends of
the road section in question according to Ethiopian Roads Authority Geometric Design
Manual, 2013 as shown below
Flat: 0-10 five meter contours per Km. the transverse ground slopes perpendicular to
the ground contours and generally below 3%
Rolling: 11-25 five-meter contours per km. the transverse ground slopes perpendicular
to the ground contours are generally between 3% and 25%
Mountainous: 26-50 five-meter contours per km. the transverse ground slopes
perpendicular to the ground contours are generally above 25%
Escarpment: are geological features that require special geometric standards

because of the engineering problems involved. They are characterized by
more than 50 five meter contours per km and the transverse ground
slopes perpendicular to the ground contours are generally greater than
50%
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Terrain classification is a useful tool which explains the physical characteristics of the project
area and its influence on drivers’ selection of operating speed. As such terrain type is directly
related to design speed for each functional class, and geometric design standard of roads as
explained in ERA Geometric Design Manual. Thus, the station wise terrain classification of
the project is used to set different design speeds and corresponding limiting values (minimum
or maximum) for geometric elements.
The project road has been studied thoroughly from 1:50,000 topographical maps, aerial
photos prior to and during a field reconnaissance. The detailed topographic survey results
also examined in order to classify the road corridor and accordingly the project road terrain
classification has been done. All the road segments topographically fall in rolling terrain.
2.3 Detailed Road Design
2.3.1 Horizontal Alignment
 General
Changes in direction are necessitated in highway alignment due to obligatory points. The
alignment should enable consistent, safe and smooth movement of vehicle operating at
design speed. The design elements of horizontal alignment are the tangent or straight
section, the circular curve, the transition curve (spiral) and the super elevation section.
In the course of the design of the horizontal alignment due care has be taken to ensure that
the design matches the employer requirements, so that, the primary objective, safety is
achieved. Therefore, to achieve the objective the following factors were given due attention
during the design process
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 Safety
 Compliance with the standards in the design manual
 Environmental impact
 Minimum destruction of crops, forests and houses
 Suitable crossing for bridges
In addition to the above considerations in the design of the horizontal alignment, safety
measures like widening and super elevating the circular curves, introducing guideposts,
guard rail and signposts on sharp curves, approach to bridges and at high fills were given.
 Tangent
From a safety standpoint, it provides better visibility and more passing opportunities.
However, long tangent sections increase the danger from headlight glare and usually lead to
excessive speeding. It has been found that a maximum tangent length, measured in meters,
of 20 times the design speed in Km/hr. Thus a safer alternative is obtained by a widening
alignment with tangent deflecting 5 to 10 degree alternately from right to left. In design of the
project all Straight section have length (meter) less than 20x design speed in km/h.
 Horizontal Curve
As a vehicle traverses a circular curve it is subject to inertial forces, which must be balanced
by centripetal forces, associated with the circular path. For a given radius and speed a set of
forces is required to keep the vehicle in its path. The minimum radius requirement and super
elevation has been adopted from employer requirement and ERA 2013 geometric design
manual.
For the subject project, the horizontal alignment curve data is attached in Annex-1 of the
report.
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2.3.2 Vertical Alignment
Vehicle operations on gradients are complex and depend on a number of factors: severity
and length of gradient; level and composition of traffic; and the number of overtaking
opportunities on the gradient and in its vicinity. ERA Geometric Design Manual 2013 and
employer requirement criteria has been considered during the design of vertical alignment
design
For the subject project, the vertical alignment design data are attached in Annex-2 of the
report.
2.3.3 Road Widths, Cross Sections
Cross-section is an important feature of a highway having great influence on safety and

comfort. The absolute minimum width of a road will depend on the road alignment and the
volume and type of traffic (vehicles) which will use the road. In order to avoid accidents
involving vehicles running off the road and colliding head-on, the lane and shoulder widths
should be adjusted to respond for the traffic requirements and characteristics of the terrain.
The employer requirement clearly shows the road width and cross sectional elements that
should be used during the design and construction of the project.
And the following typical sections have been used for each town/village sections. The detail
typical section drawings shown in Annex-3
Table 2-5: List of town/Village section
Total roadway widths for both sides (m) (excluding

