E- 313
VOL. 4
LEBANESE REPUBLIC
COUNCIL FOR DEVELOPMENT AND RECONSTRUCTION
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT
ENY1lRONM-ENT)kL ASSESS MENT
Mav 2000
Pteam INTER
This conference took place in May 2000. Thirteen years later, we suggest that it would be helpful to attempt to meet, if possible, some of the attendants to that conference who are listed in the report. We believe that they could assist us in elaborating a new Transport Plan for the next four years.
In any case, if we wish to go ahead with our project, we ought to study carefully this report, as well as the many other studies and reports on the subject of Public Transport that are available at OMSAR in the Starco Building in Beirut.
Annex
2-1 Description of the BUTP Objectives and Scope of Work
2-2 List of invited stakeholders and participants at the First National Consultation Meeting
2-3 First National Consultation Meeting Program
2-4 Parking component and analysis of results
2-5 Traffic management questionnaire and analysis of results
2-6 Grade separations questionnaire and analysis of results
2-7 Environmental impact quiestiQnnaire and analysis of results
2-8 Participants recommendations
3-1 Records of local public consultation meetings
4-1 Second National Consultation Meeting schedule
4-2 Invitees and participants to the Second National Consultation Meeting
4-3 Opening session speeches during the Second National Consultation Meeting
4-4 On-street parking management questionnaire and analysis of results
4-5 Questions/comments and answers during the Second National Consultation Meeting
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to express their sincere gratitude to the office of the Board of the Council of
Development and Reconstruction and the World Bank staff for their assistance during the
preparation of the overall Environmental Assessment and the public participation report.
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PRQJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY
VOLUME 3
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
BCD Beirut Central District
BTX Benzene, Toluene and Xylene
BUTP Beirut Urban Transport Project
CDR Council for Development and Reconstruction
CEGP Conseil Executif des Grands Projets
CEGPVB Conseil Executif des Grands Projets de la Ville de Beyrouth
CNG Compressed Natural Gas
CO Carbon Monoxide
DOA Department of Antiquities
EA Environmental Assessment
EB East Bound
ERM Environmental Resource Management
GBA Greater Beirut Area
GBATP Greater Beirut Area Transportation Plan
LAp Immediate Action Plan
HOV High Occupancy Vehicles
LOS Level-of-Service
MOC Ministry of Culture
MOE Ministry of Environment
MOMRA Ministry of Municipalities & Rural Affairs
MPW Ministry of Public Works
Mol Ministry of Information
MOI Ministry of Interior
NB North Bound
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
OCFTC Office des Chemins de Fer et des Transports en Commun
03 Ozone
ROW Right of Way
SB South Bound
S02 Sulphur Dioxide
TMO Traffic Management Organization
TSP Total Suspended Particulates
VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds
VOR Vehicle Registration Office
WB West Bound
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1. INTRODUCTION
The metropolitan area of Beirut, usually referred to as Greater Beirut Area (GBA) is the core
of the service-based economy of Lebanon with one third of the population and contributes in
excess of two thirds of the total value added in the economy. The city and its metropolitan
area, however, suffer severe traffic congestion, a result of an extremely deficient
transportation system. This implies high economic losses and deteriorating air quality. As
sustained growth of the service-oriented economy is underpinned by efficient infrastructure.
Beirut needs to improve the operational and economic efficiency of its urban transport
system.
In its heyday, Beirut had an extensive urban transport system including a well developed bus
system and even a trolley-bus system. Due to the prolonged period of conflict this
infrastructure deteriorated. Also, over the last two decades major changes have occurred in
Lebanon's demography due to urbanization and displacement of residents from the South and
relocation of businesses from Beirut to various locations along the coast.Mhese have resulted
in important changes in traffic patterns throughout the Greater Beirut Area (GBA), which, in
turn, generates severe congestion both in and around Beirut and particularly at the
connections with the coastal highway to the north and south. The problem of congestion is
exacerbated by a heavy reliance on the use of private cars, which amounts to approximately
300,000 cars for a population of some 1.2 million in the GBA (about 250 cars per 1000
inhabitants). Over 70 percent of total motorized person trips, more than half of which are
home-to-work, are made by private car. Shared taxis account for nearly 20 percent of all trips.
while just 10 percent of the population is served by privately and publicly operated bus
services. In addition, latent travel demand is high and would materialize with improving
supply of transport capacity.
For Beirut to develop as a competitive regional center for finance, trade, services and tourism.
it should have an efficient transport system. To this end, the Government prepared a
comprehensive Greater Beirut Area Transportation Plan (GBATP) which addresses the most
serious urban transport issues, analyzes needed investments through the year 2015, and
recommends a large phased investment program. The prioritization and phasing of this
program, which will be the largest single investment need in Lebanon over the next ten years.
will require a significant planning, consensus building, and resource mobilization effort.
The Beirut Urban Transport Project (BUTP) is an element of the GBATP. Other projects are
anticipated to be implemented to address the issues related to public transportation as
described below in the GBATP background and summary section. The BUTP has been
proposed to provide the fundamental urban transport apparatus needed to address part of the
extremely diverse and complex transport issues the city faces. The project consists of
establishing a traffic management organization; constructing of grade separations at highly
congested intersections; and parking provision and controls.
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Financial support for the project is being sought through a loan from the World Bank Loan
provisions dictate the completion of an environmental assessment for the proposed project.
World Bank guidelines for environmental assessment include a public participation process
which, is the subject of this report (Volume 3) that is an integral part of the overall
Environmental Assessment report (Volume 1).
Public participation has been planned in three stages as described below.
1. First national consultation meeting which was conducted early on during the initial phases
of the project design.
I'
2. Local meetings on the grade separation improvement component of the project which were
conducted during the months of December 1998, January and February, 1999.
3. Second national consultation meeting which was conducted in early June, 1999.
This report describes the objectives, process and recommendations of these consultations
meetings. Note that the entire environmental assessment will be made available for public
review at several locations including the libraries of the CDR. MoE, AUB, and the Arab
University. It will also be available for examination at the Consultants office in the event
technical questions are raised.
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME 3
2. FIRST NATIONAL CONSULTATION MEETING
Public participation was sought early on in the environmental assessment process and the
project design. A consultation meeting was held with national and local govermnent officials.
The purpose of the meeting was to disseminate the scope of the project and solicit earlv
feedback from concerned stakeholders regarding the project. Pertinent documentation of the
meeting was preserved and presented in detail in the attached Annexes. This first national
consultation meeting was held on June 26, 1998 at the Marriott Hotel in Beirut. The meeting
was coordinated by representatives from CDR and TEAM International.
2.1 Participants
Concerned stakeholders from various ministries, governmental authorities. SOLIDERE,
universities, research centers, international organizations. non-governmental organizations
and have been invited to attend and participate in the first national consultation meeting.
Invitation letters were prepared in both English and Arabic and-were accompanied with a
brief description of the project objectives and scope of work (Anneix 2-1) as well as the
meeting program (Annex 2-3). The majority of invited stakeholders responded to the
invitation and delegated one or more representatives to attend the meeting. The total number
of participant stakeholders was thirtv six. In addition. the meeting was attended by one
participant representing the World Bank. six participants representing CDR. and fourteen
participants representing TEAM Intemational. Annex 2-2 includes a list of stakeholders that
were invited and the participants to the first national consultation meeting.
2.2 Meeting Description
The meeting consisted of an opening session, a presentation of the project major components
(parking, traffic management and control, and grade separation), a discussion period for each
component, and the environmental aspects associated with each component. The meeting was
moderated by Dr. Tammam Nakkash, Managing Director of TEAM International.
The Moderator introduced the purpose of the meeting and stressed on the necessity to initiate
a dialogue with concerned stakeholders. The participants were informed that national
consultations for the BUTP are part of the scope of work in order to ensure that the project
serves comrnunity needs, supports sustainable development, and preserves the environment.
2.2.1 Opening Session
The meeting was officially opened by Dr. Nohad Baroody, representing the President of
CDR. Dr. Baroody indicated that during the past few years, CDR implemented several
transportation projects in various regions of Lebanon and specifically in the Greater Beirut
Area (GBA). He indicated that the development of the economy in a sustainable and rapid
manner would depend essentially on two factors: establishment of an advanced transport
system of streets and highways, and strengthening the effectiveness of the public transport in
urban areas. Based on these two factors, CDR carried out a transport plan for Greater Beirut
focussing on the development and organization of public transport in a flexible and effective
manner, since the studies showed that traffic congestion is the major constraint for the use of
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public transport. It will be therefore important to address traffic congestion through this
project which consists of the following components: improve modem traffic signal systems,
resolving the problem of chaotic parking on the streets of Greater Beirut as well as
establishments of overpasses and underpasses at the major entrances of the Capital. This
project would also assist in increasing awareness among the public and would set up a new
organization for traffic management taking into considerations environmental requirements.
2.2.2 Discussion Sessions
Prior to the overall project presentation, a brief background information was introduced by
regarding the transport master plan, which was prepared by TEAM intemational in 1994 (the 3
immediate action plan and a long term plan till the year 2015). The master plan concluded
that the execution and operation of all highway projects which are under implementation and
study will not meet the traffic demand for the year 2015 without the presence of an effective
public transport system. Hence, it was found necessary to assess traffic congestion in order to
facilitate the flow of the public transport. While the system itself will not be covered under
the scope of the BUTP, one purpose of the BUTP is to facilitate its operation.
An overview of the three main project components was then conducted and questionnaires
regarding each component were distributed to the participants. The aim of the questionnaire is
to provide the participants with guidance to the potential problems and issues that may be
encountered and to seek their opinion on handling them.
A. Parking Component
Following a brief presentation on parking needs and policies in Lebanon, several issues were
raised and discussed with respect to the parking component. These included law enforcement
with respect to building parking lots, parking usage, and respecting parking regulations along
the streets. The provision of additional parking space to cope with the continuous increase in
the number of cars, the creation of an organization for monitoring the parking strategy to be
developed as well as the increase in the number and capacities of the policemen were also
noted. The major comments/suggestions made by the participants include:
O The need to investigate whether drivers are willing to use public transport rather than
their private cars to go to work. Since the actual situation reveals that a low percentage of
the population are using the public bus.
o The habit in Lebanon is not to pay for parking. Parking fees are not perceived as a
component of the cost of owning and operating a vehicle. While the cost of car ownership
should reflect the total social cost of the car, including its parking requirements and
polluting effects. I
O Parking needs land and this is not easily available. A quick action is required as most of
the open spaces in the Capital are being used for the construction of residential or
commercial facilities.
O The feasibility of the BUTP should be based on energy consumption and time saving. The
best solution could be to provide large parking spaces at the entrances of Beirut and to
ensure efficient public transport from the entrances to the center. _
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3 Laws are available and there is no need to introduce new ones. The major deficiency is in
the enforcement of the existing laws. Municipalities should provide parking lots within
available public open space. In the absence of public open areas the municipalities should
consider buying land to provide parking lots.
O As most local roads are relatively narrow, then it is not advisable to provide parking at the
curb. Parking lots should be considered.
o The present project should be for Beirut City rather than Greater Beirut Area as each area
in Greater Beirut has its own characteristics. A national transport strategy for all Lebanon
should have been developed first.
O Within the annual car registration fees, a parking fee for a specific number of hours
should be paid by each car owner who will be given a sort of a credit card. This card
would be used in all park meters until the total number of parking hours expires.
o Parking meters have been provided in Furn El-Chebbak area. A survey study within the
area might be necessary as it would provide valuable information to the project.
O Lebanese citizens resist using parking lots and paying for parking. Experience in the
country has shown that citizens will not use the parking lots unless they are forbidden to
park along the streets.
o At the beginning of the post war reconstruction of Lebanon, some private firms have
expressed interest in building and operating parking lots. However. the government did
not show any interest.
O It is not certain that BOT projects for parking will be attractive to developers. Until now
for instance, SOLDER did not completely solve the parking problem.
O Several traffic measures have been taken by the Municipality of Beirut to alleviate the
traffic problems in the city. The provision of parking remains the major problem -and
should be solved. The provision of parking garages under existing gardens or bridges is
an attractive option and should be considered.
O There should be an organization in charge of traffic management. This organization
should be composed of all concerned authorities.
O Some amendments should be introduced to the building code. The provision of parking
space should be based on the intended usage of the building rather than being
proportional to the total floor area irrespective of its nature and usage.
o The ownership and usage of cars should not be a burden in the absolute. However, the
usage of car at certain hours and in certain locations shouldi Ina burden..
The results of the Parking Questionnaire that was filled by all participants are presented in
Annex 2-4. An analysis of the results indicated general agreement with respect to the
following issues:
o Parking is the major cause for traffic congestion.
o Parking charges should be imposed.
O Parking enforcement will improve vehicular circulation
o High parking fines should be considered.
O Underground parking garages should be considered.
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o Major concerns regarding providing parking facilities include their high cost and the
increased attraction of traffic to the city center.
O Public parking improves vehicular circulation and should be considered in the city.
o Under budget constraints, traffic signals and grade separations should be given prioritv
over parking.
B. Traffic Management and Control Component
Following an overview of policies, planning, and possible structures regarding a general
Traffic Management Organization (TMO) and the mandate of ministries that are concerned
with traffic in Lebanon, several issues were raised and discussed with respect to the Traffic
Management and Control component. While a consensus regarding the need for such an
organization is evident amongst participants, different views with respect to the composition.
mandate and administration of the organization were expressed. Comments/suggestions made
by the participants include:
c In addition to the listed ministries. the Ministry of Information should be included among
the coordinating parties. However, previous experience in the country has shown that
councils andlor committees that are made up of more than one ministrv are not effective.
Hence, the organization should not include any ministry.
El The (existing) Traffic Emergency Committee', which includes several ministries and
bodies from the public sector, should constitute the TMO. However, the mandate and the
role of the Traffic Emergency Committee should be improved. Moreover, to ensure that
the recommendations of the committee are put into execution. it is recommended to
replace the present committee members by higher level officials.
co The organization shall be formed by a ministerial decree and shall not take the role of any
other ministry or organization. The primary traffic role will have to stay under the
Ministry of Interior.
o The organization shall be in charge of the implementation of issues that are not handled
by any other ministry or organization. Its primary role shall be planning and coordination.
Oi Similar to any ministry, the TMO should be under the Council of Ministries.
Cl Similar to France and other Gulf countries, the TMO should be under the Internal
Security Forces.
o Thew organization is for transport, hence it should be under4the Ministry of Transport.
o The organization should be made up of specialized professionals and should be held
responsible for the execution of its mandate.
o The organization should be in charge of finding adequate engineering and operational
solutions. This could be a burden on the Interior Security Forces that are in charge of the I
enforcement of all laws
1. The Traffic Emergency Committee is chaired by a high ranking officer of the internal Security Forces and includes
representatives of: CDR, CEGP, CEGPVB, MPW, MOMRA, MOI, Municipalities, Vehicle Registration
DepartmentL Traffic Police and Civil Defense. -
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0 The creation of a TMO should be in line with the new trend which aims at shifting some
planning, operational and execution mandates from the police state to the civil state. The
purpose of the TMO is to handle technical matters and not security or emergencv issues.
The results of the Traffic Management and Control questionnaire that was filled by
participants are presented in Annex 2-5. An analysis of the results indicated a general
agreement with respect to the following issues:
O Traffic signals should be installed on all warranted intersections.
O At signalized intersections priority should be given to cars.
O The tolerable period of waiting before clearing a signalized intersection is between 30 and
180 sec.
O Even if intersections are signalized, policemen should be present to ensure compliance.
O Video camera could be used in traffic surveillance for incident detection and verification.
O A TMO for Greater Beirut Area is needed.
ol The primary duty of the traffic control center shouldbe to improve signal timing.
C. Grade Separation Component
The session on grade separations has been restricted to a quick overview of the objectives and
scope of the grade separation component. The results of the questionnaire (Annex 2-6)
revealed that the majority of the participants prefer the construction of underpasses as they
believe that the construction of overpasses cause visual intrusion. Once again, under budget
constraints, there was a consensus that, traffic signals and grade separations should be given
priority over parking.
2.2.3 Environmental Impacts
Following a brief overview of the scope of the environmental assessment being conducted in
relation to the proposed BUTP and air quality management in the GBA. several issues were
raised and discussed regarding potential enviromnental impacts associated with the project.
These covered a wide range including the introduction of public awareness programs, the
phase-out of leaded fuel and the taxation system and policy change regarding transport and
traffic planning in Lebanon. Major comments/suggestions made by the participants include:
O Cars should have the proper specifications that can ensure the protection of environment
O Catalytic converter and air bags are not luxury accessories. Consequently the governent
should not impose additional taxes on them.
o Unleaded fuel should be cheaper than other types of fuel.
O High fuel standards can render the price of fuel very high. Therefore, as a first step
stringent regulations should be imposed on cars' specifications.
0 Catalytic converters will not function properly with leaded fuel. Hence it would be
necessary to phase out leaded fuel.
O The project should consider strategic environmental assessment rather than a separate
assessment for each component.
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o A public awareness program is necessary to ensure that the project is well known by the
public. Although the solutions are technical, the public should be made aware of all the
project components.
O Little is known and made with respect to unleaded fuel. The project should put a lot of
weight on this issue and on public awareness regarding this issue.
0 Both education and enforcement should be considered as part of the project. Education
and public awareness will have to be part of the mandate of the TMO.
a Landscaped areas should be considered as part of the design for grade separations and
parking lots.
O The involvement of local municipalities in the project should be encouraged.
O Public awareness is necessary, however, poor law enforcement will have a great negative
Impact on awareness.
The results of the environmental impact questionnaire are enclosed in Annex 2-1. Analysis of
the results revealed a general agreement on the following environmental issues:
o Vehicular traffic and traffic congestion are causing pollution problems in Beirut.
o Strict vehicular inspection should be considered as a means of reducing vehicular air
pollution.
O Complete phasing out of unleaded fuel is an important priority issue and should be
implemented in less than five years.
O Air quality and noise levels should be monitored on a dailv basis in Beirut.
o An environmental unit should be created for monitoring pollution levels, however the
government does not have the capacities to run such a unit.
O The Ministry of Environment should be responsible for environmental monitoring.
� Traffic management, parking and grade separations will have an impact on noise and air
emissions
O The construction of parking and grade separations will have an impact on noise and air
emissions.
O Stringent regulations could be among the most effective means of reducing air pollution *
and noise levels.
2.3 'Summary of Meeting Outcomes
Dunng this first national consultation meeting, the project components were presented and
discussed. These included: parking, traffic control management, grade separations and
environmental impact. Moreover, for each component, the participants filled up a
questionnaire. Throughout the meeting, the participants have shown great interest and
enthusiasm. Although different views have been articulated on several issues such as the
composition, mandate and administration of the traffic management organization (TMO),
there was a consensus with respect to several matters including:
(a The importance of law enforcement with respect to (1) building parking lots, (2) using
parking and (3) respecting parking regulations along the streets. -
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o The need to provide additional parking space.
O The creation of a traffic management organization (TMO).
o The increase in the number and capacities of the traffic policemen
o The construction of underpasses is favored because overpasses cause visual intrusion.
o The need to improve public awareness.
O The necessity of phasing out leaded fuel.
o Under budget constraint traffic simals and grade separations should be given prioritv
over parking.
In addition to the above raised issues, two participants provided the consultant with a series of
recommendations (Annex 2-8). During the design of the project, every effort is made to take
into consideration suggestions and recommendations made by the participants in the course of
the consultation meeting.
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3. LOCAL PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETINGS
3.1 Meetings Process Description
The local public consultation meetings were prepared for and conducted in the following
manner. A first contact was made with the Governor of Mount Lebanon who invited all the
Municipal Councils in Mount Lebanon affected by the BUTP to a meeting at his office on
December 11, 1998. This meeting was attended by representations of CDR, the Consultant,
and the Municipal Council of Antelias, Jal El Dib, Borj Hamoud, Jdaideh-Baouchrieh and Sin
El-Fil. Meetings were held also with the Governor of Beirut, and the newly elected Lord
Mayor of Beirut. As a result of which a presentation was made to the entire Beirut Municipal
Council on December 28, 1998, in preparation for the local public consultations.
Following those two meetings individual meetings were held with each Municipal Council in
the GBA, where BUTP has- a significant component affecting the corresponding municipalitv.
At some municipalities more than one meeting was necessary. With each municipality it was
decided when and where to hold the public consultation meeting for their citizens. Posters
were prepared to advertise for the meeting. The posters were displayed at the bulletin board
of each municipality and at that meeting venue. Announcements in churches and mosques
and newspaper ads were also used.
During each meeting a short introduction was made by the representative of the CDR. Then
the Consultant took presented the following:
o Purpose and objective of a consultation meeting since public hearings are a noveltv in
Lebanon.
O An overview of the BUTP and its components.
O A detailed presentation of the proposals affecting the municipality of concern. Each
presentation was accompanied by an overhead show of each proposed structure. Blue
prints were also posted for review by the audience.
o The "do nothing" alternative and its consequences, as far as traffic congestion and
environmental impacts, was presented. I
O A summary of the expected environmental impacts and their proposed mitigation
measures and environmental monitoring were discussed.
O The appraisal of the social impact was also introduced, to prepare citizens for the surveys
included in the social impact studies.
After the Consultants presentations and during it, questions from the audience were
entertained. In more than one case, another meeting was held with the municipal council
following the public hearing, in order to discuss some of the comments that were brought up
during the public hearing. Each meeting was fully documented. Photographs were taken and
the discussions were taped for future reference and archiving. Table 3-1 presents a summary
of all meetings conducted and Annex 3-1 includes a record of these meetings with list of
attendees.
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Table 3-1. Local Public Consultation Meetings
Date Time Municipality Iocation Attendees Type of Attendees Purpose of Meeting
I I-Dec-98 11:00 AM Mouhalaza of Serail of I I Governor/ Municipal Councils Members! CD)R/ Preparation fbr Consultation Meetings
Mount l ebanon Baabda Consultant
14-Dec-98 4.00 PM Municipalities of Municipality 17 Municipal Cotncil Members/ 'T'echnical IllIP - Proposed (irade Separation at l)ora
Borj Ilammoud of Borj Advisors/ CD)R/ Consultant
and Jdaideh tIammoud
1 5-Dec-98 4:00 PM Municipality of CD)R I I Municipal Council Members/ CI)R/ Consultant BIJTP - P'roposed Grade Separations at Antelias
Antelias & Jai El Dib
17-Dec-98 6:30 PM Municipality of Dirmelkonian 28 Municipal Council Members/ Engineers/ BU'l'P - Proposed (Grade Separation at D)ora
Borj Hammoud Theatre Businessmen/ P'harmacist/ Real Estate
Consultant/ CDR/ Consultant
18-Dec-98 I PO PM Municipality of Municipality _0 Municipal Council Members/ CI)R/ Consultant BUlP - Proposed (;rade Separations at I layek &
Sin El Fil of Sin El Fil Mkalles
21-Dec-98 6:30 IPM Municipality of Mar Elias 32 Municipal Council Members/ D)evelopers/ BUlTlP - Proposed (irade Separations at Antelias
Antelias and Jal Church - Contractor/ Engineers/ Attorneys/ Priest/ CD)J & Jal El D)ib
El Dib Antelias Consultant
22-Dec-98 6:45 PM Municipality of Ll Saydeh 67 Municipal Cotncil Members/ P'roperly Owners/ [It lIP - Proposed (irade Separationls at I layek &
Sin El Fil Church - Sin Business Owners/ Merchants/ I lousewives/ Mkalles
El Fil Students/ Attorneys/ College l'rolessors/ CDR/
Consultant
28-Dec-98 7:00 PM Municipality of Beirut 30 Municipal Council Members/ CDR/ Consultant Ill 'lP - lIroposed (irade Separations at Museum,
Beirut Municipality Bechara Khoury/ Independence, Adlieh,
Council _Tayounneh, 13eit El Atfal & Sami Fl Solh
07-Jan-99 7:00 PM Municipality or Khaled lbn El 60 Municipal ('oincil Members/ P'roperty Owners/ fUJlIP - Proposed (irade Separations at liechara
Bleirut Walid 13usiness Owners/ Merchants/ I lousewives/ Khoury/ Independence T'ayounneh & llcit 1E1
School, B3eit Students/ Attorneys/ College Professors/ CDI)R Atl'al
El Atfal, Consultant
I lorch, 13eirt it__-
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08-Jan-99 7:00 PM Municipality of French 53 Mtnicipal Council Members/ Property Owners/ IBlJITI - P roposed Grade Separations at Museum,
Beirut Cultural Business Owners/ Merchants/ I lousewives/ Adlich & Sami 1I1 Solh
Center, Students/ Attorneys/ College Professors/
Damascus Doctors/ Jeweler/ tJN Consultant/ CD)R/
Rd, Beirut Consultant
14-Jan.99 7:00 PM Municipality of Municipality 12 Municipal Council Members/ CI)R/ Consultant 131JTP - Proposed (irade Separations at Galerie
Chiyah of Chiyah Semaan, Mar Mekhael & Mucharratlieh
16-Jan-99 10:00AM Municipality of Municipality 12 Municipal Council Members/ C)R/ Consultant BItJIP - Proposed (irade Separations at Airport
Ghobeiry of Ghobeiry Road & Mucharrafieh
25-Jan-99 6:20 PM Municipality of Municipality 24 Municipal Council Members/ P roperty Owners/ BtiTP - Proposed Grade Separations at (ialerie
Chiyah of Chiyah Attorneys/ lEngineers/ CI)R/ Consultant Semaan, Mar Mekhael & Mucharralich
08-Feb-99 6:15 PM Municipality of D)allas 42 Municipal Council Members/ Property Owners/ B 'lll - Proposed (irade Separations at Airport
Ghobeiry Center, Business Owners/ Merchants/ llousewives/ Road & Mucharrafieh
(ihoheiry Students! Attorneys/ College Prolbssors/ CD)R/
Consultant
02-Feb-99 12:30 PM Municipality of Municipality 7 Municipal Council Members/ (I)R/ Consultant BIJ'I'P - Proposed Grade Separation at Old Saida
Choueifat of Choueifat Road - l3ehamoun/ Aramoun Bifurcation
29-Jan-99 12:30 PM Municipality of Municipality 7 Municipal Council Members/ ('l)1 Constiltant lit)I P - Iroposed (irade Separation at Old Saida
Choueifat of Chouci fat Road - Bchamoun/ Aramoun Bliliercation
24-Feb-99 12:30 PM Municipality of Municipality 25 Municipal Council Members/ Development litJTP - P roposed (irade Separation at Old Saida
Choueifat of Chouci fat Committee Members/ Business Owners/ CDR/ Road - llchamoun/ Aramoun Bliiilrcation
Consultant
'I)EIIVERARI 11 2VVohsl,llg 12
May 2(10
_ _
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME 3
3.2 Summary of Meetings Outcomes
The following represents an overall summary of general observations made through the
process of public meetings:
O Public hearings and public consultations are new to Lebanon. In generaL public was very
enthusiastic about being informed and consulted.
O Since the opportunities for public expression on urban projects are limited. the public
participation meetings were used as a platform to express demands and opinions on
traffic, transport, and urban planning that are wider than the BUTP scope.
O In general, the public was not sensitive to direct environmental impacts of congestion
(emissionr noise). Extensive public awareness campaigns are needed in this domain to
explain the negative environmental impact of the car in generaL and congestion in
particular.
O People residing near some of-the proposed grade separations conceived the benefits to go
solely to 'through' traffic and only inconveniences affect them.
0 In general 'underpasses' were preferred to 'overpasses'.
' In some cases. an over-designed solution was proposed by the participants. It was
necessary to explain the concepts of 'cost effectiveness' and 'stage construction'.
3 It was difficult to explain the concept of traffic modelling in forecasting future traffic. It
was not easy to convince the public that it is possible to account in the forecasts for
projects currently under construction but not yet completed.
3 In some cases the residents asked to delay the construction hoping that other
improvements proposed at other locations will solve the problem at the location under
consideration near them, i.e. let us wait and see.
3 Only in few cases, pedestrian circulation was brought up by the participants.
O In one or two cases the participants asked for more expropriation in order to make it
possible to provide curb-side parking on rarnps.
O In all the cases, participants expressed their appreciation at the end of the meeting, but
some doubted whether their opinions will ever be taken into consideration.
DEUVERABU Z 1 3
Mw 2000
BEIRtT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME 3
4. SECOND NATIONAL CONSULTATION MEETING
A second national consultation meeting was held on June 1V 1999 at the Marriott Hotel,
Beirut. The meeting was organized by TEAM International and the CDR with the objective to
inform the participants of the status of the BUTP Preparatory Study, present the project
Environmental Impact Assessment component; and seek the opinion of concerned
stakeholders regarding the changes in the orientation of the parking component.
4.1 Participants
Concerned stakeholders from various ministries, governmental authorities, municipalities,
universities, research centers, international organizations, non-governmental organizations
and private developers have been invited to attend and participate in the second national
consultation meeting. Invitation letters were prepared in both English and Arabic and were
accompanied with a brief description of the project objectives and scope of work. as well as
-the meeting program. Many of the participants have participated in the first consultation
meeting that was held in June 26t 1998.
Most invited stakeholders responded to the invitation and delegated one or more
representatives to attend the meeting. Thirty-six persons attended the consultation meeting, in
addition to five representing CDR, and 14 individuals representing the Consultant. Annex 4-1
lists the invitees and participants and Annex 4-2 includes the schedule of the meeting.
Information on the BUTP objectives and scope was distributed to the invitee prior to
attending the meeting.
4.2 Meeting Program
The meeting included the following sessions:
1. An opening session
2. A presentation of the background of BUTP and the progress of the Preparation Study
3. A presentation of the EIA, which also included relevant discussions on the Institutional
Aspects and the Economic Analysis.
A session was dedicated to presentation of the changes in the orientation.
4.2.1 Opening Session
Dr. Tamnmam Nakkash, the meeting Moderator and Managing Director of TEAM
International, introduced the purpose of the meeting, which includes:
1. Presentation of the project objectives and components;
2. Familiarization of all concerned stakeholders with the results of the Environmental Impact
Assessment;
3. Familiarization of all concerned stakeholders with the changes that developed during the
study period.
