Beirut Municipality plans multi-story parkings

2014 projects include gardens, infrastructure

The Municipality of Beirut is planning a number of projects in 2014. It has already kicked off public works to rehabilitate the infrastructure and superstructure in a number of areas.

One of its major ongoing projects is the establishment of the Fouad Boutros Boulevard. The municipality is expropriating required properties between the Mar Mitr cemetery and Charles Helou Boulevard. “Overall investment in these works totals $75 million. It includes construction costs of the road and underground parking lots,” said Beirut Mayor Bilal Hamad. Bridges and tunnels will also be built.

Some nine other properties in Hamra, Ashrafieh, Mar Elias, Zarif, Burj Abi Haidar, and Corniche Al-Mazraa have been expropriated to establish multi-story parking lots.

The municipality is focusing its efforts on erecting gardens, according to Hamad. “Works on gardens in Saint Nicolas, Sioufi, Karantina, and other areas have either been launched or will be in the near future.” The renovation of the 19,000 square meter Sioufi Garden will exceed $2 million, according to the Consultant Vladimir Djurovic Landscape Architect firm. $20 million have been invested by the municipality to establish the Metropolite Aoudeh Garden and parking. Studies are almost complete, and works will begin in 2014.

As for superstructure, the municipality is working on the rehabilitation of sidewalk furniture (traffic signs, lights, garbage bins, etc.) in different parts of Beirut. This project is expected to be complete in 2014. “Dar Al-Handasah Nazih Taleb and Associates was awarded the contract for the survey and design of street signs and numbering in order to restore them in all parts of Beirut,” said Hamad.