Typical Cross Section Limits back slopes and side slopes)
Total Administrat
From To Carriageway Parking Shoulder Median Walkway width ive seat
Segment Length(m) (m) Lane(m) (m) (m) (m) (m) type
1 0+000 1+288 1+288 12 5 0 3 10 30 Zonal Seat
2 0+000 0+709 0+709 7 0 0 0 5 12 Zonal Seat
3 0+000 0+128.33 128.33 7 0 0 0 5 12 Zonal Seat
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2.3.4 Carriage Way Cross fall
Camber consists of a straight line cross fall from the centre line to the carriageway edges.
Two lane roads generally have a cambered transverse profile, while straight cross fall from
edge to edge of the carriage way is used for single-lane and for each carriageway of divided
roads.
The camber should be sufficient to provide adequate surface drainage whilst not being so
great as to be hazardous by making steering difficult. The camber or cross fall slope varies
according to the type of surface.
For this specific project case, the employer requirement recommends using ERA’s
GEOMETRIC DESIGN MANUAL-2013 Table 2.9 and as modified in the typical section. The
normal cross fall of 2.5 % has been provided for the entire length of the project.
2.3.5 Shoulder/walkway
Shoulders are not defined for unpaved roads but for high number volume of passenger car
units, shoulders width provided for paved roads and the width shall be defined accordingly
with the type of terrain and land use. Since the Project roads mainly lies in town section,
raised walk way with curb stone has been used. Hence 5m and 2.5m walkway width for
segment 01 and segment 02&03 respectively.
2.3.6 Shoulder/walkway cross slope
3.0% normal cross fall the walkway tiles has been provided in the whole section.
2.3.7 Transition Curves
For Ethiopian roads, transition curve is a requirement for trunk and link roads having a design
speed of equal to or greater than 80 km/h. since the project roads lay in the town section,
transition curve is not applied
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2.3.8 Super elevation
Super elevation is provided to counteract centrifugal forces. It mainly depends on design

speed, radius and lateral friction of the pavement. ERA’s design manual for super elevation
rate recommends a maximum of 8% for rural sections and a maximum super elevation rate
of 4% for town sections. Super elevation with maximum of 4% has be applied for the project.
Figure 2-2: Super Elevation Development Principle For Spiral Curve Transition
Figure 2-3: Super Elevation Development Principle For Circular Curve Transition
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Table 2-6: Super-Elevation Rates And Length Of Run-Off: 4% For Urban Section
2.3.9 Widening
 Widening due to Curvature
Widening is important on the curve section of the road to allow for turning vehicles and to
make operating conditions comparable to those on tangents. This is necessary as the wheel
tracking width is increased.
According to ERA design manual-2013, curve widening is applied on one side of the road and
it is usually on the inside of the curve to match the tendency for drivers to cut the inside edge
of the travelled way. The curve widening is applied over no more than the length of the super
elevation runoff preceding the curve. And curve widening has been used for the radius less
than 250 as shown in the table below.
Table 2-7: Curve widening table
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Radius of Curve widening Two

Curve(m) lanes(m)
>250 0.0
120-250 0.6
60-120 0.9
40-60 1.2
20-40 1.5
<20 Switch backs
 Widening due to High fills
Widening on high embankment is recommended for design class DC8 to DC4 at high fills for
the psychological comfort of the driver. ERA Geometric design manual-2013 for widening
provisions for high fill is shown in the table below and the same has been applied for the
subject project.
Table 2-8: Fill widening table
Height of fill Fill widening Amount(m)

0.0-3.0 0.0
3.0-6.0 0.3
6.0-9.0 0.6
Over 9.0 0.9
Widening for curvature and high fill shall be added where both case apply.
The height of fill is measured from the edge of the shoulder to the toe of the slope
2.3.1 Side Slopes and Back Slopes
Side Slope is the area between the outer edge of shoulder or hinge point and the
ditch bottom. Whereas, Back Slope is the area proceeding from ditch bottom to
the limit of the earthworks. The slopes of fills (embankments) and cuts must
be adapted to the soil properties and depths of the earthwork. Side slopes
should be designed to insure roadway stability and to provide a reasonable
Build Road Project
opportunity for recovery for an out-of-control vehicle

The selection of side slopes and back slopes is dependent on safety
considerations, height of fill or depth of cut and economic considerations. Table
6.1 of ERA's Geometric Design Manual-2013 indicates the side slope ratios
recommended for use in the design and construction of the project according to
the height of fill and depth of cut, and the material type.
Table 2-9: Slope Ratio Table – Vertical to Horizontal