Vq VERAE 23/V3 14
BEIRUTr URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECr - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME 3
The Moderator stressed on the necessity to initiate a dialogue with concemed stakeholders
and informed the participants that national consultations for BUTP are part of the consultantes
scope of work in order to ensure that the project serves the need of the people, supports
sustainable development and respects the enviromnent. Furthermore, he notified the attendees
how the First Consultation Meeting recommendations, held on the June 26, 1998, has
oriented the efforts while completing the major part of the Preparatory Study. Not
withstanding, the purpose of the Second Consultation Meeting is to expose the results and
exchange views about options and altematives.
Dr. Nakkash singled out a "unique practice" which he considered as the first to happen in
Lebanon in its extent and nature, namely the public participation in the decision-making
process. This was achieved through daily interaction between the consultant (TEAM
International) and CDR (the Project Owner) on one side and many government officials and
bodies. Likewise, the citizens at large influenced by this project were approached with a close
cooperation with the newly elected municipal councils and NGO's through Public Hearing
Meetings.
Following the brief introduction of the Moderator, Mr. George Samaha - CDR General
Secretary - addressed and welcomed the participants on behalf of the President of CDR. Mr.
Samaha indicated the importance of equipping the transportation network with means to
ensure safety to the environment and citizens. He confirmed the urgent need for action to
organize the parking problems on the curb and the management of traffic at major
intersections at a shrewd cost. He pointed out the importance of adopting objective public
transport policies as well as improving its service quality, timing and geographical coverage,
in order to encourage people to use it for their daily travel.
Following Mr. Samaha's Speech, Mr. Adel Hamieh - opened the meeting and welcomed the
attendee on behalf of H.E. Najib Mikati, Minister of Transport and Public Works. Mr.
Haamieh expressed his great admiration for the BUTP. He then stated that the Ministry of
Transport considers BUTP as a pilot project that should be implemented first in Greater
Beirut and eventually all over the Lebanese territories. Mr. Hamieh vocalized his awareness
of the huge traffic problems due to the lack of organization, hence its negative inpacts on the
environment, the economy and the social sectors at large. Nonetheless, he described BUTP as
the first pillar required to improve the transport service and road situation. He then declared
the engagement of the Ministry of Transport to prepare a workshop on National Policy for
Land Transport during the month of July and the commitment of the Ministry of Public Work
to launch the National Road Project. The translation of the opening session addresses are
presented in Annex 4-3.
4.2.2 Plenary Sessions
Following the opening session, the Moderator explained the procedure, which will be adopted
during the plenary sessions. He emphasized that Urban Transport is a complex subject and
cannot be discussed in detail in few hours. He pointed out to the five main presentation
components that will be discussed in sequence and indicated that for the parking component a
questionnaire has been prepared and will be distributed to the participants. The aim of the
Mw 2= 15
BEIRUr URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME 3
questionnaire is to provide the participants with guidance to the problems and issues that may
be encountered and to seek their opinion on handling them.
He added that most of the duration of the meeting is concentrated on the Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA), which he described as the nucleus of the preparatory study. This is
due to its relationship to all the other studies. He affirmed that EIA is not an aftermath of
what the design has presented; but it has also implicated the decisions. which were taken in
the design process. Moreover all its results were taken into consideration during all the
preliminary studies. Hence, it is indeed not just a corrective plan, but also as a preventive one.
used during all the planning and design stages.
Prior to the overall project presentation. a brief background information was introduced by
the Moderator regarding the transport master plan, which was prepared by TEAM
International in 1994 (an immediate action plan and a long term plan till the year 2015). The
master plan concluded that the execution and operation of all highway projects which are
under implementation and stu-dy will not meet the traffic demand of the vear 2015 without the
introduction of an effective public transport system. Hence, it was found necessary to assess
traffic congestion in order to facilitate the flow of the public transport. As such, one purpose
of the BUTP is to facilitate the operation of the public transport system. Public transport, on
its own, is not covered under the scope of the BUTP. Nonetheless, he alerted the attendee not
to fall into the conception that BUTP is a project that encourages the use of cars.
The Moderator then provided a quick overview of the five major presentation components of
the BUTP (environmental impact assessment, transport sector related policies, economic
analysis, parking management survey and envirommental monitoring plan) and opened the
floor for a brief discussion.
4.2.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Session
EA objectives and scope of work
At the beginning, Dr. Mutasem El Fadel gave a brief description of the EIA and explained the
organizational chart of the project team that worked on the Enviromnental Assessment. He
then elaborated on the EA objectives:
O Provide a sound basis Nor decision-making about the design of project -components-that
takes environmental considerations into account
O Insure that the project is implemented with full awareness of environmental factors
LI Inform the public when and how the project implementation may affect their environment
O Facilitate public participation in the decision-making process
Dr. El Fadel then moved on explaining the EIA scope of work which he outlined by:
O Definition of policies, legal and administrative framework;
O Project description and objectives;
O Definition of existing environmental conditions;
O Identification and analysis of enviromnental impacts;
Nby 2M 16
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME 3
O Definition and analysis of potential alternatives;
O Identification and analysis of mitigation measures;
O Development of environmental management plan:
O Development of an environmental monitoring plan;
O Solicitation of public participation;
O Preparation of a full EA report.
A presentation of the results pertaining to the scope of work was then conducted bv Dr. El-
Fadel (overall EIA process), Dr. Salam (policies, legal and administrative framework) and
Mr. El-Zarif (economic assessment). In addition, the new emphasis reorientation towards on-
street parking for parking management was presented by Dr. Nakkash. In this regards, the
main features of on-street parking control systems and the key elements of a parking strategy
were presented. The types of concessions for managing on-street parking (i.e. private sector.
municipalities) as well as potential sources of funds were also addressed. A survey was then
conducted and the corresponding results are which are self-explanatory, are included in
Annex 4-4. During the presentations, several discussions and interventions from the public
took place. A record of these is included in Annex 4r5.
4.3 Summary of Meeting Outcomes
The following represents an overall summary of general observations made through the
process of second national consultation meeting:
O While public hearings and public consultations are new to Lebanon. in general, the public
was very receptive about being informed and consulted.
O As in previous meetings, the public was less sensitive to direct environmental impacts of
congestion (emission, noise). Extensive public awareness campaigns are needed in this
domain to explain the negative environmental impact of the car in general, and congestion
in particular.
O Some participants expressed the need for a strategy for phasing out leaded gasoline and
that all medians and islands should be planted and not paved.
0 The meeting was used as a platform to express opinions about the new reorientation
towards on-street parking.
O Participants opined that public transportation should receive attention and a
demonstration project was proposed where a dedicated bus-lane is implemented: one of
the multi-lane divided boulevards of the city of Beirut. In addition, the need for
identification of bus and taxi-service stops and restriction of passengers pitch up and drop
was expressed.
O In one instance, an objection was voiced against the proposed improvements at the Hayek
intersection, which was the subject of extensive local public hearings.
0 Participants expressed their appreciation for the public consultation process at the end of
the meeting and emphasized the need to further develop such meetings in other public
projects.
64VErVRAflLE 2Wokme3 1
M 2YV 17
Annex 2-1 Description of the BUTP Objectives and Scope of Work
The attached project description was provided to all invitees to the First National Consultation Meeting
prior to the meeting.
PROJECT SUMMARY - CONSULTAON MIEETNG
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT
A. IN'TRODUCTION
Beirut is the core of the service-based economy of Lebanon with one third of the
population and contributes in excess of two thirds of the total value added in the econom- .
The city and its metropolitan area. however. suffer severe traffic congestion. a result of an
extremely deficient transportation system. This implies high economic losses and
deterioratinc air qualitv. As sustained growth of the service-oriented economv is
underpinned by efficient infrastructure. Beirut needs to improve the operational and
economic efficiencv of its urban transport svstem.
In its hevday. Beirut had an extensive urban transport system including a well developed
bus svstem and even a trolley-bus system. Due to the prolonged period of conflict this
infrastructure deteriorated. Also. over the last two decades major changes have occurred in
Lebanon-s demography due to urbanization and displacement of residents from the South
and relocation of businesses from Beirut to various locations along the coasf. These have
resulted in important changes in traffic patterns throughout the Greater Beirut Area (GBA).
which. in turn. generates severe congestion both in and around Beirut and particularly at
the connections with the coastal highway to the north and south. The probiem of
congestion is exacerbated by a heavy reliance on the use of private cars. which amounts to
approximately 300.000 cars for a population of some 1.2 million in the GBA (about 25O
cars per 1000 inhabitants). Over 70 percent of total motorized person trips. more than half
of which are home-to-work. are made by private car. Shared taxis account for nearl!' 20
percent of all trips. while just 10 percent of the population is served by privately and
publicly operated bus services. In addition. latent travel demand is hiah and would
materialize with improving suppl\ of transport capacity.
For Beirut to develop as a competitive regional center for finance. trade. services and
tourism. it should have an efficient transport system. To this end. the Government
prepared a comprehensive Greater Beirut Area Transportation Plan (GBATP) which
addresses the most serious urban transport issues. analyzes needed investments through the
year 2015. and recommends a large phased investment program. The prioritization and
phasing of this program. which will be the largest single investment need in Lebanon over
the next ten vears. will require a significant planning. consensus building. and resource
mobilization effort. The proposed Beirut Urban Transport Project would provide the
fundamental urban transport apparatus needed to address the extremely diverse and
complex transport issues the city faces. and support selected immediate actions of the
GBATP.
There are several keyr issues which must be immediately addressed to improve the
operational and economic efficiency of the GBA urban transport system. These issues
could be broadiv grouped into five main categories: (a) traffic management: (b) network
capacity: (c) parking provision and controls: (d) public transport: and (e) transport
emissions. It is bevond the realm of an individual project to address all the issues. this
particular project would therefore focus on a limited number of strategic issues - namely.
traffic management. network- capacity deficiencies. and parking. Addressing GBA's
transport problems such as transport planning. public transport. and transport emissions.
would require several projects and the proposed operation would help serve as the
foundation.
PROJECT SUMMARY - CONSWLTATMON MEErrNG
B. BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT: OBJECTIvES AND
DESCRIPTI ON
The primary development objective of the proposed Beirut Urban Transport Project
(BUTP) is to enhance the economic productivity of the GBA by improving the operational
and economic efficiency of its urban transport system. Criteria for evaluatina the
achievement of this objective will be: (a) an effective Traffic Management Organization
focusing on traffic engineering. control. and management for the entire GBA: (b) reduced
con-estion (increased traffic speed on major corridors): and (c) unauthorized parkingT
eliminated in specific zones and increase off-street parking capacity in those areas.
Specifically. B VTP would comprise of the following components:
i) Traffic Management Improvement Program: (id capacity building in traffic
management (ii) traffic signals and lavout improvements for all sianificant
intersections in GBA (about 215): and (iii) equippina a Traffic Control Center
(TCC) to be operated by the GBA Traffic Management Organization (TMO).
(ii I Parking Improvement Proaram: to control parkling along all main arteries and in
selected zones and increase off-street parking capacity in those zones by4i)
developing appropriate 'strategy. regulations. pricing and institutional
arrangements for parking controls enforcement and parking facilities operation:
and (iiJ financing the construction of about five parking facilities at selected
locations to accommodate a total of about 1.500 \ehicles. The proposed five
parking faciiities will be constructed on municipal iand and concessioned to
private operators. These concessionaires would also be given the control of on-
street parkling meters and parking enforcement in the zone of influence of the
parking facility.
(iii) Corridor Improvement Program for Beirut Entrances to improved traffic flow
along maior corridors to Beirut entrances by financing the construction of arade
separations at 16 congested intersections.
( ixv) Technical Assistance to improve urban transport plans and programs for follow-
up operations by financing technical assistance to prepare feasibility and
engineering studies. The technical assistance component would also include
studies to address transport emissions in terms of broader transport planning.
specific measures to reduce emissions from in-use and new vehicles. X
substitution of cleaner transport fuels. and assessments of institutional and
regulatory requirements.
C. OBJECTIVES OF THIS STUDY
The primary objective of this studv is to carry out the preparatory studies required for the
BUTP. These studies will include:
(i) Revie\ and assess current institutional framework and arrangements in urban I
transport in GBA
(i i) Establishin2 institutional framework and conditions for setting up a unified
Traffic Management Organization (TMO) for the Greater Beirut Area. This
TMO will be responsible to traffic engineering. management. and control
functions for the entire GBA.
PROJECT SUMMARY - CONSULTATION MEETING
(juil Development of regulations. pricing. policies. and institutional arrangements for
parking control and operations in the GBA and to create enablinc conditions for
private sector investment in the sector.
(iv) Development of financial forecasts and business plan for the 5 parking facilities
to be built and concessioned to private sector under the proposed Parking
Improvement Pro-ram.
Xv) Conduct economic and financial analysis for all proposed components.
vvi) Conduct environmental assessment for all proposed components: and
tvii) Preliminarv engineering and technical specifications for the infrastructure
components to be implemented in the first year of the project.
D. SCOPE OF WORK
In order to the meet the project objectives. the following tasks will be conducted:
Task 1: - Preparation of the Traffic Management Improvemernt component
Task 2: Preparation of the Parking Improvement Program component
Task 3: Preparation of the Corridor Improvement Program for Beirut Entrances
component
Task 4: Environmental Assessment
Task 5: Economic Analysis of all Investment Components.
Specific activities under each task are described below.
Task 1: Preparation of the Traffic Management Improvement Component
This task consists of the following four major activities:
(a) institutional assessment of the Beirut urban transport sector with emphasis of traffic
management functions
(b) assist the client in the identification of suitable workable altematives for setting up a centralized GBA Traffic ManaLement Organization (TMO) that will perform all traffic engineering. operations.
control. and management functions of the overall traffic management system for
GBA and technical specifications,tender documents for the components of this
system to be procured under this project and
(d) development of circulation plans and traffic management strategies.
Task 2: Preparation of the Parking Improvement Component
This task consists of three key activities: (a) development of regulations. pricing
and institutional arrangements for parking control. enforcement and operations
in the GBA and to create enabling environment for private investment in
parking (b) preliminary design of the proposed parking facilities. and (c)
development of a project report (including business plan and financial forecast)
on the parking program for use by the private sector operators.
Task 3: Preparation of Corridor Improvement Program for Beirut Entrances
Sixteen intersections have been identified as requiring grade separation. The
design has been completed for two overpasses. These sixteen congested
intersections located throughout the study area are targeted for environmental
and economic analyses. Fourteen intersections will undergo preliminary design.
.
PROJECT SUMMARY - CONSULTATION MEETING
Task 4: Environmental Assessment
Environmental studies will be conducted for all the project components. The
recommendations for their individual environmental analysis are provided
below:
(i) Traffic Manaaement Improvement Component. The proposed component
has been placed in WKorld Bank Environmental Screeniniu Category "B.'
and would require preparation of an Environmental Management Plan.
Such a pian would provide a framework for addressingy environmental
issues in the implementation of this component. The Environmental
Management Plan wouid include the development of potential impact and a
framework for addressing anv environmental concerns resulting from the
implementation of the traffic managrement svstem improvements planned
under BUTP.
(ii) Parking Improvement Component. The proposed component has been
placed in _Vorld Bank Environmental Screening Category "A" and would
Tequire preparation of a Site Specific Environmental Assessment to address
issues related to the proposed development of newv off-street parking
facilities (garages). A special issue associated with this component is the
evaluation of potentiai impacts to archaeologzical and historical sites which
may exist at locations proposed for the Parking Improvement Program. as
well as the need to adopt "Archaeological Chance Find Procedures" in case
previously unknown cultural materials are discovered in the course of
excavations.
(iii) Grade Separation Construction Program. The proposed component has
been placed in World Bank Environmental Screening Categor\ - B' and
would require preparation of Environmental Management Plans for the two
overpasses already planned and the thirteen highly consested intersections
selected for grade separation improvements. This series of Environmental
Management Plans would provide a framework for addressing site-specific
concerns related to individual activities under this component and allo" for
mitigation measures to be developed on a case-by-case basis.
Task 5: Economic Analvses of All Investment Components .
The task will include. but not be limited to. the following activities:
- estimate VOC and value of time
- calibrate network model
- estimate project's impacts on kev urban transport indicators
- evaluate benefits of all components - savings in operatinsz costs and travel times
- estimate rate of returns
- project fiscal impact analysis.
PROJECT SUMMARN - CO'SL'LTAT1O\ MIEhN
Task 4: Environmental Assessment
Environmental studies will be conducted for all the project components. The
recommendations for their individual environmental analysis are provided
below:
i) Traffic Manaaeement Improvement Component. The proposed componelit
has been placed in World Bank Environmental Screeningz Categzory -B."
and would require preparation of an Environmental Mana(ement Plan.
Such a plan would provide a framework for addressing environmental
issues in the implementation of this component. The Environmental
Management Plan would include the development of potential impact and a
framework for addressing any environmental concerns resulting from the
implementation of the traffic manaaement system improvements planned
under Bl'TP.
(ii) Parkin!z Improvement Component. The proposed component has been
placed in World Bank Environmental Screening Cate-or\ ".Ak and would
Tequire preparation of a Site Specific Environmental Assessment to address
issues related to the proposed development of new off-street parking
facilities (Larages). A special issue associated w\ith this component is the
evaluation of potential impacts to archaeological and historical sites which
mav exist at locations proposed for the Parking Improvement Program. as
well as the need to adopt "Archaeological Chance Find Procedures" in case
previously unknown cultural materials are discovered in the course of
excavations.
(iii) Grade Separation Construction Program. The proposed component has
been placed in World Bank Environmental Screening Cateaorv "B" and
would require preparation of Environmental Management Plans for the two
overpasses already planned and the thirteen highly congested intersections
selected for grade separation improvements. This series of Environmental
Management Plans would provide a framework for addressing site-specific
concems related to individual activities under this component and alloxw for
mitigation measures to be developed on a case-by-case basis.
Task 5: Economic Analvses of All Investment Components
The task will include. but not be limited to. the followin2 activities:
- estimate VOC and value of time
- calibrate network- model
- estimate project's impacts on key urban transport indicators
- evaluate benefits of all components - savings in operating costs,and travel
times
- estimate rate of retums
- project fiscal impact analysis.
PROJECT SUMMARY - CONSULTATION MEETING
(jji) Development of regulations. pricing. policies. and institutional arrangements for
parking control and operations in the GBA and to create enabling conditions for
private sector investment in the sector.
(iv) Development of financial forecasts and business plan for the 5 parkine facilities
to be built and concessioned to private sector under the proposed Parking
Improvement Program.
(xi ) Conduct economic and financial analysis for all proposed components.
(v"i) Conduct environmental assessment for all proposed components: and
(vii) Preliminarn engineering and technical specifications for the infrastructure
components to be implemented in the first vear of the project.
D. SCOPE OF WORK
In order to the meet the project objectives. the following tasks will be conducted:
Task 1: Preparation of the Traffic Management Improvement component
Task 2: Preparation of the Park-ing Improvement Program component 7
Task 3: Preparation of the Corridor Improvement Program for Beirut Entrances
component
Task 4: Environmental Assessment
TaskiS: Economic Anal sis of all Investment Components.
Specific activities under each task are described below.
Task 1: Preparation of the Traffic Mlanagement Improvement Component
This task consists of the following four major activities: (a) institutional
assessment of the Beirut urban transport sector with emphasis of traffic
management functions (b) assist the client in the identification of suitable
wvorkable alternatives for setting up a centralized GBA Traffic Management
Organization (TMO) that will perform all traffic engineering. operations.
control. and mana(gement functions of the overall traffic management svstem for
GBA and technical specifications/tender documents for the components of this
svstem to be procured under this project and (d) development of circulation
plans and traffic management strategies.
Task 2: Preparation of the Parking Improvement Component
This task consists of three key activities: (a) development of regulations. pricing
and institutional arrangements for parking control. enforcement and operations
in the GBA and to create enabling environment for private investment in
parking (b) preliminary design of the proposed parking facilities. and (c)
development of a project report (including business plan and financial forecast)
on the parking program for use by the private sector operators.
Task 3: Preparation of Corridor Improvement Program for Beirut Entrances
Sixteen intersections have been identified as requiring arade separation. The
design has been completed for two overpasses. These sixteen con2ested
intersections located throuehout the study area are targeted for environmental
and economic analvses. Fourteen intersections will undergo preliminary design.
Annex 2-2 List of invited stakeholders and participants at the First National Consultation Meeting
LIST OF INVITED STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTICIPANTS
AT THE FIRST NATIONAL CONSULTATION MEETING
It appears that this meeting took place sometimes in 2000. Thirteen years later, it is suggested that it would be helpful to attempt to meet, if possible, some of the attendants
INSTITUTION INVITED .ATTENDED
INSTITUTION INVITED ATTENDED
Annex 2-3 First national consultation meeting program
Annex 2-4 Parking component and analysis of results
This questionnaire was filled by the participants to the First National Consultation meeting. The
questionnaire was filled and collected during the meeting. TEAM International staff synthesized the results
and filled in the statistics in this Annex.
PARKING QUESTIONINAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
1. Do vou believe chaotic parking is the main X Yes 85%
reason for traffic congestion? Y 13%
'. Parking at the curb should not be provided free I Aaree 93%
in commercial districts
. Disagree 0%/o
3. Where parking meters are instalied. the 500 L.L. 72%
minimum charge for first V': hour should not be
iess than: I1000 L.L. 24%
1500 L.L. 2%
I '000 L.L. 2%
4. Where meters are installed. the charge for one 500 L.L. 30o/0
hour shouldn't be less than:
1000 L.L.. 48%
_ 1500 L.L. ' I 17%
2000 L.L. 4�/
-. W'here meters are installed. the charge for two 1 000 L.L. 30%
hours shouidn't be less than:
1500 L.L. '9%
2 000 L.L. 1 %
3000 L.L. I 13%
6. For the same cost what is your preferred place At the curb 28%
of parking.
rt pan i.2. 3. 4In parking lot 26%
rank; 1. '. u4
= most preferred In a multi-story garage above
ground
In an underground garage 26%
-. Are you willing to pay more for parking in a Yes 5 50%
earage? I %
8. improving parking enforcement is important for Improve vehicular circulation 80%
the following objectives piease rank vou answer
1. . 3 Clear sidewalk for pedestrans 17%
I =most important | Reduce emission 2%
9. The cunrent enforcement of parkling regulation Adequate 11 %
is: ~~~~~~~~Sporadic1%
, ou may choose more than one box) !pa %
I Ineffective 13%
Needs to be changed o0%
10. Compiiance with park-ing regulation can be Yes 65%
more effective if park-ing fines are high enough
No 3;%
.I40 Parkinm Oenw | to
PARKING QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS (Cont'd)
11. Improving park-ing enforcement is best Parking citations 4 0/00
achievable via.
please rank 1. 2. 3. 4 Phvsical barriers 24%
I = best W'heel clamps
Towing z 0o
12. Priority in parking at the curb should be given Yes 7JO,%
only to the handicapped:
No 26%
13. Parking government action priority should be I Visitor -Shopper 50%0�,
niven to:
rank vour answer 1.'.3 Commuter 20%
i = highest priorir\
Area - Resident 2'6%
14. Do xyou support building underground public ] Yes i 9o
parking gara2es' o .%
15. Pubiic parking garages should be provided in Improve'vehicular circulation I 80/o
the Cirt Center tor the followine reasons.
Please rank 1. Z. 2. 4 Reduce vehicular emissions
I= most important I
Improve traffic safery 0
1 Reduce negative visual impact
16. Underground public parking garages have a i Expensive 15'%
negative effect. I Interfere with archeolosfical
please rank 1.'. 3.4.5 remains - 2%
I= most ne-ative I
Big problems in lighting &
ventilation in case of power I '�
failure
Require continuous surveillance |
Affect underground water quality 0
and level j 4O
1 7. Providing public parking garages may not be a Attract hiaher traffic to citv centeri 6'� o
good idea in the cit\ center for the following
reasons. Consumes valuable land 0%
please rank 1.'. 4
I = most important Could displace people 0%/0
Induce negative impact on no,o
aesthetics of the citv
18. Providing public parking garages should be Yes i 4%
avoided in the cirv center
No opKo
19. Which of the3 components you would Trficsgnl I 3
consider of highest priority under budget P
constraints? Parkinu 6
Please rank as 1. '. 3 Grade separation ;%
I = highest priority_
NOTE: For questions requiring rank-in,g of possible answers, frequency of rank 1
answers is shown.
6eNloPaukim, Ouewature
Annex 2-S Traffic management questionnaire and analysis of results
This questionnaire was filled by the participants to the First National Consultation meeting. The
questionnaire was filled and collected during the meeting. TEAM International staff synthesized the results
and filled in the statistics in this Annex.
TRAFFIC CONTROL QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
1. The real positive impacts of signalized | Reduce vehicle stops 38%
intersections are: I
please rank 1. 2. 3. 45. 6. Higher avg. speed 30%
= most positive Less emissions 0 oJ
Noise reduction 0%/J
Pedestrian safetv 5%
Good image 16%
Safer for cars 2%
2. Do vou think we need and should install traffic Yes 1 00%/o
sianals on all major intersections in GBA ^ %
3. If intersections were signalized. priority should Cars .- 62%
be given to: I
Choose one . Pedestrians 30%
4. What is the maximum period of waiting vou < 30 sec 1 %
find acceptble before clearing a signalized 30 - 60 sec 27Oo
intersection? 60-90sec 32%
90- 120 sec 24%
120 - ISO sec 8%
> 180 sec O'ov
5. In vour opinion what are the reasons for Lack of lane discipline 35%
reducing the effectiveness of a signal system in Interference of buses & taxis 1 1%o
Beirut' Tumnine from wrong lane 24%
please rank reasons: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5 T
Pedestrians 3%z/
I = most critical
Other: spec ifx.1 9%v
6. Do vou still see a role for a policeman where the Yes 76%o
intersections are signalized?
I |No 24%
7. If yes. please rank the following roles: 1- 2- .- 4 Ensure compliance 59%
1 = most imporunt Override signal as he sees fit 19%
Take over in case of signal failure 0%
Other: specify. %
8. Video Camera mav be used in traffic Yes
surveillance for incident detection and verification.
Would vou support their use? No 8%
I~~~~~
.
TRAFFIC CON-TROL QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS (Cont'd)
9. If no. what are the reasons for vour objection. I Ineffective
Please rank 1. 2. 3. 4
Unnecessarv cost 5%
May be intrusive on privacy ,'
Other: specif ...................0%
10. Do vou think that a Transportation Yes 97%
Management Organization (TMO) in Greater
Beirut Area (GBA) is needed' No 0%
I1. The operating budget for a TMO should be
provided by: ~~~~~Municipal taxes 1 6%
provided by:o
Please rank I. 2. 3. 4.5 Central budget 16%
I most preferred Fuel taxes!Vehicle registration _'%
Parking collection 1 6%//o
Traffic fines 212%
12. Where do vou think a Transportation Ministry of Transport 16%
Management Organization for Greater Beirut Area
should have its administrative affiliation? CDR 0%
Police 3 2%/0
Municipalities 14%
Ministrv of Public Works 3�iO
Other: Specif .30%
13. A Traffic Control Center may be needed to Improve Signal timine 62%
coordinate traffic signals and providing incident Incident Mana2ement 14%
management.
Please rank its duties: 1. 2. 3.. 4. 5. 6. 7 Give priority to public transport 5%
Give priority to emergency 1 1%
I - most important vehicles. ambulance. fire I
Give priority to motorcades 0�'o
Security benefits through camera 3%
surveillance
Other: Specif .0%
14. Which of the S components vou would Traffic signals 35%
consider of the highest priority under budget
constraints' Park-inie 19%
Please rank as 1. 2.3 Grade separation 31%
I = highest priorit_
NOTE: For questions requiring rankling of possible answers, frequencv of rank 1
answers is shown.
Annex 2-6 Grade separations questionnaire and analysis of results
This questionnaire was filled by the participants to the First National Consultation meeting. The
questionnaire was filled and collected during the meeting. TEAM International staff synthesized the results
and filled in the statistics in this Annex.
GRADE SEPARATIONS QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
1. As a GBA resident. which tvpe of grade Over pass T 0%
separations you prefer in general? Under p 60%
No preference
. How do you rank the negative impact of Visual intrusion 57%
overpasses'.os 1
please rankl.'.i.4, Noise 1 1%
I = highest negative impact Emission 6%
Effect on business 14%
Vibration 9%
3. How do you assess the negative impact of Visual intrusion 3%
underpasses'
please rank 1. 2. 3. 4. 5 Noise 9%
1 = hishest negative impact Emission 31%
_ _ Effect on business 0%
Vibration
____ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___14%
4. Do vou suspect archeological finds will be Yes 37 0/
encountered while constructing underpasses at the
indicated locations? No 14%,o
Don't know 43%
5. Please rank the following possible Detours 71 %o
inconveniences that mav be encountered during
construction. from most disturbing to less Noise 0%
disturbing: 1.2. 3. 4. 5 Dust 6%
1 = most disturbinc
Effect on business 17%
Other: Specif 3%
6. W'hich of the 3 components that address traffic Traffic sionals 37%
problems in GBA vou find of the highest priority
under budget constraints? Park-ins 11%
Please rank as 1. 2. 3 Grade separation 34%
I = highest priority
NOTE: For questions requiring ranking of possible answers, frequency of rank
1 answers is shown. . .
Annex 2-7 Environmental impact questionnaire and analysis of results
This questionnaire was filled by the participants to the First National Consultation meeting. The
questionnaire was filled and collected during the meeting. TEAM International staff synthesized the results
and filled in the statistics in this Annex.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
1. Do vou perceive of a real pollution problem in Yes 97%
Greater Beirut caused bv vehicular traffic?
No 0%
Don't know 3%
2. Do vou perceive of a pollution probiem in Yes 100%
Greater Beirut caused by traffic coneestion . No 0%
Don't know 0%
3. Please rank the unpleasant impacts of the car: Pollution 57%
1. . i. 4. 5 Noise 9%
1 = most unpleasant Visual Intrusion 0%
Improper parking 23%
(double. over sidewalk)
Accidents 9%
4. Reduction of vehicular air poliution can hest be j Strict vehicle inspection 49%
achieved through:
please ranl; I-. '; 3. 4. 5. 6. 7 1 Improve role of public transport 17%
Raise price of gasoiine 0%
I = best means i Restrict car use (by area & time) 0%
Gradual phase-out of leaded- 9%
gasoline
Improve circulation & reduction 23%
of congestion
Other: specify 3%
5. Do vou find the phasing out of leaded gasoline Yes 91%
an important priority issue?
No 9%
6. Do vou find it necessary to phaseout leaded Yes 86%
gasoline completely?
No 14%
7. What are the effective means for phasing out Reduce iead concentration in 17%
leaded gasoline? gasoline
please rank 1.2. 3.4 Reduce taxes on unleaded 34%
] = most effective gasoline
Stop importing leaded gasoline 31%
Phase out cars that require leaded 14%
2asoline
8. How long do vou think it should take to phase Less than 5 years 57%
out leaded easoline? More than 5 ears7
3%
Should never happen
9. Do vou think it is necessary to monitor air Yes 86%
quality in the city on a daily basis?
No 11%
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
(Cont'd)
10. Do vou think it is necessarv to monitor noise Yes 80%
levels in the cidr on a daih. basis?
No 17%
11. is it necessarv to create an environmental unit Yes 97%
for monitoring pollution leveis?
No 0%
12. Who should be responsible for monitorin2 of Ministrv of Environment 89%
environmental pollution? Ministrv of Interior 0%
Independent government 3%
authority
Private institution 0%
13. Who should conduct the monitorinz of Ministr- of Environment 490%o
environmental pollution? Universities - 9%
_ Research centers 20%
Private institutions - 6%
14. Does the Lebanese Government currentlv has Yes 3 1%
the capacities to run such a unit?
15. Emission inspection is needed: No 0%
Annual 8 3%/
Ever\ two vears 11
Every three vears
16. Does traffic management affect air emissions? Yes 91%
No 0%
Don't know 0%
17. Does traffic management affect noise Yes 91%
emissions.
No 6%/
Don't know| 0%
18. Do grade separations affect air emissions? Yes. 7 7%
No 11%
Don't know 6%
19. Do grade separations affect noise emissions? Yes 89%
No 3%
Don't know 3%
20. Do parking affect air emissions. Yes 77%
No 9%
Don't know 6%
21. Do.es parking affect noise emissions? Yes 69%
No 17%
Don't know 6%
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
(Cont'd)
2. Does the construction of grade separations Yes 71%
affect air emissions.) No 9%
Don't know 6%
23. Does the construction of zrade separations Yes 1 80%
affect noise emissions' No 6%
Don't know 0%
24. Does the construction of parking structures Yes 63%
affect air emissions? No 17%
Don't know 9%
25. Does the construction of parking structures Yes 69%
affect noise emissions. No 14%
Don't knovw 6%
26. What is the effective mean of reducing noise Sound barrier 34%
levels'
Please rank 1. '. 3. 4 Tree planting 3%
Increase taxes on gasoline 0%
I= most effective
Stringent regulations on car 40%
specifications
27. What are the possible means of reducing air Tree planting 29%
pollution.
Please rank 1. '. i. 4 Increase taxes on -asoline 3%
I = most effective Phasing out of leaded easoline 26%
Stringent regulations on car 37%
specifications
NOTE: For questions requiring ranking of possible answers, frequency of rank
1 answers is shown.
Annex 2-8 Participants recommendations
(Translated from Arabic)
Recommendations Proposed by Brig. General Iskandar Ajjaka -
Chief of Traffic Emergency Committee
We record our appreciation for the efforts that went into organizing the First
Consultation Meeting that was held on 23/06/1998.
I see the urgent recommendations to include:
I. Accelerate establishing a Traffic Control Center (TTC) for Greater Beirut. We
have a clear vision for the needed staffing and where to locate the center.
2. Initiate a public information campaign to encourage the private sector to invest in
building public car parks. especially that the law giving incentives for this activity
is now in place. Some international developers will be interested. Rarity of
suitable land will be a problem.
3. Construct grade separations (overpasses and underpasses) and pedestrian
crossings. at well known locations.
4. Encourage coastal maritime transport between large coastal towns to reduce
vehicular traffic.
3. Establish a high commission for operating the proposed facilities which includes
transport. traffic, parking and similar activities. I propose to mutate the Traffic
Emergency Committee to become this commission, restructuring it, activating it,
and probably changing its name.
6. Implement the law of compulsory car insurance. It will improve the quality of the
car fleet and benefit the transport.
.
(Translated from Arabic)
P'roposals Presented by Mr. Badawi Semaan -
Head of the Economic and Financial Affairs Department
Ministry of Petroleum
I commute daily between the North and Beirut, and I have noticed improvements
during the last 3 years. I thank the Traffic Emergency Committee on its efforts inspite
of its limited resources.
The traffic problem in Beirut is part of a whole and is directlv tied to other issues.
I propose the followintg solutions:
Immediate Solutions
1. All municipal councils within Greater Beirut to transform vacant land lots to car
parking lots.
2. Install parking meters. at reasonable rates.
3. Enforce laws and regulations strictlv and accurately. fortify traffic police with
additional staff and resources. and assign some of its responsibilities to the
municipal police.
4. Check on the road worthiness of cars and implement a periodic inspection.
Intermediate Solutions
I . Establish large park-and-ride facilities, to be free for users of public transport.
2. Decrease the number of cars licensed as taxi and taxi-service to fit the real need.
3. Detour some ships from Beirut Port to the ports of Tripoli. Saida. and Sour.
4. Implement the exclusivity of Tripoli Fair for holding international fairs.
5. Fortify the financial role of municipalities. chambers of industrv, commerce and
agriculture in the regions.
6. Consult transport economists in deciding on transport investments.
Long-Term Solutions
1. Implement administrative decentralization to reduce vehicle commuting to Beirut.
2. Rehabilite Quleiaat Airport, and divert all cargo flights to it.
3. Relocate the petroleum products tank farm from Dawra to an area outside the
capital.
4. Resort to coastal maritime transport among cities. if feasible.
Annex 3-I Records of local public consultation meetings
RECORD OF MEETING
....................................................................
Place: Municipal HQ of Sin El-fil
Date: 18/12/1998
Subject: Presentation of Projects on Saloumeh-Hayek -Mkalles
Axis and preparation for Consultation Meeting
Attending: Mr. Sami Shaoul - President of Sinn El Fil Municipality
Mr. Nabil Kahaleh - Member of Sinn El Fil Municipality
Mr. Pierre Ghazal - Member of Sinn El Fil Municipality
Mr. Hoseph Farah - Member of Sinn El Fil Municipality
Mr. Elia Al-Aaraj - Member of Sinn El Fil Municipality
Mr. Johnny Abi-Rashed - Member of Sinn El Fil Municipality
Mr. Elie Helou - CDR
Mr. Tammam Nakkash - TEAM International
Mr. Jamal Al-Zarif- TEAM International
Mr. Imad Mroueh - TEAM International
The President started by explaining to the members of the Municipal Council the purpose of the
meeting: (1) presentation of CDR projects affecting their Municipality and (2) preparing for the
public consultation meeting
The Consultant presented the components of the BUTP: Traffic Management, Parking
Improvement, and Grade Separations (Hayek and Mkalles two of which). The development of
the BUTP starting from the Greater Beirut Transport Plan conducted in 1994 was explained.
An overview of the data collection, analysis and modeling efforts was presented.
The question of whether there is really the need for grade separation at Hayek, especially there
are other projects around it that may reduce the flow of traffic on it, was asked the Consultant
explained that the traffic estimates and projections are based on a network model which covers
the entire GBA. The model takes into consideration all committed Projects.
The Consultant presented all the alternatives that were considered before selecting the proposed
configuration. Traffic, enviromnental emission, noise, and economic considerations were
presented, with a comparison of the alternatives: advantages and disadvantages of each.
The members of the Municipal Council were very keen on knowing that the proposed grade
separations are required in addition to all other possible traffic management solutions. They also-
stressed the importance of executing all the elements of the project that leads to rood
improvement, signing, marking, signals, landscaping, and improving the perfonrance of traffic
police.
The proposed overpass at Mkalles was also presented. At the conclusion it was agreed to
widely advertise the Public Consultation Meeting Planned for the evening of 22/12/1998.
60beem*3Ote.6)
Decembe 21. 199S
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Beirut Municipal Council
Date: 28/12/1998
Subject: Presentation of BUTP in Preparation for
Consultation Meetings
Attending: The President and Members of the Beirut Municipal Council
Mr. Elie Helou - CDR
Mr. Tammam Nakkash - TEAM International
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel - AUB/TEAM International
Mr. Jamal Al-Zarif - TEAM International
Mr. Imad Mroueh - TEAM International
Meeting started at 7:00 PM. The President of the Municipal Council of Beirut introduced Mr.
E. Helou of CDR. -
Mr. Helou presented briefly the projects under preparation by CDR and candidate for receiving
WB funding. Mr. Helou defined the three components of BUTP:
- Traffic Management, installing signals, all are connected to a TCC
- Addressing the parking problem, with regulation of on-street parking as a priority
- Constructing grade separations at 16 junctions, 6 of which are within municipal Beirut.
Mr. Helou stressed that the objectives of BUTP include, in addition to improving traffic
condition, reducing the pollution (noise and emissions) caused by cars.
Dr. Nakkash, representing TI presented the background of BUTP, he informed that the starting
point was the preparation of the Greater Beirut Transport Plan (GBTP) which recommended
three staged plans: lmmediate, Medium and Long Term.
The BUTP contains most of the Immediate Action Plan and part of the Medium Term Plan. Dr.
Nakkash explained that application for WB funding requires investigating, in addition to the
usual technical and engineering studies, economic feasibility and environmental and social
assessment. He added that today's meeting is in preparation for open consultations, primarily
with concerned citizens residing or working in the vicinity of the proposed project and with
NGO's, especially those concerned with environmental issues. The meeting provides a platform
for informing about the project, answering questions about it, and listening to the concerns of
citizens and their comments. ntI-s'. -
It was proposed that the grade separation component be presented first to the council, and to
cover the parking and traffic management components subject to time availability.
The preliminary engineering designs of following grade separations were presented:
- Tayyouneh Roundabout
- Airport Road with Omar Beyhum, near Beit al-Atfal
- Bechara el-Khoury with Independence
- Sami el-Solh with Rue de Damas
- Abdullah el-Yafi with Rue de Damas
- Adlieh Junction.
immy 8, lwg ~~~~~~~~~1/3
For each junction, the proposed design and traffic circulation was presented. All grade
separations proposed within Municipal Beirut are underpasses. Questions on details were
answered. The criteria for selecting a specific solution were clarified.
After the presentation, a general discussion was held, and the following issues were raised:
Q: How much is the estimated cost of the 6 grade separations?
A: About $25 m.
Q: What is the time profile for implementing BUTP?
A: Appraisal by WB is expected in Spring 1999, loan agreement in Summer 1999. Loan -
agreement will not be valid till after approval by Parliament.
Q: Does WB financing cover the entire cost of BUTP?
A: WB may finance 50% of BUTP. All WB contributions can be assigned to one component
(e-.g. grade separations). Co-financing is also expected from other sources (Japan. Arab
funds).
Q: Are all grade separations going to be executed simultaneously?
A: Works will be programmed to minimize their local impact on traffic. Construction will
involve 3 groups over a period of 4.5 years.
Q: Would the Municipality of Beirut be required to chip in the financing of these projects?
A: Financing will come prinarily from WB, other funds. and the Government of Lebanon.
Q: Would the Independent Municipal Fund bear part of the financing?
A: We do not know.
Q: What role do you see for the 'Traffic and Lighting Committee' of the Municipal Council
during the coming 6 months?
A: May be the priority should be given to prepare for receiving a Traffic Management Unit
(TMU), the WB will cover its cost for a specified period of time. Also you should prepare
for educational and public awareness campaigns and lobby for more strict enforcement of
the traffic code.
Following that, a quick presentation of the parking component was presented. The solution
must start with organizing and controlling on-street parking. Strict enforcement will create the
market for off-street parking, which then can be supplied by the private sector. On-street
parking should be restricted by duration and should never be free, especially in business areas
and on shopping streets.
The President asked how can we get better enforcement. It was suggested that may be the
experience of the UK in decriminilization of parking offenses should be considered. I
The Consultant stressed the importance of having the consultation meetings be open to
everybody, especially neighbors of the projects. It was suggested to advertise the invitation for
the consultation meetings in the media. The Consultant said that this is OK, but the presence of
the media (especially TV) is not recommended, as their presence modifies the behavior and
encourages showing-off.
6Q1i3 OUC.9)
iuy K 9 2/3
In conclusion, the following schedule was agreed:
1. A consultation meeting be held at 7:00 PM, January 07. 1999 at Beit al-Atfal - Makassed
School (Dr. Kadi will make arrangements)
2. A consultation meeting be held at 7:00 PM. Januarv 08. 1999 at the French Cultural
Center, Rue de Damas (Mr. Sarkis will make arrangements).
The Consultant will draft the announcements and supply sketches of the grade separations for
people to look at prior to the meeting.
Presentation ended at 9:00 PM
64WOUmV ( 3/3
iumuwv &.19993/
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Khaled Ibn el-Walid ; Beit al-Atfal school; Horch, Beirut
Date: Thursday, 7 Jan. 1999
Attendance: See attachment
The President of the Municipal Council of Beirut opened the meeting at 07:15 PM. He
explained that the Municipal Council will cooperate and consult with the citizens. He said that
important projects are under preparation concerning relieving traffic congestion including
building overpasses and underpasses. He explained that the projects will be presented and the
opinions of the citizens will be heard.
Mr. Elie Helou of CDR gave a brief account of the BUTP and its three components: traffic
management, parking, and grade separations. There are 16 grade separations. 6 of which are in
Municipal Beirut. Three of which will be discussed tonight: Tayouneh. Beit al-AtfaL and
Sodeco. He explained that the project is comprehensive, it deals with the social, economic. and
environmental aspects in addition to the technical.
Dr. T. Nakkash of TEAM International took the floor. He explained the purpose of the
meeting and clarified that public hearings are an important stage in project preparation. He
explained that the objectives of the projects go beyond only relieving the traffic. because there
are economic and environmental issues that are tied to traffic congestion. All of this has a high
social cost. He explained that the work is based on extensive surveys and serious planning
effort. He ended his presentation by noting that the proposed solutions can carry us through
2015, but beyond that period we cannot survive without extensive good transit.
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel presented the environmental issue at stake. He presented the results of
computer simulations of certain pollutants, that show that the proposed projects will decrease
the level of pollution even with an increase in traffic volumes. He also explained some of the
mitigation measures that will be implemented in order to avert some of the negative impacts,
primarily during construction.
Dr. Ahmad Baalbaki discussed the social issues that transcend the direct impact of relieving
traffic congestion. He stressed the importance of public participation in making the project a
success during the conception, the design, the implementation, and operation and maintenance.
Engineer Jamal Al-Zarif presented the underpasses proposed near Beit al-Atfal. He
explained the constraints of the site. The proposed solution provides uninterrupted flow at that
junction. Several questions were raised by the public.
1. The difficulty of accessing Barbir Hospital for traffic coming from Chatila or EB on
Corniche el-Mazraa.
2. Is it possible for the EB traffic on Barbir Bridge to go SB to Chatila?
3. How to allow NB traffic on A/P road to go WB on Corniche el-Mazraa?
4. Is it feasible to remove the Tripoli bound taxi-service stand from the area?
5. Is there a way to limit the inflow to Beirut of vehicles coming from outside it?
_!un" a. 199 1/4
The first three questions were answered by explaining that the proposed underpass at Beit al-
Atfal cannot be expected to solve all the problems caused by a misconception of some projects
executed three decades earlier. The Consultant explained that Corniche el-Mazraa warrants a
special study, so does the problem of EW accessibility in general. The BUTP's scope does not
include Mar Elias, Borj Abou-Haidar, Barbir and other intersections on Corniche el-Mazraa,
and all are congested and require to be studied.
The President of the Municipality responded to the last two questions. He explained that the
taxi-service will be diverted towards the Adnan al-Hakim terminal. He also said that regulating
on-street parking will discourage car use in the city and will force people to think about using
public transport after leaving their cars in remote Park'n ride facilities at the peripherique.
The Tavouneh junction was presented afterwards. There was a question on why not a 3-level
solution was considered, by providing an overpass also that carries traffic between Chatila and
Adlieh. It was explained that the proposed NS underpass is sufficienL and another grade
separation is not warranted, as shown by the traffic forecasting model.
Finally, the Sodeco junction was presented.
Tlhere were questions of a general nature addressed to the President of the Municipal Council.
He explained the problems that the Municipality is facing and how they are being dealt with.
Dr. Baalbaki tested on the audience an altemative to parkmeters, which involves assigning each
curb length to an individual parking warden, who will collect from the people the parking fee
and provide other services such as guarding the car or even washing it. Such a solution will
provide employment to old people, and to unproductive employees of the municipality. It is a
labor intensive solution which does not require investing in expensive sophisticated equipment
that does not require expensive operation and maintenance. The majority opposed this
altemative, as they expressed distrust with the individuals who could be parking wardens.
The meeting ended at 9:20 PM.
I
I
64WdVMm3 (Rem9)
J_v & 1999 2/4
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Abdel-Monhem Ariss President - Municipality of Beirut
Amine Farchoukh Social Affairs Manager - Makassed
Robert Abrat Member - Municipality of Beirut
Dr. Salim Itani Member - Municipality of Beirut
Rachid Jalkh Member - Municipality of Beirut
Dr. Ammar Houri Member - Municipality of Beirut
Dr. Mohamed Khair Al-Kadi Member - Municipality of Beirut
Zacharia Melhem Teacher, Al-Horch Secondary School - Makassed
Mohamed Sukkar Supervisor, Al-Horch Secondary School - Makassed
Adnan Manasfi Director, Al-Horch Secondary School - Makassed
Jamal Housami Director, Omar Ben-Khattab Primarv School - Makassed
Faisal Khalil Matar Director. Omar Ben-Khattab Secondary School -
Makassed
Wadih Kanbar Teacher, Lebanese Universitv
Khalil Soubra Teacher. Lebanese University
Ali Nour Eddine Aassaf Architect
Hani Jamil Head of Merchants Association in Corniche Mazraa
Dr. Wael Mehio Dentist
Sami Daouk Founding Member, Merchants Association in Corniche
Mazraa
Mostapha Sinno Head of Merchants & Industrialists of AfifTibi Street
Ahmad Naji Fares Owner of ANF shops
Fouad Rustom Head of Ittihad Al-Chabiba Al-Islamiya
Ousama Sami Jrab Owner of Sami Jrab & Sons Co. for building material
Mahmoud Ayyad (reporter) Head of Abou-Chaker Committee
Nour Eddine Droub Social Affairs Assoc. - Makassed
Said Itani Director, Social Affairs - Makassed
Ibrahim Darwich Owner of garage Darwich
Haytham Daaboul Employee (BT Electricity)
Mohamed Dedd6 Islamic Institute for Lebanon Children's Care
Sobhi Haidar Islamic Institute for Lebanon Children's Care
lmad Masri Islamic Institute for Lebanon Children's Care
Ahmad Itani Director, Al-Tariq Al-Jadida Al-Oula Governmental
School for Boys
Saleh Mohamed Khair Al-Kadi Merchant
Najwa Nahas Hariri Public Relations for Charity - Al-Horch
Hoda Chami Afifi Hadile Fashion Magazine (Mouseitbe)
Hasna Wafiq Bekdach Owner of Hasna' Beauty Institute (Mar Elias)
Hassana Afifi Student (BBS)
Rola Hakim Al-Kadi Housewife (Al-Horch)
Jamile Hakim Al-Kadi Housewife & Member of Kaskas Housewives Assoc.
Maya AI-Kadi Student - Omar Farroukh Govermmental School
Hilal Naamani Social League of Abna' Al-Tariq Al-Jadida
Taysir Al-Durzi Social League of Abna' Al-Tariq Al-Jadida
Mohamed Bakri Sakr Engineer
Dr. Isam Kaysi A.U.B.
60)wwf3 (Rm94
Jau a. ,1999 3/4
Dr. Mohtasem Ghandour Dr. Nasib Barbir Medical Est. & Member of Board of
Trustees
Marwan Aris General Manager, Barbir Hospital
Khaled Jibbawi Beirut Issues (NGO)
Riad Bacha Al-Hoda Association
Dr. Sami Nasr Dr. & Member of Municipality of Beirut
Isam Barghout Merchant & Member of Municipality of Beirut
Mona Nagib Mneimne Employee - Jaznmal Trust Bank
Ghassan Majdalani Moukhtar, Mouseitbe
Salim Madhoun Moukhtar, Mazraa
Elias Michel Nasif Moukhtar, Mouseitbe
Ghazi Khamis V.P. Rezkari Party
Elie Helou CDR
Dr. Ahmad Baalbaki TEAM / Lebanese University
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel AUBTEAM International
Dr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM
Jamal Al-Zarif TEAM
Mahmoud Halwani TEAM
Imad Mroueh TEAM
1
E
MI09,u3(aes~ 4/4
iiny I. 1
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: French Cultural Center - Damascus Road, Beirut
Date: Friday, 08 Jan. 1999
Attendance: See attachment
Introduction by President of Beirut Municipality: Purpose of the meeting.
Elie Helou (CDR)
Beirut Urban Transport Plan with its three components:
1. Parking control and parking management
2. Installation of traffic signals, signing and pavement marking
3. Constructing 16 grade separations: 3 of them will be discussed in this meeting at Museum,
Adlieh Roundabout, an4l Sami Solh AvelDamascus Road.
Dr. T. Nakkash (TEAM)
Overview:ofthe study, starting in 1994: traffic surveys, data collection, and traffic modeling.
Jamal Al-Zarif (TEAM)
Location of the 3-grade separations:
1. Sami Solh AveiDamascus Rd.
Year 2015 traffic projections with Damascus Rd. a 2-way street (towards Fum el-Chebak)
warrant a grade separation at this location.
2. Museum
Year 2015 traffic projections show growth in the EW traffic
Physical constraints near the museum building and the existing monument
- lane width reduced from 3.50 m to 3.25 m
* main traffic will be in the EW direction
H6tel Dieu Str. changed to one-way towards H6tel Dieu (Northeast direction).
Q: How will you treat the traffic at the intersection of Hotel Dieu St. and Adib Ishak in front
of the Internal Security Forces Building?
A: This movement will now be possible at-grade, and the traffic can use Rue de Damas to go
to Sodeco.
3. Adlieh Roundabout
* 3 important arterials pass through Adlieh junction, Comiche el-Mazraa, Sami Solh Ave,
and Tahwita Rd.
* traffic coming from Mathaf to Tahwita Rd. and traffic from Sami Solh Ave. to Fiat are
the two most important traffic movements.
Q: Why not extend the grade separation and end it after the Fiat bridge?
A: It is not warranted.
Q: At the end of this tunnel (3 lanes NB), what will happen with the 2-lane Fiat bridge where
3 lanes of trffic are coming into it?
A: Part of the traffic turns right towards Jisr el-Wati.
6zWb=3(Rw.q 101/5
_OWY 9.19;99
Discussions about traffic congestion happening currently at the Fiat bridge.
Comments by Mr. Elie Helou:
Overall solutions to traffic congestion would include an expanded public transportation system
including metro lines, buses, etc.
Q: Were the access and egress to and from Justice Palace and General Security Building
taken into consideration?
A: Yes, there are three lanes bordering the General Security Building.
President of Municipality
* Plans for 12 underground garages
* the possibility of installing parking meters is currently being considered
* the purpose of parking meters is to reduce congestion, air pollution, and getting people
used to public transport
* for parking enforcement, the Municipality is currently considering having municipality
police enforce parking regulations instead of internal security forces.
Q: Why not consider parking garages under public gardens?
A: It is being considered.
President of Municipality:
Beirut Municipality is spending $100 million annually, while collecting only $55 million
annually.
Comment by Mr. Joseph Zaidan:
* Parking on Adib Ishac St. is not enough to handle the demand in the area
* Unbuilt parcels to be used as parking lots.
Comment by President of the Municipality
The Municipality will not accept cash in lieu for parking, if it is physically possible to provide it.
Last experience was not successful. Cash was paid but no parking was provided. It was
proposed to form local citizen groups to enforce traffic and parking regulations.
Mr. Elie Helou:
Plan for installation of traffic signals throughout Beirut and its suburbs.
Comments:
Concrete barriers (walls) that are being constructed in the gore areas of the ramp entrances and
exits are a safety hazard. Request for their proper treatment.
Dr. T. Nakkash presented a summary of the strategy for dealing with the parking problem:
* Parking master plan overview I
* Background on parking problems in the City of Beirut
* Priority is the treannent of short-term parking
* Distnbution centers to replace storage area in the buildings' basements
* The need for legalizmg to issue a property title for individual parking spaces in buildings.
64W& (Rl0 2/5
j_iy 9, 1999
Comments:
The restaurant owners canmot afford to pay 30 million LL for each parking spaces being
required at the rate of one space per 30 m2 of gross restaurant area.
Parking problems along Monot St. in Achrafieh, because of the concentration of restaurants.
Parking lot is available for USJ. However, it is closed for public at night.
Discussions regarding the restaurants in Beirut and the lack of parking space available. The
President said that the future Martyr's Square Parking Garage can serve the Monot St.
restaurants.
Dr. M. El-Fadel (AUB/TEAM)
Envirommental impact of the project.
Q: The effect of gasoline stations in the area?
A: Gasoline stations are sources of emissions and can present a potential source of soil and
ground water contamination wherever built. In this case, they exist with and without the
proposed grade seperation. The grade seperation itself is not going to increase-adverse
impacts of the gas station. Operations and activities at the station are typically the cause of
potential pollution at the station.
Q: Is the catalytic converter required for vehicles in Lebanon?
A: No it is not, but recently the custom tax on it was removed to provide incentives for
keeping it.
Dr. T. Nakkash:
A policy has to be set by the government to phase out leaded gasoline. It should be
accompanied by a policy for inspection and maintenance (I/M) of vehicles.
Q: (Bachir Saghir): Are there any proposed teatment for Salim Salam Tunnel?
A: Maintenance contract for the tunnel was signed 2 '2 weeks ago, and the ventilation blowers
are now working.
Meeting ended at 9:00 PM.
6J1M 9, I3V" 3/5
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Abdel-Monhem Ariss President - Municipality of Beirut
Dr. Fawzi Al-Aouji Dentist
Ahmad Said Beydoun Moukhtar Achrafieh (Baydoun district)
Joseph Zeydan Zeydan Merchant - Hairdresser (Adib Ishac Str.)
Nizar Karam Engineer/Consultant - Credo Co. / Engineers Consultants
Rachid Jalkh Member Municipality of Beirut
Halim Boulos Fayad V.P. Municipality of Beirut
Joseph Sarkis Member Municipality of Beirut
Nadim Matar General Manager - Danebco
Michel Nasr Mokhtar Saifi Sector
Dr. Sami Nasr Member Municipality of Beirut
Wasim Ajami Reporter - Lebanese Radio
Mohamed Assi Representative - Agence Nationale d'Informations
-Nemr Rizk Reporter - Lebanese Radio
Caroline Hanna President - Achrafieh Women's Committee
Rasmi Gebrane Moukhtar Achrafieh
Joseph Haikal President of the Committee - Achrafieh Coalition
Simon Abou-Loh Member - Achrafieh Committee
Ibrahim Hanna Member - Achrafieh Committee
Nawal Abou Kharroub Member - Achrafieh Women's Committee
Edward Noujeim Member - Achrafieh Committee
Jacques Mardini Member - Achrafieh Committee
Marie Mardini Member - Achrafieh Committee
Richard Noujeim Member - Achrafieh Committee --
Mahmoud Younes Photographer - Al-Liwa' Newspaper
Abdo Abi-Chalra Civil Engineer
Ghassan Bou-Assi Civil Engineer
Roger Yazbek Manager - Insurance
Hanna Nazzal Manager - Na77nl Invest Group (04-530024)
Sleiman Hilal Al-Mlawi Owner of Hilal Commercial Agency
Satii Arna'out Consultant - United Nations
Joe Kanaan Secretary of Achrafieh Merchants Committee & PDG r
Sodeco Gestion s.al.
Bachir Saghir Agronomist - Prestige Gardens
Robrt Jerji Mehmari Moukhtar Achrafieh (Karm Zeitoun, own bldg.)
Jean Asmar Hanna Nehmeh Moukhtar Achrafieh (A. Ishac str., Rubeiz Bldg.)
Elie Wardeh Jeweller (Sassine Square, Hussein Khattar Bldg.)
Joseph Ahmar Attorney (Edde Str., Abboud Bldg.)
Georges Joseph Moukarzel Moukhtar Achrafieh
Ibrahim Salim Jabbour Owner of Jabbour Electric Shop
Elias Albert Yachouh. Sales Manager - Sel & Poivwe
Alfred Madi Owner - Triple V
Michel Aar Engineer
Nagib Tabbal Bank Employee
Samira Ammar Moukhtar - Achrafieh
6imu93(31O) 4/5
Nabil Abi-Chakra Engineer - A.C.G.
Dr. Gilbert Gerbaka Pediatrician & Member Municipality of Beirut
Elie Helou CDR
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel AUB/TEAM International
Dr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM
Jamal Al-Zarif TEAM
Mahmoud Halwani TEAM
Imad Mroueh TEAM
641tg3(R-.) 515
JWAMY 9.199
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Chiah Municipality Building
Date: Thursday, Jan. 14, 1999
Attending: Mr. Edmond Gharios and Members of the Municipality
Mr. Elie Helou CDR
Mr. Tamnmam Nakkash TEAM International
Mr. Jamal Al-Zarif TEAM International
Mr. Imad Mroueh TEAM International
Meeting started at 7:00 PM.
Mr. Helou gave the background of the BUTP and explained that this is an informative meeting
in preparation of a public hearing on the proposed grade separations at:
- Galerie Semaan
- Mar Mkhael
- Msharrafleh.