Side Slope(V:H)
Material Height of Slope(m) Cut Fill Back Slope
0.0 - 1.0 1:3 1:3
1.0 - 2.0 1:2 1:2
Earth or Soil Over 2.0 2:3 2:3
0.0 - 2.0 4:5 2:1
Strong Rock Over 2.0 1:1 4:1
0.0 - 2.0 2:3 2:1
Weathered Rock Over 2.0 1:1 3:1
0.0 - 1.0 1:3 1:3
1.0 – 2.0 1:2 1:2 1:2
Decomposed Rock Over 2.0 2:3 2:3
0.0 - 2.0 1:6
Black Cotton Soil
Over 2.0 1:4
(Expansive Clays) (a)
The visual soil extension of the project and the back slope recommendation that
has been used for cross section preparation is shown in Annex 4
 Benching
Deep cut and high fill exist in mountainous and escarpment sections
of the project road, which require construction of benching for the back
slopes as well as fill benches: -
Cut Benching shall be provided on the sections of
 In soil and decomposed rock, a berm having a minimum width

of 3m is provided when depth of cut exceeds 7m in order to
ensure the stability of the slope.
 In rocks and weathered rock a berm having a minimum width

of 3m is provided when depth of cut exceeds 10m in order
to ensure the stability of the slope.
 Fill benching
 Fill benching also shall be provided where the ground cross

fall exceeds 25% and it is intended to protect the fill
material from sliding or increase the bondage between the
ground and the fill material.
2.3.2 Intersection Design
Junction, or intersection, is the general area where two or more roads

join. A disproportionate amount of traffic accidents occur at junctions, and
thus from a traffic safety aspect junctions require attention and careful
design. Good junction design should allow transition from one route to
another or through movement on the main route and intersecting route
with minimum delay and maximum safety. To accomplish this, the layout
and operation of the junction should be obvious to the driver, with good
visibility between conflicting movements.
Zeluel Yohannes General Contractor Joint Venture Bokra Construction and Trading P.L.C
28
For all major intersection, the detail design will be prepared and
submitted after the geometric design approved. And for minor road
junction, standard drawing has been provided in the design drawing
album.
2.3.3 Departure from the standards
As per section 6.4.5 Departure has not been allowed considering the flat to rolling
terrain, however in the section 6.4.1 state “the roadway design shall be done with a
view of delivering acceptable and fit for purposes design for road users and avoids
any disruption to people living alongside of the road. The design shall provide
sufficient solutions to problems that may arise in relation to terrain condition, in
particular in town/village sections the geometric design must consider accessibility.
Therefore we proposed the following departure to solve the access problem in town
section
2.3.3.1 List of Requested Departures from Standard
The Requested departure from the standard in this the section is departure
from Maximum gradient as presented in the following tables.
Table 2-10: Departure from Maximum gradient
Desirable Absolute
Chainage Design Grade
Land- Maximum Maximum
No Grade Lengt Terrain Remark
use Grade Grade
From To (%) h (m)
(%) (%)
0+344.3 0+443.3
1 -7.46 99.064 7 9 departure
0 6
Rolling urban
0+543.5 0+670.3
2 7.99 126.713 7 9 departure
8 0
2.3.3.2 Reasons for Maximum Gradient
29
The main reason for the requested departures from maximum gradient at Segment
02 (i.e 0+344-0+443 and 0+543 -0+670) is to avoid Deep cuts which causes
uncomfortably access to residents along the project roads in the town.
As can be seen in the table and figure illustrated below if the gradient is 7% will create
access problem for adjoin properties.
Table 2-11: Depth of Cut/Fill before and after departure along the Road
Section from 0+543- 0+670

CL LHS RHS CL LHS RHS
Station Cut Cut Cut Cut Cut Cut
Depth Depth Depth Depth Depth Depth
Before Departure After Departure
600 1.29 1.12 0.36 0.73 0.66 0.21
610 1.1 0.7 0.81 0.44 0.29 0.21
620 1.46 0.66 1.22 0.7 0.27 0.47
630 1.83 0.94 1.5 0.96 0.48 0.63
640 1.93 1.54 2.21 0.98 0.83 0.68
650 2.02 1.65 3.82 1.04 0.91 2.53
660 1.8 1.43 3.47 0.84 0.74 2.23
670 1.62 1.3 3.25 0.75 0.65 2.16
680 1.3 0.94 2.36 0.57 0.45 1.44
30
Sample Figure of illustration Profile and Cross
2.3.3.3 Mitigation Measures