Dr. Nakkash gave the background of the GBTP studies and its recommendations and gave the
floor for Mr. Al-Zarif and Mr. Mroueh to present the proposed grade separations.
The proposed bridge at Galerie Semaan was presented. A discussion followed, and the major
raised issues are the following:
Q: Why not an underpass instead of a bridge?
A: Major drainage box culvert crosses the junction, an underpass must stay under it.
Underpass will be very long, especially that the grade towards Sayyad is up.
Q: Why not have the grade separation on Camille Chamoun Blvd.
A: Right-of-way is narrower, will need to expropriate more, and wir cut trees and touch
buildings.
In generaL the council members said that the shops at the intersection oppose vehemently the
bridge. It was proposed to look into expropriating more from unbuilt properties in order to
provide a wider service road at-grade along the bridge.
Many council members asked whether the Haznieh-Airport link and the Nripherique will
render this overpass unwarranted. It was clarified that Hazmieh-Airport link will serve a
different mission than Chiah Blvd. and will not divert a lot of the latter's traffic to it. While the
Peripherique is not expected to be in before 5 years. All simulations show the need for the
bridge now and into the future under all scenarios.
For the proposed underpass at Mar Mkkhael, there was less objection. The question of the
pedestrian movement was raised. It was clarified that pedestrians are not supposed to cross
mid-block, and crossing at the intersection is taken care of
64&Ibu3(R- I)
_my is. 199 1/2
*
For the proposed overpass at Msharrafieh, there was a question on why not have the bridge in
the N-S direction. It was explained that the main traffic is E-W and is best to separate it from
the turning movements. It was mentioned that this junction falls in 3 municipalities: Chiah,
Ghobeiri, and Haret Hreik.
By the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed to invite for a consultation meeting with the
residents and stakeholders living or working near the 3 proposed structures to be held on
Monday, January 25, 1999 at 6:00 PM at the HQ of Chiah Municipality.
Meeting ended at 9:00 PM.
i_nty i5. 1999 2/2
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Municipality of Ghobeiri
Date: Saturday, Jan. 16, 1999
Attending: see attached list
Meeting started at 10:00 AM.
Mr. Elie Helou of CDR gave an introduction about BUTP and the purpose of this meeting in
preparation for the public hearing.
Dr. Tammam Nakkash of TEAM International gave the background of all the studies that were
performed for the GBTP and the undergoing studies for BUTP. He explained that the
components of the BUTP will serve the immediate and short-term needs, but the long-term
requires a substantial investment in mass transit. He also explained that the proposals of the
BUTP are being examined as to their economic feasibility, environmental and social impact.
Dr. Ahmad-Baalbaki explained the approach of the study towards studying its social impact. He
explained that some of the grade separations (bridges) can become an important landmark of
the area and that the space under it could be used for some community activities.
Before starting to present the two grade separations located within Ghobeiri Municipality, the
President of the Ghobeiri Municipality explained that the Municipal Council appreciates this
new approach of consulting with the Municipality and the people. He explained that Ghobeiri
has a long interface with the City of Beirut and that it houses probably 200.000 people. He gave
examples of big projects that were executed in Ghobeiri earlier without coordination with the
Municipality and that they are now trying to do something about them. He objected to the bus
terminal under Adnan Hakim street couplet because it is not compatible with the touristic uses
of the area, due to its negative environmental impacts.
Mr. Imad Mroueh started then to present the proposed grade separation at the Intersection of
Chiah Blvd. and Airport Road. It was shown how the proposal serves the traffic and provides
for all the movements that are not allowed now. There was a general acceptance of the proposal
and it was observed that the required expropriations are minimal and insignificant. There were
questions about some roads in the vicinity that the Municipality plans to improve (the one
passing near Sahel Hospital). It was proposed to provide a better E-W connection between
-Airport Road and the- Kafaat - Chatila Road that passes near the Chhute Higher Council. Mr.
Helou explained that some of these projects will be looked into in order to possibly incorporate
in the "Suburbs Development Project". There was a discussion on how to treat Ghobeiri
Square. The proposed solution is to provide the E-W movement with right-in and right-out only
on and from Chiah Blvd., because the N-S movement wfll be well served by the Airport Road
and Kafaat - Chatila, especially after providing all the turning movements at the intersection of
Airport Road with Chiah Boulevard. The circulation of Haret Hreik area should be looked at.
Afterwards, the proposed bridge at Msharrafleh was presented. Many questions and comments
were raised.
6&bmW 0_i12) 1/
_mmy 2k 191
K
Q: Why can't it be an underpass instead of a bridge?
A: There are utilities right at the intersection. If we go under them, the underpass will be
very deep and subsequently very long.
Q: Why not the bridge is put N-S?
A: The main traffic is E-W, and right-of-way in E-W direction is wider requiring less
expropriation.
Q: What about the entrance and exit to Bir el-Abed via the old road?
A: The location of this now minor road makes it impossible to provide N-B traffic on it
near the intersection. It is better to provide the possibility of left-turns on the Kafaat -
Chatila Road in order to provide the transition of the traffic from Bir el-Abed Road to it.
It was decided finally to present in a subsequent meeting all the available alternatives and the
pros and cons of each.
Trying to set a -date for the consultation meeting, the Ghobeiri Municipal Council was reluctant
to arrange for one before reaching a convincingly acceptable alternative.
It was decided to provide to the Council, the text of the invitation and copies of the proposed
grade separations on Friday, January 22. 1999, and to plan for another meeting during the first
two days of the week of January 25, 1999. The public consultation meeting is to be scheduled
during the week of Feb. 01, 1999 the latest.
Meeting ended at 01:00 PM.
I
64WswmO tRU12)
i-my A4 19W2
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Chiah Municipality Building
Date: Monday, Jan. 25, 1999
Attending: See attached list
This is a record of the consultation meeting which took place at the date indicated above. The
hearing started at 6:20 PM.
Mr. Helou of CDR gave an introduction explaining the scope of BUTP and its objectives. He
clarified that studies are being performed since 1994. The grade separations were selected with
the objective of improving circulation on entire corridors. He also explained that environmental
issues are among the objectives of BUTP.
Dr. Nakkash of TEAM International proposed to go directly to the presentation of the proposed
grade separations along Chiah Boulevard, especially the thee that concern Chiah Municipality,
namely Msharrafieh, Mar MikhaeL and Galerie Semaan.
Mr. Mroueh of TEAM InternationaL started by presenting the proposed grade separation at
Msharrafleh which is an overpass along Chiah Blvd. that carries EB and WB traffic, on
2-lanes each direction. Mr. Mroueh explained that all possible alternatives were considered:
overpass versus underpass, and whether the grade separation should carry EB and WB traffic
or NB and SB traffic. He explained that in order that the signalized intersection at-grade
operate satisfactorily, the heaviest movements must be separated, i.e. EB and WB traffic. The
underpass alternative would require relocating major underground utilities right at the
intersection. The underpass would be deep and thus longer than the proposed overpass. More
expropriation would be needed including partial demolition of a 6-floor and a 2-floor building.
Q: What about Ghobeiri Intersection (the one to the West of Msharrafleh, and between it
and A/P Road Intersection?
A: The Kafaat - Chatila Road and the new proposed design at AIP Road Intersection, in
addition to the Chatila interchange, currently under construction would render Ghobeiri
- Haret Hreik Road a local road. In addition, the right-of-way along Chiah Blvd. at
Ghobeiri Intersection is very tight which precludes any structure there without
excessive expropriations. Accordingly, it is proposed to allow only right-in and right-out
movement on and from Chiah Boulevard at that intersection. The NS movement will be
well served- by Kafaat-.. Chatila Road and A/P Road, especially after providing all turns
at the A/P Road Intersection and the additional EW connectors between Kafaat -
Chatila and A/P Road to the South of Chiah Blvd that are part of Suburbs Development
Project are completed.
Mr. Mroueh presented next the proposed underpass at Mar Mkhael. He explained that at this
location, an underpass carTying EB and WB traffic was feasible. All expropriations are taken on
the southern side in order not to touch the newly rehabilitated Mar Mkhael Church.
Finally, Mr. Mroueh presented the proposed overpass at Galerie Semaan. Again here, the EW
traffic was the heaviest and it was best to separate it. He explained that two factors precluded
considering an underpass at this location. First, there is a major drainage conveyor that goes
under Blvd. Camille Chamoun, and an underpass would have to stay under it, because it would
6W-40m3(P-s13) 1/3
_wy 266 19" 1
.
not be possible to reroute it. Second, the Chiah Blvd. rises sharply in the direction of Sayyad at
about 200 m to the East of the Intersection, which will make any underpass very long.
The floor was open for discussions. The following issues were raised:
Q: Don't you think that the currently under-construction Hazmieh - A/P Road will relieve
the traffic on C'hiah Boulevard once it is opened to traffic?
A: The Hazmieh - Airport Road has a different mission. It is also not parallel to Chiah
Blvd. Its westem extremity at A/P Road is far to the South of the intersection of Chiah
Blvd. and A/P Road. It is also important to remember that all the vacant properties
along Chiah Blvd. are candidate for major developments. Some of these developments
(hotels, commercial centers) are already sprouting. Any traffic diverted to other roads
will be far exceeded by traffic generated by new developments.
Q: What about the Peripherique, would it not relieve Chiah Blvd. and cancel the need for
the grade separations?
A: The computer model shows that with all the committed and proposed road links the
delay at Galerie Semaan in the year 2010 will be 20 times worse than it is today. which
is already beyond the level of tolerance.
Q: There are decrees for more roads in the area. Maybe when executed, it will make the
proposed grade separation redundant.
A: The decrees are for local roads (16 m wide ROW).
At the conclusion of the meeting, some of the shop owners in the area expressed their wish to
delay the construction at Galerie Semaan overpass until the Hazmieh - Airport Road is open.
They argued, maybe it will reduce traffic drastically on Chiah Blvd. The same persons
expressed their conviction that a grade separation at Galerie Semaan is a necessity now, and
more so in the future if things do not get better.
Meeting ended at 8:45 PM.
.
6401w 3 Ret.c 13)
Jaway 26 1999 23
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Edmond Gharios President Chiah Municipality
Zuheir Gharios Moukhtar Chiah
Charles Semaan Decorator
Ibrahim Rahal Civil Engineer
Ghandour Michel Semaan Decorator - Simea
Georges YousefMalkon Civil Engineer
Antoine Libbos Member Chiah Municipality
Antoine Abi-Harb Member Chiah Municipality
Mohamed Jabadi Civil Engineer
M'. Joseph Nahim Attorney - Chiah
Fadi Tanios Gharios Lawyer
Elias Maksoud
Pierre Maksoud
Jamil Achkar Present for expropriations
Ronald Melkon Member Chiah Muinicipality
Representative of Rasamny Younes Co. for Cars
Elie Helou CDR
Dr. T. Nakkash TEAM International
Jamal Al-Zarif TEAM International
Dr. M. El-Fadel AUB/TEAM International
Dr. A. Baalbaki TEAM International
T. Wehbe TEAM International
M. Chouman TEAM International
6Wb8uW0wcU3) 3/3
_my 2 1I99
RECORD OF MEETING
Place: Choueifat Municipality HQ
Date: Friday, Jan. 29, 1999 and Tuesday, Feb. 02. 1999
Attending: Dr Wajih Saab (President)
Mr. Akram Saab
Mr. Ismat Saab (et.al.)
Dr. T. Nakkash - TEAM International
Mr. J. Al-Zarif - TEAM International
Mr. L. Mroueh - TEAM International
Mr. E. Helou - CDR
First Meeting: Friday 29/01/1999
Mr. Helou started introducing the topic and Dr. Nakkash gave also a long explanation of the
history of the project. It was apparent that we did not have an audience for what we came for.
The group,led by Mr. Ismat Saab expressed strong feelings about many issues affecting
Choueifat, but not related to the BUTP or to the proposed grade separation at the intersections
of Bchamoun and Aramoun Roads. They were not ready to listen before having answers to
questions including:
1. The rezoning of Choueifat, resulting in reducing the permitted exploitation (to 5% as
they said in some areas).
2. The uncompleted Tiro Road which leads to nowhere after authorities opted to go inside
the A/P ROW for the Southern Entrance Freeway, leaving no possibility for connecting
Choueifat with the motorway for going in the direction of Beirut or to the South.
3. Why wasn't the rehabilitation and widening of Old Saida Road (Decree 1332)
implemented between Sainte Therese and Deir Koubel bifurcation?
4. What happened to Decree 6859 (middle of Sahara Road) that connects to Tiro Road?
The meeting was concluded on the account to get more information on these issues for the next
meeting.
Second Meeting: Tuesday 02/02/1999
Mr. Helou of CDR brought in the available decrees.
1. Regarding Decree 1332, it was explained that the rehabilitation done on the Section
Deir Koubel Bifurcation to Khadeh was not done according to the Decree, but with the
concurrence of the people. It was demanded to have the Decree adjusted to fit the fact.
as part of the expropriation decree needed for the proposed grade separation near
. Khaldeh.
2. The old decree of the Southern Entrances which envisions a roundabout at Khaldeh,
and which includes the Bchamoun, Aramoun, and Old Saida Roads together with the
proposed motorway, is not anymore in context.
64Gs Oka.(R 14)
Feby t 191
3. The Choueifat people are insisting on downgrading the previous motorway which
instead was re-located inside the A/P ROW to the level of urban blvd.
4. The people of Choueifat want their roads connected to the network by completing the
roads in the plain.
The discussion of the specific grade separation reached a conclusion that they are for it. but
insist on tying its execution with that of the rehab. of Old Saida Road between Sainte Th*rese
and Deir Koubel Bifurcation.
The preparations for the public consultation meeting were discussed; it was decided to be held
in the coming 10 days, at the Municipal HQ.
64bieW (R=. 14)
Fdbw-y 4, 1999
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Ghobeiri - Dallas Center
Date: Monday, Feb. 08, 1999
Attending: See attached list
Meeting starting at 6:15 PM
The President of the Municipal Council of Ghobeiri Mr. Mohamed Khansa opened the meeting
welcoming everybody and explaining its purpose.
Mr. Elie Helou of CDR made a presentation about the components of BUTP, explaining that
the grade separations were selected to relieve entire corridors in order to allow, in addition to
reducing congestion, efficient operation of public transport, and this results in reducing
pollution.
Dr, T. Nakkash of TEAM International gave a brief background of the studies that preceded
BUTP and explained that not only traffic and engineering considerations were studied but also
economic feasibility and environmental impact.
Mr. I. Mroueh of TEAM Intemational started by presenting the proposed grade separations at
the intersection of AlP Road with Blvd. Chiah. He explained how the proposed solution will
provide all the turning movements, that are not allowed now.
Participants presented their comments and questions.
Q: Are pedestrians taken care of?
A: Yes, the signalized at-grade intersection will allow safe pedestrian crossings, as
pedestrians will have their protected phases.
Q: How is Ghobeiri Square treated?
A: After opening the Kafaat - Chatila, with all movements allowed at Musharrafich, and
the above proposed solution, and because the Ghobeiri Road will be disconnected at
Chatila when the Chatila Interchange is completed, the Ghobeiri Road will carry less
traffic. It is possible to consider discontinuing it, i.e. allowing only Right-In / Right-Out
turns from Chiah Blvd.
Q: Why not provide a grade separation at Ghobeiri Square?
A: The ROW at that location is very tight. Any grade separation would require excessive
expropriation and tearing down several multi-storey buildings.
The proposed solution at Msharrafieh was presented next, and the following questions were
raised.
Q: Why not an underpass instead of a bridge?
A: Important underground utilities are present at Msharrafieh junction. An underpass will
go down below it, thus it will be excessively long, resulting in the need to expropriate a
six-storey building on one side and a 2-storey structure on the other.
F*Wuqy 9,199 1/3
.
Q: Why not have the bridge in the other direction?
A: Since the Blvd. Chiah traffic is the heaviest, if it stays at-grade the signal will not
operate properly. In addition the ROW along Kafaat - Chatila is narrower, and more
expropriation will be required.
Q: Isn't a traffic signal only enough to serve the purpose?
A: By the year the proposed grade separation is expected to be in place (2003), the delay
at the signal will be far from tolerable. It is already excessive nowadays.
Meeting ended at 7:30 PM.
64hbisg3(Ra.15) 2/3
Fdmuwy9. 1999
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Mohamed Khansa President, Ghobeiri Municipality
Hasan Dergham Engineer, Ghobeiri Municipality
AlR Khansa Member,Ghobeiri Municipality
Wassim Dergham Civil Engineer
Salim Al-Khalil Civil Engineer
Firas Kanj Civil Engineer
Mahmoud Hamdan Civil Engineer
Bahya Mahmoud Hajj Lawyer
Nassim Amine Hajj Merchant
Wafiq Berjaoui Mokhtar - Ghobeiri Bir Hassan
Yousef Al-Khalil Resident
Samir Mohsen Haj. Traffic Engineer
Adel Haj - Architect + Civil Design
Ghassan Chararah Manager, Jammal TrustBank - Ghobeiri Branch
Mahmoiud Ahmad Khansa V.P. , Jammal Trust Bank - Ghobeiri Branch
Mohamed Ibrahim Diya Civil Engineer
Wael Farhat Lawyer
Husein Mohamed Khansa Merchant - spare parts for cars
Khoder Dergham Civil Engineer
Osama Khansa Electrical Engineer
Said Kanj
Mohamed Hamdan Owner Hamdan shop
Mostapha Kanaan Cultural Center for Research & Development
Ghassan Khansa Member, Ghobeiri Municipality
Abbas Khansa Resident
Hasan Mawla
Ibrahim.
Hasan Shelkh
Mohamed Darghamn Electromechanic Engineer
... Kazma Architect
Salah Kazma Contractor
Mostapha Abdel-Aziz Kanj Architect
Ali Abmad Khansa Mokhtar
Jihad Alameh
Husein Salah Khansa Expert, car accidents
Yousef Hamdar
Mahmoud Dagher Sirat Co.
Elie Helou CDR
Dr. T. Nakkash TEAM International
Dr. M. El-Fadel AUBfIEAM International
Jamal Al-Zarif TEAM International
Imad Mroueh TEAM International
64h=n3W(Rc1.S) 313
Febnmy 9. 199
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Choueifat Municipality
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 1999
Attending: See attached list
Meeting started at 12:30
A member of the Municipal Council Dr. Mcharrafieh, introduced the representatives of CDR
and the Consultant.
The representative of CDR, Mr. Helou, explained the purpose of the consultation meeting and
the various components of the BUTP, and defined the focus of this meeting, which is the
proposed overpass along Old Saida Road at its intersection with Bchamoun and Aramoun
Roads.
The representative of the Consultant, Dr. Nakkash, gave the background of the studies leading
to the BUTP. He explained that projects are being screened for technicaL economic, and
environmental feasibility and impact. He explained that the purpose of this consultation meeting
is to inform the stakeholders, answer- their questions. and benefit from their insight in improving
the proposed design.
Engineers Mroueh and Zarif of TEAM International presented the proposed design, traffic
forecasts, overpass configuration, and at-grade intersection under the overpass.
Questions were entertained from the audience:
Q: Is the expropriation required within existing expropriation decrees?
A: The extra right-of-way needed is essentially within the decree (26 m) envisioning
widening of Old Saida Road, but some extra will be needed and all of it will be on the
west side to avoid hitting the Statue and other properties.
Q: One person identifying himself as the owner of a gas station asked how much will his
property be touched.
A: About 6 m deep along the entire fa*ade.
XQ: ---Why not have the overpass carry traffic in both direction? -^
A: The intersections of Bchamoun and Aramoun Roads are each a T-intersection with Old
Saida Road. There is no need to have the overpass be in both directions. The trffic
forecast shows that the proposed design will work through 2015. Beyond that date,
there is still room for adding the overpass in the other direction.
Mr. Helou interected explaining the concept of "phased construction".
Q: There is a lot of traffic during AM peak coming down from Aramoun and going
towards the schools in Bchamoun. How is it going to be handled?
A: The signal phasing will be adjusted in a manner to allow this traffic to negotiate the area
of the intersection during the same cycle.
64.3p.16) 1/3
Feny 25, 1999
.
Q: Why not have traffic coming from Khaldeh going to Bchamoun take the proposed
overpass and provide a ramp for it in the direction of Bchamoun? This will reduce the
traffic conflicting with Aramoun traffic at-grade.
A: Will look into that, but it should be noted that this will require additional right-of-way
on Bchamnoun Road.
Q: How long the construction duration will be?
A: 14 months.
Q: Will owners of the properties to be expropriated be given the chance to know how
much will be expropriated?
A: Yes, when decrees preparation is complete, there will be a formal meeting for that
purpose.
The audience took the opportunity of the meeting to express their concern about mobility issues
in their area, not related directly to the proposed project. These issues were discussed, and Mr.
Helou encouraged them to write to various competent parties explaining their concerns.
The following issues were raised:
1) There are many limited access motorways planned to cross the area. The expropriated
right-of-way will be huge. But there is a lack of lower classification roads (Boulevards,
etc.) that encourages the development of the area.
2) There is a planned road whose construction was started many years ago, but was not
completed. It runs from Khaldeh Junction, north to Tiro Road. It will relieve Old Saida
Road in that area and will not require expensive right-of-way acquisition.
3) Why not complete upgrading Old Saida Road between Ste. Therese and Deir Koubel
Rd. especially that it was widened at both sides of this section?
4) There is a lot of trip exchanges between Aramoun, Bchamoun and Doha, yet everybody
needs now to go down to Old Saida Road to go from one to another. A road that
crosses the wadis between the areas is needed. Apparently, decrees for such a road
between Doha and Aramoun exist. This axis warrants further study.
5) The planned Nripherique has a partial interchange with Bchamoun Road, but not with
Ararnoun Road. The connection of both areas with the Nripherique should be
restudied. I
Meeting ended at 14:30 PM.
I.
64W_mmg3 M-a. 16) 2/
Febury 25.1999 2
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Anis Hammoud Manager Advertising Agency - Member, Dawha
Development Committee
Mahmoud Baydoun President, Committee of Azhar Lebanon Mosque
Camille Ajjaj Mehtar Resident
Wajdi Haidar Member, Municipality Council
Jeryes Tawil Owner of Gas Station (Bchamoun Bifurcation)
Ghazi Souki Member, Municipality Council
Yassine Chahine Member, Municipality Council
Metri Hanna Vice President, Municipality Council
Hicham Jurdi Resident
Amir Charif Soubra Representing Stayro Products Co.
Mohamed Nabil Turk Member, Dawha Development Committee
Wafiq Baddour Member, Dawha Development Committee
Kamel Rida Member, Dawha Development Committee
Nazih Rayyes Member, Dawha Development Committee
Ahmad Ayyach Resident
Khaled Kammourieh Manager, Soliverre
Elias Karam P.R. - Choueifat Municipality
Dr. Fadi Mcharrafieh Technical Office - Choueifat Municipality
Omar Adib Kadi Technical Office - Choueifat Municipality
Hisham El-Jurdi Engineer - Resident
Elie Helou CDR
Dr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM International
Dr. Ahmad Baalbaki TEAM International
Jamal Al-Zarif TEAM International
Inad Mroueh TEAM International
6W/bwx%W (t,6)3
Fby 25.1999 33
RECORD OF MEETING
.....................................................................
Date: 09 Dec. 1998
Place: CDR
Subject: Preparations for Public Hearings - BUTP
Attending:
Name On behalfof
Mr. Elie Helou CDR
Dr. Wafaa Charafeddine CDR
Dr. Tarnmam Nakkash TEAM International
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel AUB/TEAM International
Mr. Jamal El-Zarif TEAM International
Preparations for public hearings were discussed. Jt was decided to start as soon as possible by
holding a meeting headed by Mohafez of Mount Lebanon with representatives of Municipalities
in Northern and Eastern suburbs. This meeting will include representation from Borj
Hammoud,-Jdeideh, Jal el Dib,Antelias and Sin el Fil. The following grade separations are
within the jurisdictions of these municipalities:
Dawra Bridge: Boj Hammoud and Jdeideh
Grade Separation at: Jal el-Dib and Antelias
Hayek and Mkalles: Sin el-Fil Municipalities.
An appointment with the Mohafez of Mount Lebanon was set for 11:00 AM Friday December
11, 1998.
The municipalities will be tentatively covered during the period Dec. 17 - Dec. 23, 1998. A
proforma Consultation Meeting Announcement (attached) was prepared for the use of the
municipalities.
It was decided to finish the rest of the public consultations by January 16, 1999 with the
following sequencing:
- Beirut 1 (Matha� Adlieh, Sami el-Solh)
- Beirut 2 (Tayouneh, Beit al-AtfaL Bechara el-Khoury)
- Ghobeiry (Msharrafleh, A/P)
- Chiah (Galerie Semaan, Mar Mkhael, Tayouneh)
- Choueifat (Bchamoun, Aramoun).
D6ambh (R19Nd Pae I of2
.
Attachment
SAMPLE
(Translated from Arabic)
ANNOUNCEMENT OF
A CONSULTATION MEETING
The municipality of Borj Hammoud invites all concerned residents in its jurisdiction to attend a
consultation meeting to discuss a project concerned with traffic improvement at Dawra
j u n c t i 0 n
Date: Thursday, Dec. 17,1998 - 18:30 PM
Place: Municipal Offices
L
r
64Mau(RJcI) Page 2 of 2
i_ns 1911
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Date: 11 Dec. 1998
Place: Serail of Baabda
Subject: Preparations for Public Hearings - BUTP
Attending:
Name Affiliation
His Excellency Muhammad Suhail Yamout Governor of Mount Lebanon - Presiding
Mr. Elie Helou CDR
Mr. Sami Khazen Municipality of Antelias
Mr. Ziad Lteif Municipality of Antelias
Mr. Walid Abou Jaoudeh Municipality of Jal el-Dib
Mr. Assaad Bakhos Municipality of Jdaideh
Mr. Sami Chaoul Municipality of Sin el-Fil
Mr. Solat Totelian Municipality of Bori Hammoud
Mr. Maurice Ojail Municipality of Borj Hammoud
Dr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM International
Mr. Jamal-EI-Zarif TEAM International
The meeting started with an explanation of the BUTP objectives which include improvement of
transport conditions in Greater Beirut through traffic management, organizing parking, and
construction of overpasses and underpasses at selected junctions. The requirements of IBRD,
as a probable financer, were explained as to procedures required prior to appraisaL which
include technical, economic, environmentaL, and social evaluations.
The Consultant explained the "participatory approach" and its positive impact on improving the
quality of the project and ensuring maximizing its benefit, reducing its negative impacts (if any),
and gaining public support for it.
The representatives of various municipalities showed interest and willingness to support this
approach, and expressed their wish to know more about the projects prior to the open public
meetings.
After a discussion, the following was agreed upon:
Eir,st --Each of the municipalities represented in the.above meeting will receive copies of the
preliminary designs of overpasses or underpasses within their jurisdiction on
Saturday morning December 12, 1998 from CDR.
Second: Preparatory sessions will be held with representatives of the municipalities, CDR,
and the Consukant according to the following schedule:
- Monday, December 14, 1998 @ 16:00 hrs - with the Municipalities of Borj
Hammoud and Jdaideh at Borj Hammoud Municipality
- Tuesday, December 15, 1998 @ 16:00 hrs with the Municipalities of Jal el-Dib
and Antelias at the CDR
- Friday, December 18, 1998 @ 13:00 hrs with the Municipality of Sin el-Fil at its
headquarters.
64Muumg(Ruc.2) Page of 2
D I 1, 199S
7Third: It was agreed that public meetings be advertized and open to whoever wishes to
attend and be held with the participation of each Municipality at 6:30 PM at the dates
defned below. Particular attention will be given to make these meetings known to
concerned parties and NGO's. The following schedule was adopted:
- Bor Hammoud and Jdaideh: Thursday, Dec. 17, 1998
- Jal el-Dib and Antelias: Monday, Dec. 21, 1998
- Sin el-Fil: Tuesday, Dec. 22. 1998.
m
Page 2 of2
O.,embr It. 1998
RECORD OF MEETING
....................................................................
Date: 14 Dec. 1998
Place: Borj Hammoud Municipality HQ
Subject: Consultation Meeting with Municipalities of Borj Hammoud and Jdaideh
Attending:
Name Position and/or Profession Municipalitv
Mr. Antoine Jbarah V.P. Municipality Jdaideh
Mr. Joseph Kharrat Pharmacist, Member Borj Hammoud
Ms. Arpina Mikarsian Engineer, Member Borj Hammoud
Mr. Joseph Nseir Civil Engineer, Member Borj Hammoud
Mr. Assaad Bakhos President - Municipality Jdaideh
Mr. Solat Totelian President - Municipality Borj Hammoud
Mr. Edward Kogoglian Engineer, Member - Municipality Borj Hammoud
Mr. Rafi Kogoglian Engineer, Member - Municipality Borj Hammoud
Mr. Ohannes Bohmian Mokhtar of Borj Hammoud
Mr. Antranik Masleban V.P. Municipality Borj Hammoud
Mr. Nijad Bou Khalil Secretary Municipality Borj Hammoud
Mr. Maurice Ojail Tech. Advisor to President Borj Hammoud
Mr. Fares Bou-Khalil Elderman (Mokhtar) Borj Hammoud
Mr. Labih Bakhos Engineer, DGU Jdaideh
Mr. Shawki Kairouz Asst. to V.P. Municipality Jdaideh
Mr. Jamal El-Zarif Representing the Consultant TEAM International
Mr. Mahmoud Halwani Representing the Consultant TEAM International
The project of Dawra Bridge consisting of replacing the existing 2-lane steel bridge. which is
substandard and cannot carry heavy trucks, by a 2xX post-tensioned concrete bridge with high
geometric and structural standards, which provide better circulation of the local traffic under the
bridge, was presented to the audience.
The audience raised the following points:
- Investigate the possiility of using more slender piers.
- Reduce the width of the median in order to widen the roadway. This involves cutting the
existing Eucalyptus trees. Eventually, everybody was against cutting trees.
- The two municipalities favored expropriating more on both sides to provide service roads
wider than 7 m in order to account for parked and stopped cars.