Even though Road design should be as forgiving as possible as a matter of good
practice, Mitigation measures for design exceptions are normally investigated and
considered. When mitigation is proposed as part of the design exception request, it is
notified in terms of the required measures to be provided in the project.
The following is the proposed mitigation measures that is believed to minimize the
negative safety of using maximum gradient beyond the maximum limit:
 To limit the grade length is as short as 400M and provide 150m relief grade
with a maximum gradient of 6%
 Erect traffic sign to notify the users that they have approached steep
gradient
31
2.3.3.4 Conclusion and Recommendations

The following are concluded from the discussions in this Reasons and Justifications
for departures from standards report
 The main reason for the requested departures from maximum gradient is to
avoid the deep cut in town section and to solve the accessibility problem of the
residents along the road as well as to minimize the right of way impact.
Considering the foregoing, we strongly believe that the requested departures from
standards and their extents are reasonable and kindly request the approval of the
proposed design in the above section.
32
3 ROAD SAFETY DESIGN
3.1 Introduction
Road user safety has economic consequences in terms of property damage and
loss of earnings or production resulting from physical injury, in addition
to the motional consequences of pain, suffering and death. Safety and economy
are the foundations on which competent design rests. Based on these fact
miscellaneous items such as guidepost, reflective traffic signs, Road markings
have been used for this project.
3.2 8.2 Traffic signs
The extent to which signs and markings are required depends on the traffic
volume, the type of road, and the degree of traffic control required for safe and
efficient operation.
The safety and efficiency of a road depends to a considerable degree on its

geometric design. However, physical layout must also be supplemented by
effective traffic signing as a means of informing and warning drivers, and
controlling drivers.
The following general Traffic signs type has been used in the project road:
 Regulatory Signs: indicate legal requirements of traffic movement
 Warning Signs: indicate conditions that may be hazardous to highway
users
 Informatory Signs: convey information of use to the driver
Traffic signs will be provided, depending on the requirement, as per ERA's

Standard Specification and ERA's Standard Drawings 2013 and the schedule of
traffic sign will be submitted separately
33
3.3 Road /Pavement markings
Road and pavement parking design and construction will be provided for orderly
and predictable movement of all traffic to ensure the safe and informed operation
of the traffic system.
Pavement marking will comprise edge lines, centrelines, overtaking lines, and
pavement arrows, word messages of any traffic markings necessary to provide for
the orderly and predictable movement of all traffic throughout the project.
A separate pavement markings report will be submitted for the whole section of
the project after the geometric design or the centre line of the project have been
approved.
And the night-time visibility of these markings will be improved by mixing small
glass beads into the paint or thermoplastic before applying it to the road surface in
accordance with ERA’s 2013 Standard Technical Specifications and Method of
Measurement for Roadwork’s. The standard drawing that will be used in the
preparation of road marking is shown in Annex 5
3.4 Marker posts

Marker posts have the function of controlling traffic to encourage safe and
expeditious operation. There are two types of marker posts in use. These are
guideposts and kilometer posts.
 Guideposts
Guideposts are intended to make drivers aware of potential hazards such as

abrupt changes in shoulder width, abrupt changes in the alignment, and
approaches to structures.
Position of guideposts that has been provided in the project
a) Embankment sections where fill height is between 3m to 5m.

b) At curves as per Table 14-1,ERA’s Geometric Design Manual 2013 and as
34
shown below
Table 3-12: Guide Post spacing
Curve Radius Guide Post Spacing