- Borj Hanmoud Municipality is against installing Park Meters. They rather control parking
duration without imposing a fee for curb parking.
E(omer 14R1c9) Page I of I
DmI,bf 14, 199U
RECORD OF MEETING
...................................................................
Date: 15 Dec. 1998
Place: CDR
Subject: Consultation Meeting with Municipalities of Antelias and Jal el-Dib
Attending:
Name Afflliation
Mr. Elie Helou Projects Dept - CDR
Mr. Antoine Attiyeh Architect, Jal el-Dib Municipality
Mr. Edmond Al-Hajal Engineer, Jal el-Dib Municipality
Mr. Walid Abou Jaoudeh Engineer, Jal el-Dib Municipality
Mr. Andre Abou Jaoudeh Jal el-Dib Municipality
Mr. Munir Al-Hajal Dr. Engineer, Jal el-Dib Municipality
Mr. Ziad Lteif Engineer, Municipality of Antelias
Mr. Sami El-Khazen Municipality of Antelias
Mr. Farhat Abou-Jaoudeh President of Antelias Municipality
Mr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM International
Mr. Jamal EI-Zarif TEAM International
Antelias
The meeting started by explaining the proposed N-S 2x3 lanes bridge to replace the existing
NB 3 narrow lanes steel bridge at Antelias, in order to provide good servicing in the N-S / S-N
directions and provide access to Joseph Khoury landfill development.
A question was brought up regarding the possibility of building underpasses in lieu of
overpasses. It was explained that this location is particularly difficult to drain, as an underpass
will be below sea-level and Nahr Antelias is very close. Depending on a pumping station will
prove costly as a first investment and probably ineffective due to poor maintenance.
The other option of providing a grade separation in the direction EW (between Antelias and
Joseph Khoury) was discussed. An overpass will be opposed by the Armenian Patriarchy,
while an underpass will have drainage problems.
After extended discussion, it was agreed that the last proposal will be investigated regardless of
its drainage problem and presented together with the proposed sketch design during the Open
Consultation Meeting.
Jal El Dib
Next, the proposed grade separations at Jal el-Dib were discussed. The main objection to the
proposal is that the overpass will block the sea-view and it will put additional traffic on the
internal roads. The representative of Jal el-Dib Municipality informed that some expropriation
decrees exist and some additonal expropriaton can be done on the internal roads.
The improvement of the internal roads as part of the project was asked for. A decree exists to
widen the internal road to 22 m. Designs were made by ACE. Jal el-Dib Municipality wishes
this project be executed.
60bng(Rec.4) Pag I of I
Dwb I S, 199
It was explained that when Linord is executed. then its main access will be from Jal el-Dib. The
option of just replacing the existing bridge by a 3 or 4-lane concrete bridge and leaving the SB
traffic at grade for the time being until Linord is urbanized should also be considered.
6W,5 "OtW94) Pap 2 of I
RECORD OF MEETING
.....................................................................
Date: 17 Dec. 1998
Place: Dirmelkonian Theatre
Subject: Consultation Meeting with Municipalities of Borij Hammoud and Jdeideh
Attending: See attached list
The meeting started with a series of short presentations made by representatives of CDR and
the consultant. During the presentation overhead projection was used. The whole meeting was
taped for record.
Mr. Elie helou of CDR presented BUTP and highlighted its environmental objectives: reduction
of pollution and emissions, reduction in noise level.
Dr. Nakkash, representing the Consultant, gave the background of the transport planning effort
that preceded BUTP, starting-in 1994. He explained that the proposals were evaluated using
network models of GB that permit evaluation of several alternatives.
Dr. El-FadeL responsible for EA on behalf of the Consultant, descnbed the existing levels of
noise and pollution, he said that the proposals will cause a positive effect but it wil not be
enough. It should be accompanied by a plan to phase out leaded gasoline and require the
catalytic converter. He also explained the environmental concerns during construction. Care
winl be taken to alleviate the noise caused by the excavation equipment, safety precautions will
be taken, protection of the site, signing the detours, and monitoring the construction to protect
the workers, the neighbors, and the environment in general.
Dr. Baalbaki, responsible for Social Impact on behalf of the Consultant, stressed the importance
of implicating the community in order that the area wil not become only a transit zone, where
people overfly. Improving the traffic will encourage people to come and shop from the area. He
invited the community to consider how to benefit from the space under the bridge. It may be
used as a street art gallery, for street performing art, etc. He explained that any project winl
cause some negative impacts, especially during construction, these negative impacts wil be
identified and assessed in order to mitigate.
Engineers Jamal el-Zarif and Imad Mroueh presented the technical description of the bridge
stressing its capacity to carry traffic, and heavy trucks (existing does not carry heavy trucks, the
design -takes care of aesthetics, athe waft-at the two ends of the bridge were kept as low as-
possible to minimize obstruction of the view, the spans were chosen to be long to keep the
number of piers at a minimum, the piers are slender, the concrete surfaces are treated to
discourage sticking posters, or writng graffiti.
The following questions were raised:
Q: Why not use the area under the bridge as a taxi stop?
A: Due to substandard vertical clearance, the area under the 2 extremities of the bridge is
curbed. It is not safe for pedestrian and traffic to have taxi ingress-egress under the
bridge. The President of Borj Hamnmoud Municipal council proposed that taxis should
rent a lot for their parking, and they will be called by radio to the round point when a taxi
is needed there.
_mnbw 2R*@5) Pap I of 3
Q: The at-grade service roads, designed for 7 m (2 lanes), why not expropriate and make it 3
lanes?
A: Traffic does not require more than 2 lanes. Also the bridge is 3 lanes (each direction),
plus 2 lanes for the ramps must merge to 4 lanes. The Consultant has provided for a
smooth transition 1:70. It is not good practice to go from six lanes to 4 lanes (violates
lane between rules). Otherwise the expropriation will touch the entire area between
Dawra and Nahr El Mott.
Q: Is there a way to look how to organize the parking in the area by benefiting from the set-
backs. Why not expropriate the set backs from curb parking.
A: If the set backs are expropriated, the vehicles parked on them would now use the curb.
But the Consultant will look closely at the previous expropriation decrees to evaluate if
anything better can be done.
Q: Why not provide a pedestrian underpass?
A: Pedestrian movement-is well provided at-grade, under the proposed bridge. A pedestrian
underpass is not warranted, it is costly, interferes with existing utilities, has security
problems, and will be under the water table.
Q: What is the cost of the project and the construction duration?
A: About $ 3 m and 16 months for construction.
Q: For how long would this bridge solve the problem?
A: It will serve the traffic through 2015. Traffic problems are not solved solely by grade
separations. A substantial effort in improving public transport is required.
Meeting concluded at 9:00 PM
6Whe " (R=cS) Page 2 of 3
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position Affiliation
Dr. Salim Allat Member of the Health & Works Municipality: Jdeideh -
Committee Baouchrieh
Asaad Yazbeck Head of New Jdeideh Senator Shop
Merchants Association
Georges Yazbeck Member of Municipal Council: Edd Shop
Jdeideh - Baouchrieh
Elias Abou-Jaoude Head of Dept. Municipality: Jdeideh - Baouchrieh
Antoine Gebara V.P. Municipality: Jdeideh - Baouchrieh - Essed
Antoine El-Kik Head of Division. Municipality: Jdeideh - Baouchrieh - Essed
Tanios Fares Hobeika Businessman - Rond Point Dawra
Joseph Albert Kharrat Kharrat Pharmacy Dawra Intersection
D. Ara Menassian Head of Health & Environment Municipality: Jdeideh -
Committee Baouchrieh - Essed
Shawki Kayrouz V.P. Assistant Municipality: Jdeideh -
Baouchrieh - Essed
Fares Abou Khalil Borj Hammoud Mayor
Edward KJa Oghlanian Engineer Member: Borj Hamnmoud Mun.
Joseph Kahwaji Real Estate Consultant Member: Borj Hammoud Mun.
Joseph Nseir Civil Engineer Member: Borj Hammoud Mun.
Rafi Kok Oghlanian Civil Engineer Member: Borj Hammoud Mun.
Naja Abou Khalil Head of Administrative Affairs Borj Hammoud Municipality
Arpina Menkasaian Engineer Borj Hamnmoud Municipality
Dr. Solak Totalian President of Borj Hammoud Municipality
Maurice Ojeil Technical Consultant Borj Hammoud Municipality
Ohannes Hovig Bedoyan Borj Hammoud Mayor
Soren Yaacoub Manager of the Theatre
Mr. Elie Helou Projects Dept - CDR
Dr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM Intemational
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel AUB/TEAM International
Dr. Ahmad Baalbaki TEAM International
Mr. Jamal El-Zarif TEAM International
Mr. Imad Mroueh TEAM International
Mr. Mahmoud Halwani TEAM International
soic19 Page 3 of3
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Date: 21 Dec. 1998
Place: Mar Elias Church - Antelias
Subject: Consultation Meeting with Municipalities of Antelias and Jal el-Dib
Attending: See attached list
Elie Helou (CDR)
* Reason/or goal of this public hearing
* Overview of the BUTP with its 3 components:
- installation of traffic signals
- parking issues
- 16 grade separations
* Present existing conditions at Jal el-Dib and Antelias junctions
* Discussion of possible solutions at these two locations
* Open Consultation meeting should involve the public not only the city or municipal council
members.
Dr. Tammam Nakkash (Consultant)
* Benefits of a public hearing
* History of the project starting with the 1994 GBA Master Plan traffic surveys were
conducted, traffic forecasting model was developed, future highway networks were coded
which include all programmed and planned projects by the Lebanese Government
* Different alternatives/solutions were studied using this traffic model
Priorities were identified in the BUTP to improve traffic conditions in GBA.
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel (Consultant)
- Enviro2unental issues or impacts resulting from traffic congestion
* The environmental impacts of the proposed project (grade separation) during and after
construction.
Dr. Baalbaki (Consultant)
* Social impact
* Participation of ordiary citizens is very important in assessing the impact of the project.
Comments by Mr. Raymond Azar (Attorney)
* The bridges that will be built at Antelias and- Ja7-el-Dib, must represent and protect the
environment and the history of Antelias
* The bridge over Antelias Square was built without the consultation of the people of Antelias
* Traffic problems were not solved by building the bridge at Antelias Square
* Traffic congestion at Antelias is a result of the junction with the coastal Highway
* Citizens' participation is very important as Dr. Baalbaki has indicated.
Other general comments
* The residents of this area are living the daily problems associated with this traffic
congestion.
* The organization sponsoring the project should set the conditions that the residents of the
area should participate and give their opinion regarding the project.
WG-gOto-7) Pange I of 4
Dmouber. 1938
.
Imad Mroueh (Consultant)
* Presentation of the proposed designs of the grade separations at Antelias and Jal el-Dib
Proposed Grade Separations at Antelias:
1. Underpass connecting Antelias to the landfill area.
2. Two overpasses that carry each the NB and SB traffic of the Coastal Highway. allowing
connecting Antelias to the landfill area and turning movements at-grade.
The pros and cons of each alternative were presented. Alternative 1 would require going under
sea level and its connection with the street system on the landfill will be close to the shore line.
It will require pumping to extract storm water and the design of the street system in the fill area
will need to be changed. It does not provide direct connection between the Coastal Highway
and Antelias for traffic leading from Antelias to Beirut and for that coming from Jounieh to
Antelias. Alternative two would provide the required movements, with no constructibility
problems.
Q: Why Not build a directional underpass from Antelias Southbound towards Beirut?
A: It would need to go under Fouar River and will not provide the required movements
Q: Why not build two underpasses: one NB, the other SB instead of the unsightly bridges?
A: A very expensive solution. since one needs to drop below Fouar River. This makes the
underpasses very long. Its drainage would require a pumping station, operation and
maintenance would be costly and in case there is a fitilure of the pumps or power, the
consequences are grave on public safety and trafickability of the Northem Highway.
Progosed Grade Separations at Jal el-Dib:
1. Two directional overpasses
2. A three-lane concrete overpass to replace the existing steel overpass.
Alternative 1 would provide effectively all the movements in and out from Jal el-Dib and the U
turns. It is easy to construct without disrupting the traffic. Connection to Linord can be provided
by extending one of the directional overpasses to the West.
Alternative 2 would keep things as they are now, with the many conflicts under the bridge. At a
latter stage a SB similar bridge must be constructed to provide access from Jal el-Dib to Linord I
landflfl.
Comments
Several persons expressed their disconient with Alternative 1, as it will dump traffic on tfie
internal roads of Jal el-Dib that requires rehabilitation. Several persons commented that since
we do not have a river at Jal el-Dib, why not provide two underpasses: one NB, the other one
SB, this would allow all movements at-grade with no conflict. It was brought to the attention of
the audience that the underpass will be under sea level, its drainage would need a pump station.
No such solution can be adopted without the approval of the MPW, the owner of the Coastal
Highway, that they are committed to the operation and maintenance of the pump station, its
auxiliary power supply, etc.
It was agreed to present to each municipality a summary table of the pros and cons of each
Alternative. CDR and the Consultant will hear the suggestions of the municipalities, if they
have other viable alternatives.
640%es(R-7) Page 2 of 4
Dabw*r. 19U
Mr. Helou of CDR concluded by stressing the need for the general public to attend the hearing
which should be advertised to attract ordinary citizens and not be monopolized by members of
the municipal council.
Meeting concluded at 9:00 PM
Page 3 of 4
LIST OF ATITENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Khalil Bou Habib Member: Antelias Municipality
Dr. Samir Serhal Member: Antelias Municipality
Farhat Abou-Jaoude President: Antelias Municipality
Georges Abou-Jaoude President: Jal el-Dib Municipality
Joseph Khoury Developer and Contractor
Sami El-Khazen Member: Antelias & Naccache Municipality
Georges Khoury Member: Antelias & Naccache Municipality
Ravnond Azar Attomey - Antelias
Pere Antoine Daou Head of Mar Elias Convent - Antelias
Mona Mneimneh (Mrs.) Supervisor - Bank
Fawzi Bouari Engineer - Contractor
Andre Abou-Jaoude Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Edmond Hajal Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Antoine Attieh- Engineer & Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Emile Akl Abou-Jaiude Mayor: Jal el-Dib Municipality
Doulmit Akl Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Antoine Abou Ali Member: Antelias & Nakkash Municipality
Gerard Khatchadourian Engineer: Representing Archbishop Aram Al-Awal
Ziad Lteif Engineer: Antelias Municipality
Dr. Emile Bou-Habib V.P.: Antelias Municipality
Elias Fouad Bejani Engineer & Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Walid Abou-Jaoude Engineer & Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Menhem Maroun Engineer & Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Fadi Farid Abou-Jaoude Member: lal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Mr. Elie Helou Projects Dept - CDR
Dr. Taminmam Nakkash TEAM International
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel AUB/TEAM International
Dr. Ahmad Baalbaki TEAM International
Mr. Philimone Azar TEAM International
Mr. Imnad Mroueh TEAM International
Mr. Mahmoud Halwani TEAM International
Mr. Toufic Wehbe TEAM International
6E0bomg(P.c 3) Pap 4 of 4
De _e. 2. 19W#
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Date: 22 Dec. 1998
Place: El-Saydeh Church - Sin el-Fil
Subject: Consultation Meeting with Municipality of Sin el-Fi
Attending: See attached list
Meeting started at 6:45 PM
President of Sin el-Fil Municipality Council
* Welcoming all participants in this public hearing
* Purpose of the public hearing is to present the proposed solutions for the traffic congestion
problems at Hayek and MkaUles roundabouts and get feedback from the residents of the
area participating in the meeting.
Elie Helou (CDR)
* Overview of the BUTP project with its 3 components:
- Parking issues
- Traffic Management
- Grade separations.
This project is a follow up to the study started in 1994 when the GBA Master Plan was
developed.
Dr. T. Nakkash (Consultant)
* Purpose of this meeting
* History and background of the GBA Master Plan with its components: Immediate Action
Plan, long-term plan (Year 2015), and mid-term plan (Year 2005)
* The BUTP study
* The place of a public hearing in review process of the projects
* Hayek and Mkalles projects and their impact on traffic, environment, and society.
The Consultant presented answers to questions such as:
Q: Are the Hayek grade separations needed if the peripherique was built?
Q: What percentage of trips using the Hayek junction are characterized as being local trips
versus long regional trips?
Q: Why not widen/improve the road,between -Mkalles roundabout and Dekwaneh Square
through Tell Ez-Zaatar, so more traffic will go through it relieving Hayek?
Q: Will the proposed bridge affect the parking issues/problems in the area?
Q: What is the status of the project?
Q: What is the construction cost of the bridge?
Q: What is the construction cost of the peripherique?
Q: Lot No. 965 in Sin el-Fil, part of this parcel will be expropriated as part of the project, and
about 460 m2 will be left. However, with the 30% of the area is buildable according to
zoning with only 30% of lot area available for building, how could the owner provide the
required parking?
Q: What is proposed along Sin el-Fil Blvd., at Galerie Khabbaz and Ittihad intersections?
Q: Why not install traffic signals at Hayek first, before deciding if a grade separation is
required?
umtwnbw2(. 1 S) Page I of 5
Dea,bef 159S
Q: Why not try a one-way system Hayek - Dekwaneh and Saloumneh - Hayek before
constructing the bridge?
0: What other alternatives were considered in addition to the proposed bridge?
9: Why not construct underpasses instead of overpasses?
The Consultant presented briefly the process used to reach the proposed solutions, the various
scenarios considered, and the criteria of evaluation. A table was presented showing the MOE
used to compare alternatives. It showed that without the proposed grade separations, even if the
Peripherique is in service, the LOS at Hayek will continue to be unacceptable from now and
increasingly through the horizon of the study.
Jamal El-Zarif (Consultant)
* Presentation of previous overpass solutions considered: 4-overpass (bridge) alternatives
were considered and presented
* Identification of the number of points of conflict with and without the grade separation.
Imad Mroueb (Consultant)
* Presentation o-f 3 alternative grade separation underpasses solutions considered: 3-
underpass (tunnel) alternatives were considered and presented
Qalaa- Dekwaneh tunnel, slope R 10%
Jisr el-Wati - Dekwaneh, slope = 8-9%
For acceptable slopes in and out of the underpasses, the underpass would need to be
excessively long. Other problems with the underpasses are that they require relocating a large
water minor (Hayek - Qalaa) direction, and a major box culvert in Slav area. Draining of
underpasses would require pumping. An excerpt of a report prepared by the Consultant as part
of the Archeological Assessment was read. The report concludes that "archeological deposits
are likely to be present in the vicinity of Saloumeh, Hayek, and Mkalles Roundabouts and any
intrusive ground works may result in their being seriously compromised".
One of the representatives of an NGO (Man, Earth, and Enviromnent) interjected that he had
the chance to review this project with CDR and has spent many hours trying with others to
come up with other alternatives. He said that the main objection to the overpass is its visual
intrusion, in addition to noise, and the inconveniences to the residents during the construction.
Using a laptop, the Consultant presented a simulation of the queues build-up at Hayek under
various alternatives, using a software called SYNCHRO.
At the end of the meeting, the CDR and Consultant expressed their availability to sit with a
committee named by the Municipality to discuss any proposals they have and incorporate their
concerns in improving the proposed design if any.
Meeting concluded at 10:00 PM
6ibg (RmS) Page 2 of 5
Dcsba 199S
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Mr. Alexi Hamouch Hamouch Gas Station
Mrs. Majdalani
Mrs. Nadia Aoun
Mr. Robert Mansour Dib
Ms. Jambeh Abi-Aad
Mr. Rafic Abou-Antoun Merchant
Mr. Sabeh Abou-Antoun Employee: Sin El-Fil Municipality
Mr. Abdo Joseph Kahale Mechanical Engineer: Calitec Company
Mr. Antoine Barakat Owner of lot No. 965 in Sin El-
Fil
Mr. Antoine Hamouch Owner: Hamouch Gas Station
Mr. Mitri El-Bahri Sales Manager. Mitsubishi Company
Mr. Samir Boustani - Manager
Mr. Steve Khayat Owner of apartment in Forest Bldg.
Mr. David Abi-Nader Member: Sin El-Fil Municipality Council
Mr. Edmond Bilal Owner of lot No. 957 - Havek Roundabout
Mr. Georges Rizk Renter of Commercial space in lot No. 957
Mr. Jean Edmond Bilal Owner of apartment and office space in lot No. 957
Mr. Eid Rizk Renter - Commercial space at Hayek Roundabout
Ms. Marguerite Hatem Renter - Commercial space in lot No. 957
Mr. Roland Daou Owner of apartment - Hayek Roundabout
Al-Ittihad Engineering Owner of 3 offices in lot No. 957
Mr. Michel Fares Fares Est. For Trading and Decoration
Mr. Antoine Chaoul Merchant
Mr. Bassam Fares Owner of dry cleaner
Mr. Nagi Chaoul
Mr. Pierre Jbeili Merchant and Mayor of Sin El-Fil Municipality
Mr. Georges Mghames Owner of travel agency and member of Sin El-Fil Municipality
Mr. Joseph Farah Attorney & Member of Sin El-Fil Municipality Council
Mr. Abdo Elie Jbeili Jeweler
Mr. Chafic Gebara Insurance Agent - Mar Elias St, Sin El-Fil
Mr. Charbel Mardini Architect
Mr. Georges Selim Zouein Merchant - El-Saiydeh St.
Mr. Labib KaDas Engineer
Mr. Dory Azar Student - Civil Engineer
Mr. Nadim Torbey Optician
Mr. Antoine Kahale
Mr. Charles Bitar Industrialist
Mr. Farouk Minkara Owner of Commercial Space
Mr. Amer Nassar Civil Engineer - ACE & YASA
Mr. Elie Khazzoum Business Administration & member of the Lebanese House of
Environment
Mr. Ziad Aki Attomey - YASA
Mr. Maher El-Ajam Civil Engineer - YASA
Ms. Antoinette Nehmeh Civil Engineer - Nehmeh Office, Mkalles
Mr. Negib Selim Zouein Merchant - ADP
Mr. Georges Elie Ojeil Engineering Planner member of Sin El-Fil Municipality
Mr. Sami Chaoul President - Sin EI-Fil Municipality
64mwm(bRa319 Pap 3 of 5
Mr. Inad Zouein
Mr. Sellin Havek
Mr. Samir Azar Owner of land parcel to be partially expropriated
Mr. Noubeir Kouyoumji Pharmacist
Dr. Antoine Hachem
Dr. Elias Hachem College of Engineering - Lebanese University
Mr. Nasim Abou-Zeid Architect - Lebanese University
Mr. Elias Matar Municipality Police - Sinn El-Fil
Mr. Roger Sfeir Archeologist & Member of Sin El-Fil Municipality
Mr. Halim Gerji Nasr Self- Employed
Dr. Naji Chamiyeh Environmental Engineer - Ministry of Environment
Mr. Elie Haddad Airplane Maintenance Engineer - Beirut Airport
Mr. Khalil Ouyoun Retired - General Security
Mr. Elie Helou Projects Dept - CDR
Dr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM International
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel AUBfIEAM International
Dr. Ahmad Baalbaki TEAM International
Mr. Philimone Azar TEAM International
Mr. Imad Mroueh TEAM International
Mr. Mahmoud Halwani TEAM International
Mr. Jamal El-Zarif TEAM International
64mgOm... ePage 4 of 5
Drmbe 231998
Annex 4-1 Second National Consultation Meeting schedule
Registration 08:30 - 09:00
Opening Session 09:00 - 09:30
* Team International
* CDR
* Minister of Transport
Coffee Break 09:30 - 10:00
BUTP Progress 10:00 - 10:30
EIA 10:30 - 11:45
Exhibition & Questionnaire 11:45 - 12:15
Mitigation & EMP 12:15 - 13:00
Discussion 13:00 - 14:00
Lunch 14:00- 15:00
Annex 4-2 Invitees and participants to the Second National Consultation Meeting
Participants are sbown in Bold
First Name Last Name Affliation
1 Iman Nuwayhid AUB
2 Naif Germani CDR
3 Elie Helou CDR
4 Ghassan Khayrallah CDR
S George Samaha CDR
6 Hala Shams CDR
7 Alan Kardahi CDR
8 Abdel Mounhim Shehadeh CEGP
9 Samir Mansour CEGPVB
10 Mohammad Mashnouk Development and Environment Media Association
11 Mooa Abdel Khalek DGU
12 Nabil Safwat ESCWA
13 Sati' Arnaout European Union
14 Nashaat Mansouf Green Forum
15 Adel Abou Daher Internal Security Forces
16 Fouad Hamid Khoury Internal Security Forces
17 AbdeLBadib Soussi Internal Security Forces
18 Mouein Shehadeh Internal Security Forces
1 9 Iskandar Aiiaqa Internal Security Forces
20 Nabil Merhi Internal Security Forces
21 Adel Hamieh Ministry of Public Works
22 Mohammad Baaj Ministry of Transport
23 Atef Merhi Ministry of Administrative Reform
24 Naji Kodieb Ministry of Environment
25 Berj Hatjian Ministry of Environment
26 Samih Webbe Ministry of Environment
27 Hadi Kamal Ministry of Petroleum
28 Edward Shoukair Muhafazat Mount Lebanon
29 Abdel Mounhim Ariss Municipality of Beirut
30 Michel Assaf Municipality of Beirut - Traffic Section
31 Joseph Nseir MunicipaUty of Bourj Hammoud
32 Tony Abi Harb MunicipaUlty of Chiyah
33 Fadi Mcharrafieh Municipality of Chouwaifat
34 Amine Jraidiny Municipafity of Chouwaifat
35 Mohammad Khansa Municipality of Ghobeirey
36 Hassan Dergham Municipality of Ghobeirey
37 Munir Hajal - MunicipaUity of Jel El-Dib
38 Nabil Zurd Abou Jaoude Municipality of Jel EI-Dib
39 George Ajail Municipality of Sin El-Fil
40 Joseph Farah Municipality of Sin EI-Fi
41 Samir Doumit Order of Engineers
42 Abdel Hafiz Kayssi PIU - MPW
43 Tania Mansour PIU - MPW
44 Adel Mortada Public Transport and Railways Authority
45 Youssef Fawaz Solidere
46 Mariam Hashash TEAM International
47 Mahmoud Halwani TEAM International
48 Nada Dagher TEAM International
49 Yusef Salam TEAM International
50 Jamal Zarif TEAM International
51 PhiUmone Azar TEAM International
52 Dunia Andary TEAM International
53 Lina Kattan TEAM International
54 Imad Mroueh TEAM International
55 Tammam Nakkash TEAM International
56 Zaki Nakkash TEAM International
57 Rita Wahab TEAM International
58 Nazib Kronfol TEAM International
59 Ahmad Ba'albaki TEAM Intemational (Expert)
60 Mutassem El-Fadel AUB/TEAM International (Expert)
61 Mohammad Fawaz UMP
62 Dima Kbatib UNDP
63 Lamia Mansour UNDP
64 Ziad Aki YASA
Participants who were not invited:
65 Hicham Sinno Municipal Council of Beirut
66 Chafic Sinno MEAD &aL
67 Afif Ariss ATC (Ariss Trading & Contracting)
68 Adnan Kayssi Kayssi Co.
Annex 4-3 Opening session speeches durng the Second National Consultation Meeting
TEAM International by Dr. Tammam Nakkash
Excellency Adel Hamieh representing his Excellency Minister of Transport and Public Works; Secretary
General of CDR Mr. George Samaha; President of the Order of Engineers; Ladies and Gentlemen
participating in this Consultation Meeting from among municipal councils' members, representatives of
govermment agencies, officers of Internal Security Forces, Academicians, representatives of international
organizations and NGO's, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I welcome you all on behalf of TEAM International in this Second National Consultation Meeting on Beirut
Urban Transport Project. Our First Consultation Meeting was held about one year ago at the inception of
the Preparatory Study. The results of the First Consultation Meeting oriented our efforts during the past year
while completing the major part of the Preparatory Study. It is now timely to expose to you today the
results, especially those pertaining to the Environmental Impact Assessment, Economic Feasibility, and the
institutional framework required during the implementation, operation, and maintenance of the BUTP.
Last year was full with daily interactions between the Consultant (TEAM International) and the Project
Owner (CDR) on one side and many government officials and bodies in order to choose among technical
alternatives and decide on engineering details. I like here to single out a unique practice-probably the first
time ever used in Lebanon during the preparation of a development project. I meant the public-participation
in the decision-making process. This participation would have not succeeded'without the close cooperation
provided by-the newly elected municipal councils, NGO's, and the citizens at large concerned by this
project. The many hearings and consultation meetings were open to all of them. They communicated
frankly expressing some of their worries at times, objecting to certain details at others. always abiding by
objectivity and putting public interests ahead of their own, in case of any conflicts.
I look forward to this Second National Consultation Meeting with you today, and you are this selected elite
group of professionals, experts, and officials, as an open forum through which we expose the results and
exchange views about some options and alternatives. Our role stays as that of a consultant who puts in front
of the decision-maker a comparison of all alternatives exposing pros and cons of each, and it remains to the
decision-maker to act.
Today we will discuss some important options and altermatives Decisions seem to be ripe and ready for
harvesting. I say that, holding this meeting under the auspices of His Excellency Ministry of Transport, is a
good omen that confirms official support to this project and providing it with prerequisites of success.
Ladies and Gentlemen, investment in infrastructure, equipment, and high-tech - although important - cannot
realize its objectives in the absence ofthe proper organization and institutional set-up or without the trained
manpower required for operation and maintenance. In conducting the BUTP Preparatory Study, we have
endeavored to provide it with all the prerequisites of its success: technically, economically, socially, and
environmentally. We have ahead of us a busy day of discussions and consultations. While consulting
together we enrich the democratic experience, which is the backbone of sustainable development.
Before I leave this podium I must thank the World Bank for his support of this project and making available
to it the rich international experience it possesses; and like to thank again his Excellency Najeeb Mikati,
Minister of Transport, and each one of you for your participation. . . ; !