(m) (m)
500 35
200 20
100 12
50 8
30 5
 Kilometre Posts
Kilometre posts are a requirement for all trunk and link roads and it shall be
placed every 1 km, past the edge of the shoulder. According to the standard
drawing the Kilometre posts location will be submitted separately.
3.5 ROW Marker Posts
The Right-of-Way Marker Posts are installed for the particular purpose of
marking the high way Right-Of-Way boundary line. The right of way markers
is required to be set 200 meters apart on either side of the road and shall
be visible from each of the adjacent markers. Terrain characteristics and
construction limit may call for modification of intervals and Right-of-Way
Marker Posts location and additional Right-of-Way Marker Posts may
provide in consultation with the Employer’s Representative. After the
geometric design approval the location and the plan of Right-of-Way Marker
Posts will be submitted separately.
3.6 Rumble strips
Rumble strips is one of the methods used to reduce the speed of the vehicle.
It is a form of artificial road texture that causes considerable tyre noise and
vehicle vibrations if the vehicle is travelling too fast. They are uncomfortable
35
to drive across at speed hence they are effective in slowing down the traffic.
For the project at hand rumble strips has been provided for safety at various
places. It is provided where there are sharp curves, in sections which
departs from the standard, and in populated areas. The schedule of
Rumble Strips will be submitted after the geometric design approved.
3.7 Guard Rails

W-beam metal crash beams Guard rail will also be considered in steep
embankment section to prevent the vehicles from going far of the roads.
The proposed schedule of guard rails that will be implemented during
construction will be submitted separately after approval of the geometric
design.
36
37
Annexes
38
Annex I
List of Horizontal Curve Data
39
Annex II
List of Vertical Curve Data
40
Annex III
Typical Section
41
Annex IV
Visual Soil Extension
42
Annex V
Road Marking Standard
43

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Woldia Town Stadium Access Road Ethiopian Roads Authority

Design and Build Road Project

1.1 Introduction and Purpose......................................................................................6

1.2 Contract Data........................................................................................................8

1.3 Scope of Work s and Objectives...........................................................................8

1.4 Items of work........................................................................................................9

1.5 Project Description..............................................................................................11

In section 6.4 of the employer requirement of Roadway and geometric design....13

In Section 6.4.4 Design criteria....................................................................................13

1.7 Standards and reference publications..................................................................13

1.7.1 Conflicts & Priority.....................................................................................14

2.1 Introductory Notes on Geometric Design...........................................................15

2.2 Design Control and Criteria................................................................................16

2.2.1 Road functional classification......................................................................16

2.3.1 Horizontal Alignment..................................................................................21

2.3.1 Side Slopes and Back Slopes.......................................................................27

3.2 8.2 Traffic signs..........................................................................................34

3.3 Road /Pavement markings............................................................................35

3.4 Marker posts....................................................................................................35

3.5 ROW Marker Posts........................................................................................36

3.6 Rumble strips...................................................................................................36

3.7 Guard Rails......................................................................................................37

TABLE 1-1: CONTRACT DATA........................................................................................................................ 8

TABLE 1-2, PROJECT DESCRIPTION............................................................................................................... 11

TABLE 2-2: DESIGN VEHICLE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS................................................................................18

TABLE 2-3: LIST OF TOWN/VILLAGE SECTION......................................................................................23

TABLE 2-5: CURVE WIDENING TABLE................................................................................................... 27

TABLE 2-6: FILL WIDENING TABLE....................................................................................................... 27

TABLE 2-7: SLOPE RATIO TABLE – VERTICAL TO HORIZONTAL..........................................................28

TABLE 2-8: DEPARTURE FROM MAXIMUM GRADIENT...........................................................................30

Table 3-1: Guide Post spacing....................................................................................................... 36

FIGURE 1-1: LOCATION MAP OF THE PROJECT..........................................................................................................12

Annex 02 List of Vertical Curve Data

Annex 03 Typical Section

Annex 04 Visual Soil Extension

Annex 05 Road Marking Standard

AADT Annual Average Daily Traffic

RAP Resettlement Action Plan

1.2 Contract Data

Table 1-1: Contract Data

Project Name: Woldia Town Section Road project (5.36Km)

1.3 Scope of Work s and Objectives

The project comprises:

 Designing and Constructing Bridges, and culverts

 Designing and constructing surface drains

 Designing and constructing under drains where appropriate

 Designing and Constructing Paved Roadways

 Pavement Markings and Erecting Traffic Signs

 Compatible traffic management during the construction stages of the project.

 Framing a sound Environmental Management plan to be followed at construction stage so as

 And other necessary works to meet the Employer’s requirement

1.4 Items of work

Design work Items:

 Culvert (Pipe/Box/Slab) Design

 Side Drains design

 Under Drain Design

 Retaining Wall Design

 Permanent Signs Design

 Pavement Marking Design

 Roads Safety Audit

 Design of Protection Works such as guard rails, gabions, grassing, etc

 Quality management program of implementation

 Record drawings of As Built plans