Councilfor Reconstrucjion and Developmnent by the Secretary General George Samaha
Your Excellency Minister of Transport, Minister of Public Works Najeeb Mikati, Ladies and Gentlemen
It gives me great pleasure to deliver the CDR's address, on behalf of its President Engineer Mahmoud
Osman, in the opening session of the Second Consultation Meeting for the Beirut Urban Transport Project,
organized by TEAM International, the consultant charged by CDR to prepare the studies of this vital
project.
My address will not be long, we engineers deal with designs, plans, perspectives, and graphs more than
words which are used only to support selecting an alternative over another.
Brethren,
Urban transport is one element among many addressed by urban planning science. Designs for roads and
their implementation are not sufficient without equipping the networks with means and equipment that
ensures a safe environment for the society, providing housing and convenient transport to the citizens.
It is well knaown that in all countries problems of traffic congestion and accidents are prevalent.
This confirms the need to find solutions for these problerns by organizing car parking along the curbs,
providing off-street car parks, organizing streets intersections in a well studied manner that provides for
movements in all directions with a reasonable cost. The split among various modes of transport, private and
public, is essential and leads to restricting the use of the private car.
Restrictions whether procedural or organizational are not enough, because restrictions may open the door to
exceptions, excessive use of authority, and selectionism. Financial constraints based on tariff impact the
poor and middle class income groups, while providing comfortable transport to the higher income strata.
That is why it is necessary to adopt an objective well conceived policy for public transport, of all types, and
institute public awareness to convince the people to use it for their daily travel. These solutions should not
stop at the limits of lip service, but require improving the quality of the public transport services and
provide enough frequency and geographical coverage.
We in Lebanon: authorities, administrations, and citizens become to realize day after day the society's need
to address these issues and find the adequate solutions, subject to available resources and in harmnony with
the approved development plans.
These developmental and planning responsibilities and others including consulting, directing,
implementing, financing, and control, all specified by the law establishing CDR according to the Legislative
Decree No. 5 dated 13/01/1977, were all and are still performed by CDR, in various degrees according to
the prevailing circumstances and the associated available funds. Witness to that are our accomplishments to
date including studies and executed projects, according to funds assigned to CDR and in cooperation with
line ministries, concerned administrations, CEGP, and CEGPVB.
We are fully confident that durink the promising new administration headed by President Lahoud, we will
continue to perform with full transparency and cooperation with all parties to equip our country, cities,
towns, and villages .iimanner oommensurate with Lebanon's cultural and econamicrole Wich is present
in all corners of the world, and that ensures the sustainability of Lebanon's existence and mission.
I am grateful for your attendance and I thank all who contributed to the success of this Consultation
Meeting, especially the World Bank and the consultant TEAM International, and I stress finally on the
positive coordinating role played by all concerned ministries, the Municipality of Beirut and all other
municipalities within Greater Beirut.
Ministry of Transport and Public Worts by H.E Adel Hamieh
It is my pleasure to participate in the Second Consultation Meeting of the BUTP.
We recognize the BUTP as a pilot project, lots of our ambitions rely on it to establish traffic management
systems that will be implemented first in Greater Beirut and eventually all over the Lebanese territories.
In addition to its impact on Lebanon's emergence to the world, the land transportation sector in Lebanon
has a very important and positive role in the revitalization of all economic and social sectors, which should
reflect the ambitions provided by the present Administration for a promninent future for Lebanon.
It is without any doubt that Lebanon in general and Greater Beirut in particular is suffering from coping
with the huge traffic volumes on one hand, and the lack of organization of traffic on the other. This requires
an in-depth study to propose plans and solutions to remedy the problems and mitigate the negative impacts -
of this problem on the environment and the economy.
We are now in front of one of the most important projects, which deals with the essence of traffic problems
in Greater Beirut to put the engineering and economic basis for solving some of the traffic congestion
problems especially on major intersections, in addition to the organization of traffic using technical
innovations for traffic management that contribute to the reduction of the burdens born by the citizens, in
te6ms of the high transportation cost. These solutions will eventually produce a positive effect on the
nationil economy.
This project is-one of the pillars required to improve the quality of transport services in Lebanon. However,
this should be completed by other steps. We should endeavor to achieve improving public transport services
and increasing road capacities along major axes around Beirut and leading to it. In that respect we have to
mention the effective initiatives taken by the Ministry of Interior to implement drivers' awareness programs
leading to better abiding by traffic laws and ordinances, which is essential to realizing the transport sector
objectives.
We, at the Ministries of Transport and Public Works, are presently preparing for a workshop, during the
first week of July, with an objective to help draft a national policy for land transport to be implemented in
phases based on a programme of priorities complying with available financing, to attain the best economic
pay off, always targeting a balanced development that addresses the local socio-economic needs of each
region. Almost two weeks ago, the Ministry of Public Works launched the National Roads Project, which
embodies a pilot project to rehabilitate the national road network, utilizing the most modemu scientific
techniques in project planning, programming, monitoring, and implementation. We look with anticipation
to launching the implementation of the BUTP. Moreover, we look forward to implernent other projects that
fortify the transport sector in Lebanon.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to TEAM International for their great endeavor in their
laborious studies to improve the performance of the transport sector in Lebanon. I also would like to thank
CDR for its sincere efforts towards bringing this viable project to success and also the World Bank who
always financed various development projects in all sectors, for its support to this project. Long live
Lebanon.
Annex 4-4 On-street parking management questionnaire and analysis of results
Cat tion%
Caegor,y Optio
I Priority in government action should be given in the short-term to IYes 81
organizing on-street parking over off-street parking provision. No 19
Not answered 0
2. Public money need not be directed towards building parking garages, Yes 78
since such an investment should be financially viable on its own and No 22
thus attractive to private investors. Not answered 0
3. Should the projects for building underground parking garages under i Yes 44
the following gardens be still considered as part of the BUTP? No 41
Sanayeh Not Answered 15
Yes 53
Mazraa No 28
Not Answered 19
lYes 50
Mar Nicolas No 31
Not Answered 19
Yes 44
Rachidine No 37
Not Answered 19
4. Paid on-street parking in urbanized areas should be implemented: a 28
(a) Imrniediately completely b 72
(b) Gradually after experimenting with pilot projects Not Answered 0
5. Paid parking in areas like Hamra or Sassine should be enforced
during the following periods daily (except Sundays and official
holidays. Choose one a 34
(a) 8:00AM - 8:00 PM ;b 60
(b) 9:00AM - 6:00PM c 3
(c) 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Not Answered 3
6. Labor intensive curb-side parking control is a viable alternative to Yes 38
the use of electronic equipment. No 56
Not answered 6
7. Among all curb-side control methods not requiring installing I 3
equipment on the sidewalk, I prefer them in the following priority. 2 6
1,2,3,4 (I=best) 3 i 6
Attended parking, receipts issued manually 4 35
Not Answered 50
Attended parking with hand-held computer I 9
2 13
3 28
4 3
'Not Answered i 47
Voucher (scratch card) I 37
2 13
3 16
4 3
iNotAnswered 31
Individual Park Meter I 47
2 19
3 0
i4 i 9
I Not Answered 25
8. Comparing only Park Meters with Pay and Display !a 50
(a) I prefer Pay and Display lb 44
(b) I prefer Park Meter I Not Answered 6
9. If Pay and Display is used in Beirut, the public will find it True 56
unacceptable because of the need to walk to the machine to pay and False 44
back to the car to display the receipt. _! _i
10. If Pay and Display is used, the longest walking distance acceptable j 25 m i 63
to the Lebanese parker between where he parks and the location of a 50 m 34
Pay and Display machine is: Choose one 75 m 3
11. If Pay and Display is used, the public will not accept a PAD machine True 75
on the opposite sidewalk because it requires crossing the street in False 22
order to get the receipt and back to the car to display it. Not Answered 3
12. Enforcement of curb parking regulations is the exclusive Yes 66
responsibility of traffic police and civilians should not have a role in No 34
it.
13. Parking violations should be fined outside the traffic courts system 1 Yes 84
and treated as a bad debt. (Decriminalization of traffic violations) No 16
14. Do you prefer that parking organization and management in Greater
Beirut be under a single parking authority, or be controlled by each
Municipality individually? a ! 38
(a) Parking Authority ,b 59
(b) Individual Municipalities Not Answered 3
15. Do you prefer in any case to have the parking field management
handled directly by the employees of the Municipality or Parking
Authority or have it contracted or concessioned to the private sector? a 72
(a) Directly by Parking Authority or Municipality employees b 25
(b) Contracted or concessioned to theprivate sector Not Answered 3
I
.
1.
Annex 4-5 Questions/comments and answen during the Second National Consultation Meeting
Discussion (Public transport)
Q Last year there was an attempt to ban any talk about public transport. Is this ban still valid today?
A I do not remember that we said that we should not talk about Public Transport.
Q you said it is not a component of our discussion.
A That is not accurate? We said that public transport is not an element we are working on. If you
remember, I started my presentation by stating the importance of public transport. What ever we do,
we will not solve the problem unless we invest in public transport. The roads and traffic situation at
the present time does not allow us to plan for the public transport that could be adequately used by
the people. But this does not mean that someone else could work on it at the same time. Furthermore.
we are ready to talk about anything. There is no ban on anything. I would like here to confirm that
public transport is not -absent form the CDR, World Bank or TEAMs minds. We have always
insisted on its major importance in solving transport sector problems. Nevertheless, the elernents of
the BUTP facilitate a better performance of Public Transport, but does not include any direct
investment in that sector.t
Q I disagree with your presumptions. I think there are very small and low cost initiatives that could be
done that could positively affect the public transport performance. However, since the terms of
refeience of the BUTP does not include a section on Public Transport we are obliged to respect your
position and not talk about it.
A I agree with you, however this does not neglect the fact that other people could work on it. TEAM
does not monopolize transportation planning.
Discussion (Environmental impacts)
Q What are the variables that you have taken in your model? When you collect spot data do you take
also from the surrounding roads? Do you model the impact on the alternative routing roads and
surrounding areas?
A One can model the impact on alternative routing roads. In this exercise we focused on the
intersection itself where a grade separation is proposed to evaluate the future noise levels with and
without the grade separation. Many elements were taken into consideration in the formulation of the
model some of which are: car speed, type of cars, characteristics of the fleet, emission factors, fleet
age and many other elements that we can evaluate within a reasonable degree of scientific certainty.
What is most important in the modeling, is the comparative assessment, and not the exact numbers
that you get, that will allow you to compare different scenarios irrespective of the numbers that are
obtained.
Q The Internal Security Forces are the ones that are now responsible of managing the traffic; hence
they are exposed to pollution on daily bases, due to there long stay on intersections which are
heavily polluted as you have already explained. What do you think are -preventive measures that
should be taken by the traffic police to reduce the impact of pollution on him.
A I will go in detail on how we can reduce the pollution impacts, not only on the traffic police, but on
the general public as well.
A BUTP provides traffic signals on all the intersections, which will eventually replace the traffic
police, thus reduce the impact of air pollution on policemen.
Discussion (Economic Assessment)
Q What do you mean by Parking Control?
A Parking Controls are procedures to implement and enforce the Law in the areas that we have studied.
The implementation requires for its success to equip the parking authority (internal security forces
and/or municipal police...) with means to facilitate their work and coverage.
Q Are you going to provide parking places for those who park illegally?
A No. It is left to the market forces to take care of it. The areas we are talking about here are
commercial zones many of the shop owners leave their cars in front of their shop all day. What we
are saying is that we are going to place Parking Meters to allow a better turnover for the on-street
parking, which will increase the number of visitors.
Q You mentioned that the cost of expropriation is 25MS, which I do not think it is correct?
A 25M$ is the economic value of the expropriated lands. The land value is very high in these urban
areas we cannot estimate the cost of the land without knowing the economic value of land in each
area. The effective cost of expropriation was not studied yet, this is a separate study that will be done
after the expropriation decrees are released.
Q In the context of parking lots. A decision was taken 2 years ago to oblige the owner, of vacant lots to
clear it and make it a parking lot. This decision was not fully implemented. Since the cost of parking
lots is that high and most probably within the present economic situation, it is not feasible. Did you
study the economical implications of the full implementation of the official decision on the present
parking situation? Don't you think that we can postpone the parking problems for future years until
we become able to spend money on such a problem?
A What you said is very true. According to the statistics and studies thaitwe have done we found out
that the main problem in parking situation is the lack df law enforcement. Thus, it is very clear to us
that-if we enforce the law on parking, lots of the problem will diminish. Moreover, what you have
suggested will not work if there is no law enforcement of parking on street. For example, next to our
office in Jenah facing the NBN TV, people used to park in a vacant lot for free. The municipality
obliged the owner to clear the lot from rubble and provide it as a paid parking lot, today all the cars
are double or triple parked on the street, where as the new parking lot stays empty.
Q In the economic assessment, social imnpact has a serious value on the economic assessment. There is
a big impact on the land value when you install a bridge in an area, all the buildings within the area
are effected in terms of value which consequently has a social impact. It should have been studied
whether you prefer a bridge or a tunnel. A tunnel keeps the noise underground and keeps the
commercial activity on ground level. It also affects the value of apartments and shops. Other
elements are the value of time. Saving 30 min of time does not mean gaining 30 minutes of work and
its relationship to the personal income.
A VOC (Vehicle Operating Cost) and VOT (Value of Time), were separate studies. To calculate the
VOC we used different factors to evaluate fuel consumption, car depreciation and maintenance,
wheel wearing, and interest. VOT based on 2 surveys, the statistics we did on streets road side
interviews 2 household surveys in each zone where we carried interviews and found the level of
income, car ownership and social class. Hence, we were able to calculate the time we save and its
value in terms of money, in addition, we introduced the factor of time where time was directly
related to work. This is the point that you have referred to. All the time that is saved which has
nothing to do with work has been given a very low valuelpercentage; we sometimes calculated it as
33%. The imnpact on land value was explored in terms of expropriation or if a building is hit by the
right of way and its economic value.
Q What about the social impact?
A The social impact is being studied in a separate Report. Which will be ready in the comning few
months.
Q I d
o not intend to discuss the methodology. I would like to know if you have taken into
considerations the impact of your design on the performance of bus routing. As you know the Public
Transport Authority is implementing a plan prepared by TEAM, LAURIEF, SOFRETU and CDR.
There are specific bus stops and bus stations next to the 16 grade separations that you have worked
on. How is it being affected by your plan? Did you assess the impact of that change on the bus
routing? Is the use of public transport going to increase or decrease? Did you change any bus lane?
A We have taken the public transport occupancy in our economic analysis. In terms of operations all
the designs did not change or adversely affect the operations of public transport. For each grade
separation, service roads were provided that are designed to accommodate the public transport.
Buses should not take the overpass or underpass. they should always take the peripheral roads. This
project will improve the traffic flow and consequently bus operations and schedule adherence will
improve.
A The components of the project are going to upgrade the fluidity of traffic which is going to reflect
positively in an increase in median velocity of public transport movement. Thus increasing its
efficiency and ridership.
Q I think there are lots of buses. But people in developed countries do know when the bus is coming
and how long it takes to go from one point to the other. Here in Lebanon people avoid the use of the
bus because they do not know when to expect the bus, where it is going, and how much it takes to
get there, that is why they prefer the use ofjitney and taxis.
VOL. 4
LEBANESE REPUBLIC
COUNCIL FOR DEVELOPMENT AND RECONSTRUCTION
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT
ENY1lRONM-ENT)kL ASSESS MENT
Mav 2000
Pteam INTER
NOTES TO ALL READERS OF THIS BLOG
This conference took place in May 2000. Thirteen years later, we suggest that it would be helpful to attempt to meet, if possible, some of the attendants to that conference who are listed in the report. We believe that they could assist us in elaborating a new Transport Plan for the next four years.
In any case, if we wish to go ahead with our project, we ought to study carefully this report, as well as the many other studies and reports on the subject of Public Transport that are available at OMSAR in the Starco Building in Beirut.
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT
PREPARATORY STUDY
List of AnnexesAnnex
2-1 Description of the BUTP Objectives and Scope of Work
2-2 List of invited stakeholders and participants at the First National Consultation Meeting
2-3 First National Consultation Meeting Program
2-4 Parking component and analysis of results
2-5 Traffic management questionnaire and analysis of results
2-6 Grade separations questionnaire and analysis of results
2-7 Environmental impact quiestiQnnaire and analysis of results
2-8 Participants recommendations
3-1 Records of local public consultation meetings
4-1 Second National Consultation Meeting schedule
4-2 Invitees and participants to the Second National Consultation Meeting
4-3 Opening session speeches during the Second National Consultation Meeting
4-4 On-street parking management questionnaire and analysis of results
4-5 Questions/comments and answers during the Second National Consultation Meeting
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to express their sincere gratitude to the office of the Board of the Council of
Development and Reconstruction and the World Bank staff for their assistance during the
preparation of the overall Environmental Assessment and the public participation report.
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PRQJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY
VOLUME 3
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
BCD Beirut Central District
BTX Benzene, Toluene and Xylene
BUTP Beirut Urban Transport Project
CDR Council for Development and Reconstruction
CEGP Conseil Executif des Grands Projets
CEGPVB Conseil Executif des Grands Projets de la Ville de Beyrouth
CNG Compressed Natural Gas
CO Carbon Monoxide
DOA Department of Antiquities
EA Environmental Assessment
EB East Bound
ERM Environmental Resource Management
GBA Greater Beirut Area
GBATP Greater Beirut Area Transportation Plan
LAp Immediate Action Plan
HOV High Occupancy Vehicles
LOS Level-of-Service
MOC Ministry of Culture
MOE Ministry of Environment
MOMRA Ministry of Municipalities & Rural Affairs
MPW Ministry of Public Works
Mol Ministry of Information
MOI Ministry of Interior
NB North Bound
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
OCFTC Office des Chemins de Fer et des Transports en Commun
03 Ozone
ROW Right of Way
SB South Bound
S02 Sulphur Dioxide
TMO Traffic Management Organization
TSP Total Suspended Particulates
VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds
VOR Vehicle Registration Office
WB West Bound
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1. INTRODUCTION
The metropolitan area of Beirut, usually referred to as Greater Beirut Area (GBA) is the core
of the service-based economy of Lebanon with one third of the population and contributes in
excess of two thirds of the total value added in the economy. The city and its metropolitan
area, however, suffer severe traffic congestion, a result of an extremely deficient
transportation system. This implies high economic losses and deteriorating air quality. As
sustained growth of the service-oriented economy is underpinned by efficient infrastructure.
Beirut needs to improve the operational and economic efficiency of its urban transport
system.
In its heyday, Beirut had an extensive urban transport system including a well developed bus
system and even a trolley-bus system. Due to the prolonged period of conflict this
infrastructure deteriorated. Also, over the last two decades major changes have occurred in
Lebanon's demography due to urbanization and displacement of residents from the South and
relocation of businesses from Beirut to various locations along the coast.Mhese have resulted
in important changes in traffic patterns throughout the Greater Beirut Area (GBA), which, in
turn, generates severe congestion both in and around Beirut and particularly at the
connections with the coastal highway to the north and south. The problem of congestion is
exacerbated by a heavy reliance on the use of private cars, which amounts to approximately
300,000 cars for a population of some 1.2 million in the GBA (about 250 cars per 1000
inhabitants). Over 70 percent of total motorized person trips, more than half of which are
home-to-work, are made by private car. Shared taxis account for nearly 20 percent of all trips.
while just 10 percent of the population is served by privately and publicly operated bus
services. In addition, latent travel demand is high and would materialize with improving
supply of transport capacity.
For Beirut to develop as a competitive regional center for finance, trade, services and tourism.
it should have an efficient transport system. To this end, the Government prepared a
comprehensive Greater Beirut Area Transportation Plan (GBATP) which addresses the most
serious urban transport issues, analyzes needed investments through the year 2015, and
recommends a large phased investment program. The prioritization and phasing of this
program, which will be the largest single investment need in Lebanon over the next ten years.
will require a significant planning, consensus building, and resource mobilization effort.
The Beirut Urban Transport Project (BUTP) is an element of the GBATP. Other projects are
anticipated to be implemented to address the issues related to public transportation as
described below in the GBATP background and summary section. The BUTP has been
proposed to provide the fundamental urban transport apparatus needed to address part of the
extremely diverse and complex transport issues the city faces. The project consists of
establishing a traffic management organization; constructing of grade separations at highly
congested intersections; and parking provision and controls.
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Financial support for the project is being sought through a loan from the World Bank Loan
provisions dictate the completion of an environmental assessment for the proposed project.
World Bank guidelines for environmental assessment include a public participation process
which, is the subject of this report (Volume 3) that is an integral part of the overall
Environmental Assessment report (Volume 1).
Public participation has been planned in three stages as described below.
1. First national consultation meeting which was conducted early on during the initial phases
of the project design.
I'
2. Local meetings on the grade separation improvement component of the project which were
conducted during the months of December 1998, January and February, 1999.
3. Second national consultation meeting which was conducted in early June, 1999.
This report describes the objectives, process and recommendations of these consultations
meetings. Note that the entire environmental assessment will be made available for public
review at several locations including the libraries of the CDR. MoE, AUB, and the Arab
University. It will also be available for examination at the Consultants office in the event
technical questions are raised.
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME 3
2. FIRST NATIONAL CONSULTATION MEETING
Public participation was sought early on in the environmental assessment process and the
project design. A consultation meeting was held with national and local govermnent officials.
The purpose of the meeting was to disseminate the scope of the project and solicit earlv
feedback from concerned stakeholders regarding the project. Pertinent documentation of the
meeting was preserved and presented in detail in the attached Annexes. This first national
consultation meeting was held on June 26, 1998 at the Marriott Hotel in Beirut. The meeting
was coordinated by representatives from CDR and TEAM International.
2.1 Participants
Concerned stakeholders from various ministries, governmental authorities. SOLIDERE,
universities, research centers, international organizations. non-governmental organizations
and have been invited to attend and participate in the first national consultation meeting.
Invitation letters were prepared in both English and Arabic and-were accompanied with a
brief description of the project objectives and scope of work (Anneix 2-1) as well as the
meeting program (Annex 2-3). The majority of invited stakeholders responded to the
invitation and delegated one or more representatives to attend the meeting. The total number
of participant stakeholders was thirtv six. In addition. the meeting was attended by one
participant representing the World Bank. six participants representing CDR. and fourteen
participants representing TEAM Intemational. Annex 2-2 includes a list of stakeholders that
were invited and the participants to the first national consultation meeting.
2.2 Meeting Description
The meeting consisted of an opening session, a presentation of the project major components
(parking, traffic management and control, and grade separation), a discussion period for each
component, and the environmental aspects associated with each component. The meeting was
moderated by Dr. Tammam Nakkash, Managing Director of TEAM International.
The Moderator introduced the purpose of the meeting and stressed on the necessity to initiate
a dialogue with concerned stakeholders. The participants were informed that national
consultations for the BUTP are part of the scope of work in order to ensure that the project
serves comrnunity needs, supports sustainable development, and preserves the environment.
2.2.1 Opening Session
The meeting was officially opened by Dr. Nohad Baroody, representing the President of
CDR. Dr. Baroody indicated that during the past few years, CDR implemented several
transportation projects in various regions of Lebanon and specifically in the Greater Beirut
Area (GBA). He indicated that the development of the economy in a sustainable and rapid
manner would depend essentially on two factors: establishment of an advanced transport
system of streets and highways, and strengthening the effectiveness of the public transport in
urban areas. Based on these two factors, CDR carried out a transport plan for Greater Beirut
focussing on the development and organization of public transport in a flexible and effective
manner, since the studies showed that traffic congestion is the major constraint for the use of
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BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME T
public transport. It will be therefore important to address traffic congestion through this
project which consists of the following components: improve modem traffic signal systems,
resolving the problem of chaotic parking on the streets of Greater Beirut as well as
establishments of overpasses and underpasses at the major entrances of the Capital. This
project would also assist in increasing awareness among the public and would set up a new
organization for traffic management taking into considerations environmental requirements.
2.2.2 Discussion Sessions
Prior to the overall project presentation, a brief background information was introduced by
regarding the transport master plan, which was prepared by TEAM intemational in 1994 (the 3
immediate action plan and a long term plan till the year 2015). The master plan concluded
that the execution and operation of all highway projects which are under implementation and
study will not meet the traffic demand for the year 2015 without the presence of an effective
public transport system. Hence, it was found necessary to assess traffic congestion in order to
facilitate the flow of the public transport. While the system itself will not be covered under
the scope of the BUTP, one purpose of the BUTP is to facilitate its operation.
An overview of the three main project components was then conducted and questionnaires
regarding each component were distributed to the participants. The aim of the questionnaire is
to provide the participants with guidance to the potential problems and issues that may be
encountered and to seek their opinion on handling them.
A. Parking Component
Following a brief presentation on parking needs and policies in Lebanon, several issues were
raised and discussed with respect to the parking component. These included law enforcement
with respect to building parking lots, parking usage, and respecting parking regulations along
the streets. The provision of additional parking space to cope with the continuous increase in
the number of cars, the creation of an organization for monitoring the parking strategy to be
developed as well as the increase in the number and capacities of the policemen were also
noted. The major comments/suggestions made by the participants include:
O The need to investigate whether drivers are willing to use public transport rather than
their private cars to go to work. Since the actual situation reveals that a low percentage of
the population are using the public bus.
o The habit in Lebanon is not to pay for parking. Parking fees are not perceived as a
component of the cost of owning and operating a vehicle. While the cost of car ownership
should reflect the total social cost of the car, including its parking requirements and
polluting effects. I
O Parking needs land and this is not easily available. A quick action is required as most of
the open spaces in the Capital are being used for the construction of residential or
commercial facilities.
O The feasibility of the BUTP should be based on energy consumption and time saving. The
best solution could be to provide large parking spaces at the entrances of Beirut and to
ensure efficient public transport from the entrances to the center. _
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3 Laws are available and there is no need to introduce new ones. The major deficiency is in
the enforcement of the existing laws. Municipalities should provide parking lots within
available public open space. In the absence of public open areas the municipalities should
consider buying land to provide parking lots.
O As most local roads are relatively narrow, then it is not advisable to provide parking at the
curb. Parking lots should be considered.
o The present project should be for Beirut City rather than Greater Beirut Area as each area
in Greater Beirut has its own characteristics. A national transport strategy for all Lebanon
should have been developed first.
O Within the annual car registration fees, a parking fee for a specific number of hours
should be paid by each car owner who will be given a sort of a credit card. This card
would be used in all park meters until the total number of parking hours expires.
o Parking meters have been provided in Furn El-Chebbak area. A survey study within the
area might be necessary as it would provide valuable information to the project.
O Lebanese citizens resist using parking lots and paying for parking. Experience in the
country has shown that citizens will not use the parking lots unless they are forbidden to
park along the streets.
o At the beginning of the post war reconstruction of Lebanon, some private firms have
expressed interest in building and operating parking lots. However. the government did
not show any interest.
O It is not certain that BOT projects for parking will be attractive to developers. Until now
for instance, SOLDER did not completely solve the parking problem.
O Several traffic measures have been taken by the Municipality of Beirut to alleviate the
traffic problems in the city. The provision of parking remains the major problem -and
should be solved. The provision of parking garages under existing gardens or bridges is
an attractive option and should be considered.
O There should be an organization in charge of traffic management. This organization
should be composed of all concerned authorities.
O Some amendments should be introduced to the building code. The provision of parking
space should be based on the intended usage of the building rather than being
proportional to the total floor area irrespective of its nature and usage.
o The ownership and usage of cars should not be a burden in the absolute. However, the
usage of car at certain hours and in certain locations shouldi Ina burden..
The results of the Parking Questionnaire that was filled by all participants are presented in
Annex 2-4. An analysis of the results indicated general agreement with respect to the
following issues:
o Parking is the major cause for traffic congestion.
o Parking charges should be imposed.
O Parking enforcement will improve vehicular circulation
o High parking fines should be considered.
O Underground parking garages should be considered.
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o Major concerns regarding providing parking facilities include their high cost and the
increased attraction of traffic to the city center.
O Public parking improves vehicular circulation and should be considered in the city.
o Under budget constraints, traffic signals and grade separations should be given prioritv
over parking.
B. Traffic Management and Control Component
Following an overview of policies, planning, and possible structures regarding a general
Traffic Management Organization (TMO) and the mandate of ministries that are concerned
with traffic in Lebanon, several issues were raised and discussed with respect to the Traffic
Management and Control component. While a consensus regarding the need for such an
organization is evident amongst participants, different views with respect to the composition.
mandate and administration of the organization were expressed. Comments/suggestions made
by the participants include:
c In addition to the listed ministries. the Ministry of Information should be included among
the coordinating parties. However, previous experience in the country has shown that
councils andlor committees that are made up of more than one ministrv are not effective.
Hence, the organization should not include any ministry.
El The (existing) Traffic Emergency Committee', which includes several ministries and
bodies from the public sector, should constitute the TMO. However, the mandate and the
role of the Traffic Emergency Committee should be improved. Moreover, to ensure that
the recommendations of the committee are put into execution. it is recommended to
replace the present committee members by higher level officials.
co The organization shall be formed by a ministerial decree and shall not take the role of any
other ministry or organization. The primary traffic role will have to stay under the
Ministry of Interior.
o The organization shall be in charge of the implementation of issues that are not handled
by any other ministry or organization. Its primary role shall be planning and coordination.
Oi Similar to any ministry, the TMO should be under the Council of Ministries.
Cl Similar to France and other Gulf countries, the TMO should be under the Internal
Security Forces.
o Thew organization is for transport, hence it should be under4the Ministry of Transport.
o The organization should be made up of specialized professionals and should be held
responsible for the execution of its mandate.
o The organization should be in charge of finding adequate engineering and operational
solutions. This could be a burden on the Interior Security Forces that are in charge of the I
enforcement of all laws
1. The Traffic Emergency Committee is chaired by a high ranking officer of the internal Security Forces and includes
representatives of: CDR, CEGP, CEGPVB, MPW, MOMRA, MOI, Municipalities, Vehicle Registration
DepartmentL Traffic Police and Civil Defense. -
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0 The creation of a TMO should be in line with the new trend which aims at shifting some
planning, operational and execution mandates from the police state to the civil state. The
purpose of the TMO is to handle technical matters and not security or emergencv issues.
The results of the Traffic Management and Control questionnaire that was filled by
participants are presented in Annex 2-5. An analysis of the results indicated a general
agreement with respect to the following issues:
O Traffic signals should be installed on all warranted intersections.
O At signalized intersections priority should be given to cars.
O The tolerable period of waiting before clearing a signalized intersection is between 30 and
180 sec.
O Even if intersections are signalized, policemen should be present to ensure compliance.
O Video camera could be used in traffic surveillance for incident detection and verification.
O A TMO for Greater Beirut Area is needed.
ol The primary duty of the traffic control center shouldbe to improve signal timing.
C. Grade Separation Component
The session on grade separations has been restricted to a quick overview of the objectives and
scope of the grade separation component. The results of the questionnaire (Annex 2-6)
revealed that the majority of the participants prefer the construction of underpasses as they
believe that the construction of overpasses cause visual intrusion. Once again, under budget
constraints, there was a consensus that, traffic signals and grade separations should be given
priority over parking.
2.2.3 Environmental Impacts
Following a brief overview of the scope of the environmental assessment being conducted in
relation to the proposed BUTP and air quality management in the GBA. several issues were
raised and discussed regarding potential enviromnental impacts associated with the project.
These covered a wide range including the introduction of public awareness programs, the
phase-out of leaded fuel and the taxation system and policy change regarding transport and
traffic planning in Lebanon. Major comments/suggestions made by the participants include:
O Cars should have the proper specifications that can ensure the protection of environment
O Catalytic converter and air bags are not luxury accessories. Consequently the governent
should not impose additional taxes on them.
o Unleaded fuel should be cheaper than other types of fuel.
O High fuel standards can render the price of fuel very high. Therefore, as a first step
stringent regulations should be imposed on cars' specifications.
0 Catalytic converters will not function properly with leaded fuel. Hence it would be
necessary to phase out leaded fuel.
O The project should consider strategic environmental assessment rather than a separate
assessment for each component.
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o A public awareness program is necessary to ensure that the project is well known by the
public. Although the solutions are technical, the public should be made aware of all the
project components.
O Little is known and made with respect to unleaded fuel. The project should put a lot of
weight on this issue and on public awareness regarding this issue.
0 Both education and enforcement should be considered as part of the project. Education
and public awareness will have to be part of the mandate of the TMO.
a Landscaped areas should be considered as part of the design for grade separations and
parking lots.
O The involvement of local municipalities in the project should be encouraged.
O Public awareness is necessary, however, poor law enforcement will have a great negative
Impact on awareness.
The results of the environmental impact questionnaire are enclosed in Annex 2-1. Analysis of
the results revealed a general agreement on the following environmental issues:
o Vehicular traffic and traffic congestion are causing pollution problems in Beirut.
o Strict vehicular inspection should be considered as a means of reducing vehicular air
pollution.
O Complete phasing out of unleaded fuel is an important priority issue and should be
implemented in less than five years.
O Air quality and noise levels should be monitored on a dailv basis in Beirut.
o An environmental unit should be created for monitoring pollution levels, however the
government does not have the capacities to run such a unit.
O The Ministry of Environment should be responsible for environmental monitoring.
� Traffic management, parking and grade separations will have an impact on noise and air
emissions
O The construction of parking and grade separations will have an impact on noise and air
emissions.
O Stringent regulations could be among the most effective means of reducing air pollution *
and noise levels.
2.3 'Summary of Meeting Outcomes
Dunng this first national consultation meeting, the project components were presented and
discussed. These included: parking, traffic control management, grade separations and
environmental impact. Moreover, for each component, the participants filled up a
questionnaire. Throughout the meeting, the participants have shown great interest and
enthusiasm. Although different views have been articulated on several issues such as the
composition, mandate and administration of the traffic management organization (TMO),
there was a consensus with respect to several matters including:
(a The importance of law enforcement with respect to (1) building parking lots, (2) using
parking and (3) respecting parking regulations along the streets. -
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o The need to provide additional parking space.
O The creation of a traffic management organization (TMO).
o The increase in the number and capacities of the traffic policemen
o The construction of underpasses is favored because overpasses cause visual intrusion.
o The need to improve public awareness.
O The necessity of phasing out leaded fuel.
o Under budget constraint traffic simals and grade separations should be given prioritv
over parking.
In addition to the above raised issues, two participants provided the consultant with a series of
recommendations (Annex 2-8). During the design of the project, every effort is made to take
into consideration suggestions and recommendations made by the participants in the course of
the consultation meeting.
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3. LOCAL PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETINGS
3.1 Meetings Process Description
The local public consultation meetings were prepared for and conducted in the following
manner. A first contact was made with the Governor of Mount Lebanon who invited all the
Municipal Councils in Mount Lebanon affected by the BUTP to a meeting at his office on
December 11, 1998. This meeting was attended by representations of CDR, the Consultant,
and the Municipal Council of Antelias, Jal El Dib, Borj Hamoud, Jdaideh-Baouchrieh and Sin
El-Fil. Meetings were held also with the Governor of Beirut, and the newly elected Lord
Mayor of Beirut. As a result of which a presentation was made to the entire Beirut Municipal
Council on December 28, 1998, in preparation for the local public consultations.
Following those two meetings individual meetings were held with each Municipal Council in
the GBA, where BUTP has- a significant component affecting the corresponding municipalitv.
At some municipalities more than one meeting was necessary. With each municipality it was
decided when and where to hold the public consultation meeting for their citizens. Posters
were prepared to advertise for the meeting. The posters were displayed at the bulletin board
of each municipality and at that meeting venue. Announcements in churches and mosques
and newspaper ads were also used.
During each meeting a short introduction was made by the representative of the CDR. Then
the Consultant took presented the following:
o Purpose and objective of a consultation meeting since public hearings are a noveltv in
Lebanon.
O An overview of the BUTP and its components.
O A detailed presentation of the proposals affecting the municipality of concern. Each
presentation was accompanied by an overhead show of each proposed structure. Blue
prints were also posted for review by the audience.
o The "do nothing" alternative and its consequences, as far as traffic congestion and
environmental impacts, was presented. I
O A summary of the expected environmental impacts and their proposed mitigation
measures and environmental monitoring were discussed.
O The appraisal of the social impact was also introduced, to prepare citizens for the surveys
included in the social impact studies.
After the Consultants presentations and during it, questions from the audience were
entertained. In more than one case, another meeting was held with the municipal council
following the public hearing, in order to discuss some of the comments that were brought up
during the public hearing. Each meeting was fully documented. Photographs were taken and
the discussions were taped for future reference and archiving. Table 3-1 presents a summary
of all meetings conducted and Annex 3-1 includes a record of these meetings with list of
attendees.
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Table 3-1. Local Public Consultation Meetings
Date Time Municipality Iocation Attendees Type of Attendees Purpose of Meeting
I I-Dec-98 11:00 AM Mouhalaza of Serail of I I Governor/ Municipal Councils Members! CD)R/ Preparation fbr Consultation Meetings
Mount l ebanon Baabda Consultant
14-Dec-98 4.00 PM Municipalities of Municipality 17 Municipal Cotncil Members/ 'T'echnical IllIP - Proposed (irade Separation at l)ora
Borj Ilammoud of Borj Advisors/ CD)R/ Consultant
and Jdaideh tIammoud
1 5-Dec-98 4:00 PM Municipality of CD)R I I Municipal Council Members/ CI)R/ Consultant BIJTP - P'roposed Grade Separations at Antelias
Antelias & Jai El Dib
17-Dec-98 6:30 PM Municipality of Dirmelkonian 28 Municipal Council Members/ Engineers/ BU'l'P - Proposed (Grade Separation at D)ora
Borj Hammoud Theatre Businessmen/ P'harmacist/ Real Estate
Consultant/ CDR/ Consultant
18-Dec-98 I PO PM Municipality of Municipality _0 Municipal Council Members/ CI)R/ Consultant BUlP - Proposed (;rade Separations at I layek &
Sin El Fil of Sin El Fil Mkalles
21-Dec-98 6:30 IPM Municipality of Mar Elias 32 Municipal Council Members/ D)evelopers/ BUlTlP - Proposed (irade Separations at Antelias
Antelias and Jal Church - Contractor/ Engineers/ Attorneys/ Priest/ CD)J & Jal El D)ib
El Dib Antelias Consultant
22-Dec-98 6:45 PM Municipality of Ll Saydeh 67 Municipal Cotncil Members/ P'roperly Owners/ [It lIP - Proposed (irade Separationls at I layek &
Sin El Fil Church - Sin Business Owners/ Merchants/ I lousewives/ Mkalles
El Fil Students/ Attorneys/ College l'rolessors/ CDR/
Consultant
28-Dec-98 7:00 PM Municipality of Beirut 30 Municipal Council Members/ CDR/ Consultant Ill 'lP - lIroposed (irade Separations at Museum,
Beirut Municipality Bechara Khoury/ Independence, Adlieh,
Council _Tayounneh, 13eit El Atfal & Sami Fl Solh
07-Jan-99 7:00 PM Municipality or Khaled lbn El 60 Municipal ('oincil Members/ P'roperty Owners/ fUJlIP - Proposed (irade Separations at liechara
Bleirut Walid 13usiness Owners/ Merchants/ I lousewives/ Khoury/ Independence T'ayounneh & llcit 1E1
School, B3eit Students/ Attorneys/ College Professors/ CDI)R Atl'al
El Atfal, Consultant
I lorch, 13eirt it__-
bWVINl.IVIUR IABE 23VM,hi,w, II
May 2(10
BEI RUT I IRHBAN IRANsPoR Tr'ROJ ,CEt PREPARATORY ST1l13Y
08-Jan-99 7:00 PM Municipality of French 53 Mtnicipal Council Members/ Property Owners/ IBlJITI - P roposed Grade Separations at Museum,
Beirut Cultural Business Owners/ Merchants/ I lousewives/ Adlich & Sami 1I1 Solh
Center, Students/ Attorneys/ College Professors/
Damascus Doctors/ Jeweler/ tJN Consultant/ CD)R/
Rd, Beirut Consultant
14-Jan.99 7:00 PM Municipality of Municipality 12 Municipal Council Members/ CI)R/ Consultant 131JTP - Proposed (irade Separations at Galerie
Chiyah of Chiyah Semaan, Mar Mekhael & Mucharratlieh
16-Jan-99 10:00AM Municipality of Municipality 12 Municipal Council Members/ C)R/ Consultant BItJIP - Proposed (irade Separations at Airport
Ghobeiry of Ghobeiry Road & Mucharrafieh
25-Jan-99 6:20 PM Municipality of Municipality 24 Municipal Council Members/ P roperty Owners/ BtiTP - Proposed Grade Separations at (ialerie
Chiyah of Chiyah Attorneys/ lEngineers/ CI)R/ Consultant Semaan, Mar Mekhael & Mucharralich
08-Feb-99 6:15 PM Municipality of D)allas 42 Municipal Council Members/ Property Owners/ B 'lll - Proposed (irade Separations at Airport
Ghobeiry Center, Business Owners/ Merchants/ llousewives/ Road & Mucharrafieh
(ihoheiry Students! Attorneys/ College Prolbssors/ CD)R/
Consultant
02-Feb-99 12:30 PM Municipality of Municipality 7 Municipal Council Members/ (I)R/ Consultant BIJ'I'P - Proposed Grade Separation at Old Saida
Choueifat of Choueifat Road - l3ehamoun/ Aramoun Bifurcation
29-Jan-99 12:30 PM Municipality of Municipality 7 Municipal Council Members/ ('l)1 Constiltant lit)I P - Iroposed (irade Separation at Old Saida
Choueifat of Chouci fat Road - Bchamoun/ Aramoun Bliliercation
24-Feb-99 12:30 PM Municipality of Municipality 25 Municipal Council Members/ Development litJTP - P roposed (irade Separation at Old Saida
Choueifat of Chouci fat Committee Members/ Business Owners/ CDR/ Road - llchamoun/ Aramoun Bliiilrcation
Consultant
'I)EIIVERARI 11 2VVohsl,llg 12
May 2(10
_ _
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME 3
3.2 Summary of Meetings Outcomes
The following represents an overall summary of general observations made through the
process of public meetings:
O Public hearings and public consultations are new to Lebanon. In generaL public was very
enthusiastic about being informed and consulted.
O Since the opportunities for public expression on urban projects are limited. the public
participation meetings were used as a platform to express demands and opinions on
traffic, transport, and urban planning that are wider than the BUTP scope.
O In general, the public was not sensitive to direct environmental impacts of congestion
(emissionr noise). Extensive public awareness campaigns are needed in this domain to
explain the negative environmental impact of the car in generaL and congestion in
particular.
O People residing near some of-the proposed grade separations conceived the benefits to go
solely to 'through' traffic and only inconveniences affect them.
0 In general 'underpasses' were preferred to 'overpasses'.
' In some cases. an over-designed solution was proposed by the participants. It was
necessary to explain the concepts of 'cost effectiveness' and 'stage construction'.
3 It was difficult to explain the concept of traffic modelling in forecasting future traffic. It
was not easy to convince the public that it is possible to account in the forecasts for
projects currently under construction but not yet completed.
3 In some cases the residents asked to delay the construction hoping that other
improvements proposed at other locations will solve the problem at the location under
consideration near them, i.e. let us wait and see.
3 Only in few cases, pedestrian circulation was brought up by the participants.
O In one or two cases the participants asked for more expropriation in order to make it
possible to provide curb-side parking on rarnps.
O In all the cases, participants expressed their appreciation at the end of the meeting, but
some doubted whether their opinions will ever be taken into consideration.
DEUVERABU Z 1 3
Mw 2000
BEIRtT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME 3
4. SECOND NATIONAL CONSULTATION MEETING
A second national consultation meeting was held on June 1V 1999 at the Marriott Hotel,
Beirut. The meeting was organized by TEAM International and the CDR with the objective to
inform the participants of the status of the BUTP Preparatory Study, present the project
Environmental Impact Assessment component; and seek the opinion of concerned
stakeholders regarding the changes in the orientation of the parking component.
4.1 Participants
Concerned stakeholders from various ministries, governmental authorities, municipalities,
universities, research centers, international organizations, non-governmental organizations
and private developers have been invited to attend and participate in the second national
consultation meeting. Invitation letters were prepared in both English and Arabic and were
accompanied with a brief description of the project objectives and scope of work. as well as
-the meeting program. Many of the participants have participated in the first consultation
meeting that was held in June 26t 1998.
Most invited stakeholders responded to the invitation and delegated one or more
representatives to attend the meeting. Thirty-six persons attended the consultation meeting, in
addition to five representing CDR, and 14 individuals representing the Consultant. Annex 4-1
lists the invitees and participants and Annex 4-2 includes the schedule of the meeting.
Information on the BUTP objectives and scope was distributed to the invitee prior to
attending the meeting.
4.2 Meeting Program
The meeting included the following sessions:
1. An opening session
2. A presentation of the background of BUTP and the progress of the Preparation Study
3. A presentation of the EIA, which also included relevant discussions on the Institutional
Aspects and the Economic Analysis.
A session was dedicated to presentation of the changes in the orientation.
4.2.1 Opening Session
Dr. Tamnmam Nakkash, the meeting Moderator and Managing Director of TEAM
International, introduced the purpose of the meeting, which includes:
1. Presentation of the project objectives and components;
2. Familiarization of all concerned stakeholders with the results of the Environmental Impact
Assessment;
3. Familiarization of all concerned stakeholders with the changes that developed during the
study period.
Vq VERAE 23/V3 14
BEIRUTr URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECr - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME 3
The Moderator stressed on the necessity to initiate a dialogue with concemed stakeholders
and informed the participants that national consultations for BUTP are part of the consultantes
scope of work in order to ensure that the project serves the need of the people, supports
sustainable development and respects the enviromnent. Furthermore, he notified the attendees
how the First Consultation Meeting recommendations, held on the June 26, 1998, has
oriented the efforts while completing the major part of the Preparatory Study. Not
withstanding, the purpose of the Second Consultation Meeting is to expose the results and
exchange views about options and altematives.
Dr. Nakkash singled out a "unique practice" which he considered as the first to happen in
Lebanon in its extent and nature, namely the public participation in the decision-making
process. This was achieved through daily interaction between the consultant (TEAM
International) and CDR (the Project Owner) on one side and many government officials and
bodies. Likewise, the citizens at large influenced by this project were approached with a close
cooperation with the newly elected municipal councils and NGO's through Public Hearing
Meetings.
Following the brief introduction of the Moderator, Mr. George Samaha - CDR General
Secretary - addressed and welcomed the participants on behalf of the President of CDR. Mr.
Samaha indicated the importance of equipping the transportation network with means to
ensure safety to the environment and citizens. He confirmed the urgent need for action to
organize the parking problems on the curb and the management of traffic at major
intersections at a shrewd cost. He pointed out the importance of adopting objective public
transport policies as well as improving its service quality, timing and geographical coverage,
in order to encourage people to use it for their daily travel.
Following Mr. Samaha's Speech, Mr. Adel Hamieh - opened the meeting and welcomed the
attendee on behalf of H.E. Najib Mikati, Minister of Transport and Public Works. Mr.
Haamieh expressed his great admiration for the BUTP. He then stated that the Ministry of
Transport considers BUTP as a pilot project that should be implemented first in Greater
Beirut and eventually all over the Lebanese territories. Mr. Hamieh vocalized his awareness
of the huge traffic problems due to the lack of organization, hence its negative inpacts on the
environment, the economy and the social sectors at large. Nonetheless, he described BUTP as
the first pillar required to improve the transport service and road situation. He then declared
the engagement of the Ministry of Transport to prepare a workshop on National Policy for
Land Transport during the month of July and the commitment of the Ministry of Public Work
to launch the National Road Project. The translation of the opening session addresses are
presented in Annex 4-3.
4.2.2 Plenary Sessions
Following the opening session, the Moderator explained the procedure, which will be adopted
during the plenary sessions. He emphasized that Urban Transport is a complex subject and
cannot be discussed in detail in few hours. He pointed out to the five main presentation
components that will be discussed in sequence and indicated that for the parking component a
questionnaire has been prepared and will be distributed to the participants. The aim of the
Mw 2= 15
BEIRUr URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME 3
questionnaire is to provide the participants with guidance to the problems and issues that may
be encountered and to seek their opinion on handling them.
He added that most of the duration of the meeting is concentrated on the Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA), which he described as the nucleus of the preparatory study. This is
due to its relationship to all the other studies. He affirmed that EIA is not an aftermath of
what the design has presented; but it has also implicated the decisions. which were taken in
the design process. Moreover all its results were taken into consideration during all the
preliminary studies. Hence, it is indeed not just a corrective plan, but also as a preventive one.
used during all the planning and design stages.
Prior to the overall project presentation. a brief background information was introduced by
the Moderator regarding the transport master plan, which was prepared by TEAM
International in 1994 (an immediate action plan and a long term plan till the year 2015). The
master plan concluded that the execution and operation of all highway projects which are
under implementation and stu-dy will not meet the traffic demand of the vear 2015 without the
introduction of an effective public transport system. Hence, it was found necessary to assess
traffic congestion in order to facilitate the flow of the public transport. As such, one purpose
of the BUTP is to facilitate the operation of the public transport system. Public transport, on
its own, is not covered under the scope of the BUTP. Nonetheless, he alerted the attendee not
to fall into the conception that BUTP is a project that encourages the use of cars.
The Moderator then provided a quick overview of the five major presentation components of
the BUTP (environmental impact assessment, transport sector related policies, economic
analysis, parking management survey and envirommental monitoring plan) and opened the
floor for a brief discussion.
4.2.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Session
EA objectives and scope of work
At the beginning, Dr. Mutasem El Fadel gave a brief description of the EIA and explained the
organizational chart of the project team that worked on the Enviromnental Assessment. He
then elaborated on the EA objectives:
O Provide a sound basis Nor decision-making about the design of project -components-that
takes environmental considerations into account
O Insure that the project is implemented with full awareness of environmental factors
LI Inform the public when and how the project implementation may affect their environment
O Facilitate public participation in the decision-making process
Dr. El Fadel then moved on explaining the EIA scope of work which he outlined by:
O Definition of policies, legal and administrative framework;
O Project description and objectives;
O Definition of existing environmental conditions;
O Identification and analysis of enviromnental impacts;
Nby 2M 16
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT - PREPARATORY STUDY EA VOLUME 3
O Definition and analysis of potential alternatives;
O Identification and analysis of mitigation measures;
O Development of environmental management plan:
O Development of an environmental monitoring plan;
O Solicitation of public participation;
O Preparation of a full EA report.
A presentation of the results pertaining to the scope of work was then conducted bv Dr. El-
Fadel (overall EIA process), Dr. Salam (policies, legal and administrative framework) and
Mr. El-Zarif (economic assessment). In addition, the new emphasis reorientation towards on-
street parking for parking management was presented by Dr. Nakkash. In this regards, the
main features of on-street parking control systems and the key elements of a parking strategy
were presented. The types of concessions for managing on-street parking (i.e. private sector.
municipalities) as well as potential sources of funds were also addressed. A survey was then
conducted and the corresponding results are which are self-explanatory, are included in
Annex 4-4. During the presentations, several discussions and interventions from the public
took place. A record of these is included in Annex 4r5.
4.3 Summary of Meeting Outcomes
The following represents an overall summary of general observations made through the
process of second national consultation meeting:
O While public hearings and public consultations are new to Lebanon. in general, the public
was very receptive about being informed and consulted.
O As in previous meetings, the public was less sensitive to direct environmental impacts of
congestion (emission, noise). Extensive public awareness campaigns are needed in this
domain to explain the negative environmental impact of the car in general, and congestion
in particular.
O Some participants expressed the need for a strategy for phasing out leaded gasoline and
that all medians and islands should be planted and not paved.
0 The meeting was used as a platform to express opinions about the new reorientation
towards on-street parking.
O Participants opined that public transportation should receive attention and a
demonstration project was proposed where a dedicated bus-lane is implemented: one of
the multi-lane divided boulevards of the city of Beirut. In addition, the need for
identification of bus and taxi-service stops and restriction of passengers pitch up and drop
was expressed.
O In one instance, an objection was voiced against the proposed improvements at the Hayek
intersection, which was the subject of extensive local public hearings.
0 Participants expressed their appreciation for the public consultation process at the end of
the meeting and emphasized the need to further develop such meetings in other public
projects.
64VErVRAflLE 2Wokme3 1
M 2YV 17
Annex 2-1 Description of the BUTP Objectives and Scope of Work
The attached project description was provided to all invitees to the First National Consultation Meeting
prior to the meeting.
PROJECT SUMMARY - CONSULTAON MIEETNG
BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT
A. IN'TRODUCTION
Beirut is the core of the service-based economy of Lebanon with one third of the
population and contributes in excess of two thirds of the total value added in the econom- .
The city and its metropolitan area. however. suffer severe traffic congestion. a result of an
extremely deficient transportation system. This implies high economic losses and
deterioratinc air qualitv. As sustained growth of the service-oriented economv is
underpinned by efficient infrastructure. Beirut needs to improve the operational and
economic efficiencv of its urban transport svstem.
In its hevday. Beirut had an extensive urban transport system including a well developed
bus svstem and even a trolley-bus system. Due to the prolonged period of conflict this
infrastructure deteriorated. Also. over the last two decades major changes have occurred in
Lebanon-s demography due to urbanization and displacement of residents from the South
and relocation of businesses from Beirut to various locations along the coasf. These have
resulted in important changes in traffic patterns throughout the Greater Beirut Area (GBA).
which. in turn. generates severe congestion both in and around Beirut and particularly at
the connections with the coastal highway to the north and south. The probiem of
congestion is exacerbated by a heavy reliance on the use of private cars. which amounts to
approximately 300.000 cars for a population of some 1.2 million in the GBA (about 25O
cars per 1000 inhabitants). Over 70 percent of total motorized person trips. more than half
of which are home-to-work. are made by private car. Shared taxis account for nearl!' 20
percent of all trips. while just 10 percent of the population is served by privately and
publicly operated bus services. In addition. latent travel demand is hiah and would
materialize with improving suppl\ of transport capacity.
For Beirut to develop as a competitive regional center for finance. trade. services and
tourism. it should have an efficient transport system. To this end. the Government
prepared a comprehensive Greater Beirut Area Transportation Plan (GBATP) which
addresses the most serious urban transport issues. analyzes needed investments through the
year 2015. and recommends a large phased investment program. The prioritization and
phasing of this program. which will be the largest single investment need in Lebanon over
the next ten vears. will require a significant planning. consensus building. and resource
mobilization effort. The proposed Beirut Urban Transport Project would provide the
fundamental urban transport apparatus needed to address the extremely diverse and
complex transport issues the city faces. and support selected immediate actions of the
GBATP.
There are several keyr issues which must be immediately addressed to improve the
operational and economic efficiency of the GBA urban transport system. These issues
could be broadiv grouped into five main categories: (a) traffic management: (b) network
capacity: (c) parking provision and controls: (d) public transport: and (e) transport
emissions. It is bevond the realm of an individual project to address all the issues. this
particular project would therefore focus on a limited number of strategic issues - namely.
traffic management. network- capacity deficiencies. and parking. Addressing GBA's
transport problems such as transport planning. public transport. and transport emissions.
would require several projects and the proposed operation would help serve as the
foundation.
PROJECT SUMMARY - CONSWLTATMON MEErrNG
B. BEIRUT URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT: OBJECTIvES AND
DESCRIPTI ON
The primary development objective of the proposed Beirut Urban Transport Project
(BUTP) is to enhance the economic productivity of the GBA by improving the operational
and economic efficiency of its urban transport system. Criteria for evaluatina the
achievement of this objective will be: (a) an effective Traffic Management Organization
focusing on traffic engineering. control. and management for the entire GBA: (b) reduced
con-estion (increased traffic speed on major corridors): and (c) unauthorized parkingT
eliminated in specific zones and increase off-street parking capacity in those areas.
Specifically. B VTP would comprise of the following components:
i) Traffic Management Improvement Program: (id capacity building in traffic
management (ii) traffic signals and lavout improvements for all sianificant
intersections in GBA (about 215): and (iii) equippina a Traffic Control Center
(TCC) to be operated by the GBA Traffic Management Organization (TMO).
(ii I Parking Improvement Proaram: to control parkling along all main arteries and in
selected zones and increase off-street parking capacity in those zones by4i)
developing appropriate 'strategy. regulations. pricing and institutional
arrangements for parking controls enforcement and parking facilities operation:
and (iiJ financing the construction of about five parking facilities at selected
locations to accommodate a total of about 1.500 \ehicles. The proposed five
parking faciiities will be constructed on municipal iand and concessioned to
private operators. These concessionaires would also be given the control of on-
street parkling meters and parking enforcement in the zone of influence of the
parking facility.
(iii) Corridor Improvement Program for Beirut Entrances to improved traffic flow
along maior corridors to Beirut entrances by financing the construction of arade
separations at 16 congested intersections.
( ixv) Technical Assistance to improve urban transport plans and programs for follow-
up operations by financing technical assistance to prepare feasibility and
engineering studies. The technical assistance component would also include
studies to address transport emissions in terms of broader transport planning.
specific measures to reduce emissions from in-use and new vehicles. X
substitution of cleaner transport fuels. and assessments of institutional and
regulatory requirements.
C. OBJECTIVES OF THIS STUDY
The primary objective of this studv is to carry out the preparatory studies required for the
BUTP. These studies will include:
(i) Revie\ and assess current institutional framework and arrangements in urban I
transport in GBA
(i i) Establishin2 institutional framework and conditions for setting up a unified
Traffic Management Organization (TMO) for the Greater Beirut Area. This
TMO will be responsible to traffic engineering. management. and control
functions for the entire GBA.
PROJECT SUMMARY - CONSULTATION MEETING
(juil Development of regulations. pricing. policies. and institutional arrangements for
parking control and operations in the GBA and to create enablinc conditions for
private sector investment in the sector.
(iv) Development of financial forecasts and business plan for the 5 parking facilities
to be built and concessioned to private sector under the proposed Parking
Improvement Pro-ram.
Xv) Conduct economic and financial analysis for all proposed components.
vvi) Conduct environmental assessment for all proposed components: and
tvii) Preliminarv engineering and technical specifications for the infrastructure
components to be implemented in the first year of the project.
D. SCOPE OF WORK
In order to the meet the project objectives. the following tasks will be conducted:
Task 1: - Preparation of the Traffic Management Improvemernt component
Task 2: Preparation of the Parking Improvement Program component
Task 3: Preparation of the Corridor Improvement Program for Beirut Entrances
component
Task 4: Environmental Assessment
Task 5: Economic Analysis of all Investment Components.
Specific activities under each task are described below.
Task 1: Preparation of the Traffic Management Improvement Component
This task consists of the following four major activities:
(a) institutional assessment of the Beirut urban transport sector with emphasis of traffic
management functions
(b) assist the client in the identification of suitable workable altematives for setting up a centralized GBA Traffic ManaLement Organization (TMO) that will perform all traffic engineering. operations.
control. and management functions of the overall traffic management system for
GBA and technical specifications,tender documents for the components of this
system to be procured under this project and
(d) development of circulation plans and traffic management strategies.
Task 2: Preparation of the Parking Improvement Component
This task consists of three key activities: (a) development of regulations. pricing
and institutional arrangements for parking control. enforcement and operations
in the GBA and to create enabling environment for private investment in
parking (b) preliminary design of the proposed parking facilities. and (c)
development of a project report (including business plan and financial forecast)
on the parking program for use by the private sector operators.
Task 3: Preparation of Corridor Improvement Program for Beirut Entrances
Sixteen intersections have been identified as requiring grade separation. The
design has been completed for two overpasses. These sixteen congested
intersections located throughout the study area are targeted for environmental
and economic analyses. Fourteen intersections will undergo preliminary design.
.
PROJECT SUMMARY - CONSULTATION MEETING
Task 4: Environmental Assessment
Environmental studies will be conducted for all the project components. The
recommendations for their individual environmental analysis are provided
below:
(i) Traffic Manaaement Improvement Component. The proposed component
has been placed in WKorld Bank Environmental Screeniniu Category "B.'
and would require preparation of an Environmental Management Plan.
Such a pian would provide a framework for addressingy environmental
issues in the implementation of this component. The Environmental
Management Plan wouid include the development of potential impact and a
framework for addressing anv environmental concerns resulting from the
implementation of the traffic managrement svstem improvements planned
under BUTP.
(ii) Parking Improvement Component. The proposed component has been
placed in _Vorld Bank Environmental Screening Category "A" and would
Tequire preparation of a Site Specific Environmental Assessment to address
issues related to the proposed development of newv off-street parking
facilities (garages). A special issue associated with this component is the
evaluation of potentiai impacts to archaeologzical and historical sites which
may exist at locations proposed for the Parking Improvement Program. as
well as the need to adopt "Archaeological Chance Find Procedures" in case
previously unknown cultural materials are discovered in the course of
excavations.
(iii) Grade Separation Construction Program. The proposed component has
been placed in World Bank Environmental Screening Categor\ - B' and
would require preparation of Environmental Management Plans for the two
overpasses already planned and the thirteen highly consested intersections
selected for grade separation improvements. This series of Environmental
Management Plans would provide a framework for addressing site-specific
concerns related to individual activities under this component and allo" for
mitigation measures to be developed on a case-by-case basis.
Task 5: Economic Analvses of All Investment Components .
The task will include. but not be limited to. the following activities:
- estimate VOC and value of time
- calibrate network model
- estimate project's impacts on kev urban transport indicators
- evaluate benefits of all components - savings in operatinsz costs and travel times
- estimate rate of returns
- project fiscal impact analysis.
PROJECT SUMMARN - CO'SL'LTAT1O\ MIEhN
Task 4: Environmental Assessment
Environmental studies will be conducted for all the project components. The
recommendations for their individual environmental analysis are provided
below:
i) Traffic Manaaeement Improvement Component. The proposed componelit
has been placed in World Bank Environmental Screeningz Categzory -B."
and would require preparation of an Environmental Mana(ement Plan.
Such a plan would provide a framework for addressing environmental
issues in the implementation of this component. The Environmental
Management Plan would include the development of potential impact and a
framework for addressing any environmental concerns resulting from the
implementation of the traffic manaaement system improvements planned
under Bl'TP.
(ii) Parkin!z Improvement Component. The proposed component has been
placed in World Bank Environmental Screening Cate-or\ ".Ak and would
Tequire preparation of a Site Specific Environmental Assessment to address
issues related to the proposed development of new off-street parking
facilities (Larages). A special issue associated w\ith this component is the
evaluation of potential impacts to archaeological and historical sites which
mav exist at locations proposed for the Parking Improvement Program. as
well as the need to adopt "Archaeological Chance Find Procedures" in case
previously unknown cultural materials are discovered in the course of
excavations.
(iii) Grade Separation Construction Program. The proposed component has
been placed in World Bank Environmental Screening Cateaorv "B" and
would require preparation of Environmental Management Plans for the two
overpasses already planned and the thirteen highly congested intersections
selected for grade separation improvements. This series of Environmental
Management Plans would provide a framework for addressing site-specific
concems related to individual activities under this component and alloxw for
mitigation measures to be developed on a case-by-case basis.
Task 5: Economic Analvses of All Investment Components
The task will include. but not be limited to. the followin2 activities:
- estimate VOC and value of time
- calibrate network- model
- estimate project's impacts on key urban transport indicators
- evaluate benefits of all components - savings in operating costs,and travel
times
- estimate rate of retums
- project fiscal impact analysis.
PROJECT SUMMARY - CONSULTATION MEETING
(jji) Development of regulations. pricing. policies. and institutional arrangements for
parking control and operations in the GBA and to create enabling conditions for
private sector investment in the sector.
(iv) Development of financial forecasts and business plan for the 5 parkine facilities
to be built and concessioned to private sector under the proposed Parking
Improvement Program.
(xi ) Conduct economic and financial analysis for all proposed components.
(v"i) Conduct environmental assessment for all proposed components: and
(vii) Preliminarn engineering and technical specifications for the infrastructure
components to be implemented in the first vear of the project.
D. SCOPE OF WORK
In order to the meet the project objectives. the following tasks will be conducted:
Task 1: Preparation of the Traffic Management Improvement component
Task 2: Preparation of the Park-ing Improvement Program component 7
Task 3: Preparation of the Corridor Improvement Program for Beirut Entrances
component
Task 4: Environmental Assessment
TaskiS: Economic Anal sis of all Investment Components.
Specific activities under each task are described below.
Task 1: Preparation of the Traffic Mlanagement Improvement Component
This task consists of the following four major activities: (a) institutional
assessment of the Beirut urban transport sector with emphasis of traffic
management functions (b) assist the client in the identification of suitable
wvorkable alternatives for setting up a centralized GBA Traffic Management
Organization (TMO) that will perform all traffic engineering. operations.
control. and mana(gement functions of the overall traffic management svstem for
GBA and technical specifications/tender documents for the components of this
svstem to be procured under this project and (d) development of circulation
plans and traffic management strategies.
Task 2: Preparation of the Parking Improvement Component
This task consists of three key activities: (a) development of regulations. pricing
and institutional arrangements for parking control. enforcement and operations
in the GBA and to create enabling environment for private investment in
parking (b) preliminary design of the proposed parking facilities. and (c)
development of a project report (including business plan and financial forecast)
on the parking program for use by the private sector operators.
Task 3: Preparation of Corridor Improvement Program for Beirut Entrances
Sixteen intersections have been identified as requiring arade separation. The
design has been completed for two overpasses. These sixteen con2ested
intersections located throuehout the study area are targeted for environmental
and economic analvses. Fourteen intersections will undergo preliminary design.
Annex 2-2 List of invited stakeholders and participants at the First National Consultation Meeting
LIST OF INVITED STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTICIPANTS
AT THE FIRST NATIONAL CONSULTATION MEETING
It appears that this meeting took place sometimes in 2000. Thirteen years later, it is suggested that it would be helpful to attempt to meet, if possible, some of the attendants
INSTITUTION INVITED .ATTENDED
- -B Fac. of Health Sciences Actin- Dean Makhlouf Iman Nuwavhid 'Issam KEavss Haddadine Mohamed Baaj
- Fac. of Enrineerina Dean Nassir Sabah I
- AU | Abdallah Sfeir
- -banese University Atallah Jabbour
- rab Ufniversity \ Hasan Ndeir Khairallah
- SIB Mansour Asmar
- IOMRA j Hagop Demeijian
- tin, of Transportation Omar Miskawi - | Imad Nawam
- [in. of Hiaher Education Cheikh Favzi Hobeich Ghassan Abu-Shakra
- tin. of Health Soieiman Frangi_
- [in, of Environment Akram Chehaveb
- fin, of Petroleum Chaheh Barsoumian Badawi Semaan
- Iin. of Admin. Reform| Bechara Merhej |Andre Amiouni
- lin. of P.W'. 'PIU Abdel-Hafiz Kavssi
- lin. of P.W. Ali Hraili Mohsen Tlais
- lohafaza of Beirut Nicolas Saba | Michel Aassaf
- lunicipalitv of Beirut Abdel-Mohnem Ariss Abdel-Mohnem Ariss
- lohafaza Mount Lebanon Suhail Yaamout Edouard Choucair ,'Maher Tmim
- orces de Securite Int. Iskandar Ajjak-a Iskandar Ajjaka ,i Zak-hia Kallab ,Salah
- Eid ' Emile Atallah. Elias MahabgJhab Joseph Msallem Marwan El-Zein Ghassan Noujaim
- SCWA Hazem El-Beblawi Nabil Safwat
- N-DP Ross Mountain Kumiko Yatasai ' Lamia Mansour Matilda Khourv
- .ational Scientific Research Georges Tohmen
- ouncil
- 'EGP Mohammed Fawaz Malek Fakih , Mosbah Istambouli /WaelSabra / Nazem al-Khatib
- :EGPVB Nour Eddine Ghaziri Samir Mansour
INSTITUTION INVITED ATTENDED
- Solidere Nasser Chammah YoussefFawaz
- .Multaka-AI-AAkhdar Nash'at Mansour Nash at Mansour
- Rotary Club George Theodory Raouf Malak
- Order of EnEzineers Assem Salam Riad Kawa
- .LTOROC Fadi Favaz Fadi Kahouli Andre Bacha Nasri Abdel-Nour
- Direction Generale de l;urbanisme Saad Khaled Walid Darw
- Lebanese Environment Forum Assad Serhal -
- WORLD BANK,_\iav K. Rathi ,
- CLIEN T (CDR):Nohad Baroodv Alain Cordahi Navef Germani ihassan Khairallah Nader Sraae Elie Helou
- U-TP STUDY TEAM:Y'usef Salam Tamrnam Nakkash Mutasem Al-FadelAntoine Hobeika Hicham Chatila Randa Nemr'aki Nakk-ash Jamal A'-Zarif Nazih Kronfolmad Mroueh Nabil el-Baba Mariam Hachacheina Kattan Rita 'Wahab
Annex 2-3 First national consultation meeting program
Annex 2-4 Parking component and analysis of results
This questionnaire was filled by the participants to the First National Consultation meeting. The
questionnaire was filled and collected during the meeting. TEAM International staff synthesized the results
and filled in the statistics in this Annex.
PARKING QUESTIONINAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
1. Do vou believe chaotic parking is the main X Yes 85%
reason for traffic congestion? Y 13%
'. Parking at the curb should not be provided free I Aaree 93%
in commercial districts
. Disagree 0%/o
3. Where parking meters are instalied. the 500 L.L. 72%
minimum charge for first V': hour should not be
iess than: I1000 L.L. 24%
1500 L.L. 2%
I '000 L.L. 2%
4. Where meters are installed. the charge for one 500 L.L. 30o/0
hour shouldn't be less than:
1000 L.L.. 48%
_ 1500 L.L. ' I 17%
2000 L.L. 4�/
-. W'here meters are installed. the charge for two 1 000 L.L. 30%
hours shouidn't be less than:
1500 L.L. '9%
2 000 L.L. 1 %
3000 L.L. I 13%
6. For the same cost what is your preferred place At the curb 28%
of parking.
rt pan i.2. 3. 4In parking lot 26%
rank; 1. '. u4
= most preferred In a multi-story garage above
ground
In an underground garage 26%
-. Are you willing to pay more for parking in a Yes 5 50%
earage? I %
8. improving parking enforcement is important for Improve vehicular circulation 80%
the following objectives piease rank vou answer
1. . 3 Clear sidewalk for pedestrans 17%
I =most important | Reduce emission 2%
9. The cunrent enforcement of parkling regulation Adequate 11 %
is: ~~~~~~~~Sporadic1%
, ou may choose more than one box) !pa %
I Ineffective 13%
Needs to be changed o0%
10. Compiiance with park-ing regulation can be Yes 65%
more effective if park-ing fines are high enough
No 3;%
.I40 Parkinm Oenw | to
PARKING QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS (Cont'd)
11. Improving park-ing enforcement is best Parking citations 4 0/00
achievable via.
please rank 1. 2. 3. 4 Phvsical barriers 24%
I = best W'heel clamps
Towing z 0o
12. Priority in parking at the curb should be given Yes 7JO,%
only to the handicapped:
No 26%
13. Parking government action priority should be I Visitor -Shopper 50%0�,
niven to:
rank vour answer 1.'.3 Commuter 20%
i = highest priorir\
Area - Resident 2'6%
14. Do xyou support building underground public ] Yes i 9o
parking gara2es' o .%
15. Pubiic parking garages should be provided in Improve'vehicular circulation I 80/o
the Cirt Center tor the followine reasons.
Please rank 1. Z. 2. 4 Reduce vehicular emissions
I= most important I
Improve traffic safery 0
1 Reduce negative visual impact
16. Underground public parking garages have a i Expensive 15'%
negative effect. I Interfere with archeolosfical
please rank 1.'. 3.4.5 remains - 2%
I= most ne-ative I
Big problems in lighting &
ventilation in case of power I '�
failure
Require continuous surveillance |
Affect underground water quality 0
and level j 4O
1 7. Providing public parking garages may not be a Attract hiaher traffic to citv centeri 6'� o
good idea in the cit\ center for the following
reasons. Consumes valuable land 0%
please rank 1.'. 4
I = most important Could displace people 0%/0
Induce negative impact on no,o
aesthetics of the citv
18. Providing public parking garages should be Yes i 4%
avoided in the cirv center
No opKo
19. Which of the3 components you would Trficsgnl I 3
consider of highest priority under budget P
constraints? Parkinu 6
Please rank as 1. '. 3 Grade separation ;%
I = highest priority_
NOTE: For questions requiring rank-in,g of possible answers, frequency of rank 1
answers is shown.
6eNloPaukim, Ouewature
Annex 2-S Traffic management questionnaire and analysis of results
This questionnaire was filled by the participants to the First National Consultation meeting. The
questionnaire was filled and collected during the meeting. TEAM International staff synthesized the results
and filled in the statistics in this Annex.
TRAFFIC CONTROL QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
1. The real positive impacts of signalized | Reduce vehicle stops 38%
intersections are: I
please rank 1. 2. 3. 45. 6. Higher avg. speed 30%
= most positive Less emissions 0 oJ
Noise reduction 0%/J
Pedestrian safetv 5%
Good image 16%
Safer for cars 2%
2. Do vou think we need and should install traffic Yes 1 00%/o
sianals on all major intersections in GBA ^ %
3. If intersections were signalized. priority should Cars .- 62%
be given to: I
Choose one . Pedestrians 30%
4. What is the maximum period of waiting vou < 30 sec 1 %
find acceptble before clearing a signalized 30 - 60 sec 27Oo
intersection? 60-90sec 32%
90- 120 sec 24%
120 - ISO sec 8%
> 180 sec O'ov
5. In vour opinion what are the reasons for Lack of lane discipline 35%
reducing the effectiveness of a signal system in Interference of buses & taxis 1 1%o
Beirut' Tumnine from wrong lane 24%
please rank reasons: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5 T
Pedestrians 3%z/
I = most critical
Other: spec ifx.1 9%v
6. Do vou still see a role for a policeman where the Yes 76%o
intersections are signalized?
I |No 24%
7. If yes. please rank the following roles: 1- 2- .- 4 Ensure compliance 59%
1 = most imporunt Override signal as he sees fit 19%
Take over in case of signal failure 0%
Other: specify. %
8. Video Camera mav be used in traffic Yes
surveillance for incident detection and verification.
Would vou support their use? No 8%
I~~~~~
.
TRAFFIC CON-TROL QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS (Cont'd)
9. If no. what are the reasons for vour objection. I Ineffective
Please rank 1. 2. 3. 4
Unnecessarv cost 5%
May be intrusive on privacy ,'
Other: specif ...................0%
10. Do vou think that a Transportation Yes 97%
Management Organization (TMO) in Greater
Beirut Area (GBA) is needed' No 0%
I1. The operating budget for a TMO should be
provided by: ~~~~~Municipal taxes 1 6%
provided by:o
Please rank I. 2. 3. 4.5 Central budget 16%
I most preferred Fuel taxes!Vehicle registration _'%
Parking collection 1 6%//o
Traffic fines 212%
12. Where do vou think a Transportation Ministry of Transport 16%
Management Organization for Greater Beirut Area
should have its administrative affiliation? CDR 0%
Police 3 2%/0
Municipalities 14%
Ministrv of Public Works 3�iO
Other: Specif .30%
13. A Traffic Control Center may be needed to Improve Signal timine 62%
coordinate traffic signals and providing incident Incident Mana2ement 14%
management.
Please rank its duties: 1. 2. 3.. 4. 5. 6. 7 Give priority to public transport 5%
Give priority to emergency 1 1%
I - most important vehicles. ambulance. fire I
Give priority to motorcades 0�'o
Security benefits through camera 3%
surveillance
Other: Specif .0%
14. Which of the S components vou would Traffic signals 35%
consider of the highest priority under budget
constraints' Park-inie 19%
Please rank as 1. 2.3 Grade separation 31%
I = highest priorit_
NOTE: For questions requiring rankling of possible answers, frequencv of rank 1
answers is shown.
Annex 2-6 Grade separations questionnaire and analysis of results
This questionnaire was filled by the participants to the First National Consultation meeting. The
questionnaire was filled and collected during the meeting. TEAM International staff synthesized the results
and filled in the statistics in this Annex.
GRADE SEPARATIONS QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
1. As a GBA resident. which tvpe of grade Over pass T 0%
separations you prefer in general? Under p 60%
No preference
. How do you rank the negative impact of Visual intrusion 57%
overpasses'.os 1
please rankl.'.i.4, Noise 1 1%
I = highest negative impact Emission 6%
Effect on business 14%
Vibration 9%
3. How do you assess the negative impact of Visual intrusion 3%
underpasses'
please rank 1. 2. 3. 4. 5 Noise 9%
1 = hishest negative impact Emission 31%
_ _ Effect on business 0%
Vibration
____ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___14%
4. Do vou suspect archeological finds will be Yes 37 0/
encountered while constructing underpasses at the
indicated locations? No 14%,o
Don't know 43%
5. Please rank the following possible Detours 71 %o
inconveniences that mav be encountered during
construction. from most disturbing to less Noise 0%
disturbing: 1.2. 3. 4. 5 Dust 6%
1 = most disturbinc
Effect on business 17%
Other: Specif 3%
6. W'hich of the 3 components that address traffic Traffic sionals 37%
problems in GBA vou find of the highest priority
under budget constraints? Park-ins 11%
Please rank as 1. 2. 3 Grade separation 34%
I = highest priority
NOTE: For questions requiring ranking of possible answers, frequency of rank
1 answers is shown. . .
Annex 2-7 Environmental impact questionnaire and analysis of results
This questionnaire was filled by the participants to the First National Consultation meeting. The
questionnaire was filled and collected during the meeting. TEAM International staff synthesized the results
and filled in the statistics in this Annex.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
1. Do vou perceive of a real pollution problem in Yes 97%
Greater Beirut caused bv vehicular traffic?
No 0%
Don't know 3%
2. Do vou perceive of a pollution probiem in Yes 100%
Greater Beirut caused by traffic coneestion . No 0%
Don't know 0%
3. Please rank the unpleasant impacts of the car: Pollution 57%
1. . i. 4. 5 Noise 9%
1 = most unpleasant Visual Intrusion 0%
Improper parking 23%
(double. over sidewalk)
Accidents 9%
4. Reduction of vehicular air poliution can hest be j Strict vehicle inspection 49%
achieved through:
please ranl; I-. '; 3. 4. 5. 6. 7 1 Improve role of public transport 17%
Raise price of gasoiine 0%
I = best means i Restrict car use (by area & time) 0%
Gradual phase-out of leaded- 9%
gasoline
Improve circulation & reduction 23%
of congestion
Other: specify 3%
5. Do vou find the phasing out of leaded gasoline Yes 91%
an important priority issue?
No 9%
6. Do vou find it necessary to phaseout leaded Yes 86%
gasoline completely?
No 14%
7. What are the effective means for phasing out Reduce iead concentration in 17%
leaded gasoline? gasoline
please rank 1.2. 3.4 Reduce taxes on unleaded 34%
] = most effective gasoline
Stop importing leaded gasoline 31%
Phase out cars that require leaded 14%
2asoline
8. How long do vou think it should take to phase Less than 5 years 57%
out leaded easoline? More than 5 ears7
3%
Should never happen
9. Do vou think it is necessary to monitor air Yes 86%
quality in the city on a daily basis?
No 11%
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
(Cont'd)
10. Do vou think it is necessarv to monitor noise Yes 80%
levels in the cidr on a daih. basis?
No 17%
11. is it necessarv to create an environmental unit Yes 97%
for monitoring pollution leveis?
No 0%
12. Who should be responsible for monitorin2 of Ministrv of Environment 89%
environmental pollution? Ministrv of Interior 0%
Independent government 3%
authority
Private institution 0%
13. Who should conduct the monitorinz of Ministr- of Environment 490%o
environmental pollution? Universities - 9%
_ Research centers 20%
Private institutions - 6%
14. Does the Lebanese Government currentlv has Yes 3 1%
the capacities to run such a unit?
15. Emission inspection is needed: No 0%
Annual 8 3%/
Ever\ two vears 11
Every three vears
16. Does traffic management affect air emissions? Yes 91%
No 0%
Don't know 0%
17. Does traffic management affect noise Yes 91%
emissions.
No 6%/
Don't know| 0%
18. Do grade separations affect air emissions? Yes. 7 7%
No 11%
Don't know 6%
19. Do grade separations affect noise emissions? Yes 89%
No 3%
Don't know 3%
20. Do parking affect air emissions. Yes 77%
No 9%
Don't know 6%
21. Do.es parking affect noise emissions? Yes 69%
No 17%
Don't know 6%
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
(Cont'd)
2. Does the construction of grade separations Yes 71%
affect air emissions.) No 9%
Don't know 6%
23. Does the construction of zrade separations Yes 1 80%
affect noise emissions' No 6%
Don't know 0%
24. Does the construction of parking structures Yes 63%
affect air emissions? No 17%
Don't know 9%
25. Does the construction of parking structures Yes 69%
affect noise emissions. No 14%
Don't knovw 6%
26. What is the effective mean of reducing noise Sound barrier 34%
levels'
Please rank 1. '. 3. 4 Tree planting 3%
Increase taxes on gasoline 0%
I= most effective
Stringent regulations on car 40%
specifications
27. What are the possible means of reducing air Tree planting 29%
pollution.
Please rank 1. '. i. 4 Increase taxes on -asoline 3%
I = most effective Phasing out of leaded easoline 26%
Stringent regulations on car 37%
specifications
NOTE: For questions requiring ranking of possible answers, frequency of rank
1 answers is shown.
Annex 2-8 Participants recommendations
(Translated from Arabic)
Recommendations Proposed by Brig. General Iskandar Ajjaka -
Chief of Traffic Emergency Committee
We record our appreciation for the efforts that went into organizing the First
Consultation Meeting that was held on 23/06/1998.
I see the urgent recommendations to include:
I. Accelerate establishing a Traffic Control Center (TTC) for Greater Beirut. We
have a clear vision for the needed staffing and where to locate the center.
2. Initiate a public information campaign to encourage the private sector to invest in
building public car parks. especially that the law giving incentives for this activity
is now in place. Some international developers will be interested. Rarity of
suitable land will be a problem.
3. Construct grade separations (overpasses and underpasses) and pedestrian
crossings. at well known locations.
4. Encourage coastal maritime transport between large coastal towns to reduce
vehicular traffic.
3. Establish a high commission for operating the proposed facilities which includes
transport. traffic, parking and similar activities. I propose to mutate the Traffic
Emergency Committee to become this commission, restructuring it, activating it,
and probably changing its name.
6. Implement the law of compulsory car insurance. It will improve the quality of the
car fleet and benefit the transport.
.
(Translated from Arabic)
P'roposals Presented by Mr. Badawi Semaan -
Head of the Economic and Financial Affairs Department
Ministry of Petroleum
I commute daily between the North and Beirut, and I have noticed improvements
during the last 3 years. I thank the Traffic Emergency Committee on its efforts inspite
of its limited resources.
The traffic problem in Beirut is part of a whole and is directlv tied to other issues.
I propose the followintg solutions:
Immediate Solutions
1. All municipal councils within Greater Beirut to transform vacant land lots to car
parking lots.
2. Install parking meters. at reasonable rates.
3. Enforce laws and regulations strictlv and accurately. fortify traffic police with
additional staff and resources. and assign some of its responsibilities to the
municipal police.
4. Check on the road worthiness of cars and implement a periodic inspection.
Intermediate Solutions
I . Establish large park-and-ride facilities, to be free for users of public transport.
2. Decrease the number of cars licensed as taxi and taxi-service to fit the real need.
3. Detour some ships from Beirut Port to the ports of Tripoli. Saida. and Sour.
4. Implement the exclusivity of Tripoli Fair for holding international fairs.
5. Fortify the financial role of municipalities. chambers of industrv, commerce and
agriculture in the regions.
6. Consult transport economists in deciding on transport investments.
Long-Term Solutions
1. Implement administrative decentralization to reduce vehicle commuting to Beirut.
2. Rehabilite Quleiaat Airport, and divert all cargo flights to it.
3. Relocate the petroleum products tank farm from Dawra to an area outside the
capital.
4. Resort to coastal maritime transport among cities. if feasible.
Annex 3-I Records of local public consultation meetings
RECORD OF MEETING
....................................................................
Place: Municipal HQ of Sin El-fil
Date: 18/12/1998
Subject: Presentation of Projects on Saloumeh-Hayek -Mkalles
Axis and preparation for Consultation Meeting
Attending: Mr. Sami Shaoul - President of Sinn El Fil Municipality
Mr. Nabil Kahaleh - Member of Sinn El Fil Municipality
Mr. Pierre Ghazal - Member of Sinn El Fil Municipality
Mr. Hoseph Farah - Member of Sinn El Fil Municipality
Mr. Elia Al-Aaraj - Member of Sinn El Fil Municipality
Mr. Johnny Abi-Rashed - Member of Sinn El Fil Municipality
Mr. Elie Helou - CDR
Mr. Tammam Nakkash - TEAM International
Mr. Jamal Al-Zarif- TEAM International
Mr. Imad Mroueh - TEAM International
The President started by explaining to the members of the Municipal Council the purpose of the
meeting: (1) presentation of CDR projects affecting their Municipality and (2) preparing for the
public consultation meeting
The Consultant presented the components of the BUTP: Traffic Management, Parking
Improvement, and Grade Separations (Hayek and Mkalles two of which). The development of
the BUTP starting from the Greater Beirut Transport Plan conducted in 1994 was explained.
An overview of the data collection, analysis and modeling efforts was presented.
The question of whether there is really the need for grade separation at Hayek, especially there
are other projects around it that may reduce the flow of traffic on it, was asked the Consultant
explained that the traffic estimates and projections are based on a network model which covers
the entire GBA. The model takes into consideration all committed Projects.
The Consultant presented all the alternatives that were considered before selecting the proposed
configuration. Traffic, enviromnental emission, noise, and economic considerations were
presented, with a comparison of the alternatives: advantages and disadvantages of each.
The members of the Municipal Council were very keen on knowing that the proposed grade
separations are required in addition to all other possible traffic management solutions. They also-
stressed the importance of executing all the elements of the project that leads to rood
improvement, signing, marking, signals, landscaping, and improving the perfonrance of traffic
police.
The proposed overpass at Mkalles was also presented. At the conclusion it was agreed to
widely advertise the Public Consultation Meeting Planned for the evening of 22/12/1998.
60beem*3Ote.6)
Decembe 21. 199S
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Beirut Municipal Council
Date: 28/12/1998
Subject: Presentation of BUTP in Preparation for
Consultation Meetings
Attending: The President and Members of the Beirut Municipal Council
Mr. Elie Helou - CDR
Mr. Tammam Nakkash - TEAM International
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel - AUB/TEAM International
Mr. Jamal Al-Zarif - TEAM International
Mr. Imad Mroueh - TEAM International
Meeting started at 7:00 PM. The President of the Municipal Council of Beirut introduced Mr.
E. Helou of CDR. -
Mr. Helou presented briefly the projects under preparation by CDR and candidate for receiving
WB funding. Mr. Helou defined the three components of BUTP:
- Traffic Management, installing signals, all are connected to a TCC
- Addressing the parking problem, with regulation of on-street parking as a priority
- Constructing grade separations at 16 junctions, 6 of which are within municipal Beirut.
Mr. Helou stressed that the objectives of BUTP include, in addition to improving traffic
condition, reducing the pollution (noise and emissions) caused by cars.
Dr. Nakkash, representing TI presented the background of BUTP, he informed that the starting
point was the preparation of the Greater Beirut Transport Plan (GBTP) which recommended
three staged plans: lmmediate, Medium and Long Term.
The BUTP contains most of the Immediate Action Plan and part of the Medium Term Plan. Dr.
Nakkash explained that application for WB funding requires investigating, in addition to the
usual technical and engineering studies, economic feasibility and environmental and social
assessment. He added that today's meeting is in preparation for open consultations, primarily
with concerned citizens residing or working in the vicinity of the proposed project and with
NGO's, especially those concerned with environmental issues. The meeting provides a platform
for informing about the project, answering questions about it, and listening to the concerns of
citizens and their comments. ntI-s'. -
It was proposed that the grade separation component be presented first to the council, and to
cover the parking and traffic management components subject to time availability.
The preliminary engineering designs of following grade separations were presented:
- Tayyouneh Roundabout
- Airport Road with Omar Beyhum, near Beit al-Atfal
- Bechara el-Khoury with Independence
- Sami el-Solh with Rue de Damas
- Abdullah el-Yafi with Rue de Damas
- Adlieh Junction.
immy 8, lwg ~~~~~~~~~1/3
For each junction, the proposed design and traffic circulation was presented. All grade
separations proposed within Municipal Beirut are underpasses. Questions on details were
answered. The criteria for selecting a specific solution were clarified.
After the presentation, a general discussion was held, and the following issues were raised:
Q: How much is the estimated cost of the 6 grade separations?
A: About $25 m.
Q: What is the time profile for implementing BUTP?
A: Appraisal by WB is expected in Spring 1999, loan agreement in Summer 1999. Loan -
agreement will not be valid till after approval by Parliament.
Q: Does WB financing cover the entire cost of BUTP?
A: WB may finance 50% of BUTP. All WB contributions can be assigned to one component
(e-.g. grade separations). Co-financing is also expected from other sources (Japan. Arab
funds).
Q: Are all grade separations going to be executed simultaneously?
A: Works will be programmed to minimize their local impact on traffic. Construction will
involve 3 groups over a period of 4.5 years.
Q: Would the Municipality of Beirut be required to chip in the financing of these projects?
A: Financing will come prinarily from WB, other funds. and the Government of Lebanon.
Q: Would the Independent Municipal Fund bear part of the financing?
A: We do not know.
Q: What role do you see for the 'Traffic and Lighting Committee' of the Municipal Council
during the coming 6 months?
A: May be the priority should be given to prepare for receiving a Traffic Management Unit
(TMU), the WB will cover its cost for a specified period of time. Also you should prepare
for educational and public awareness campaigns and lobby for more strict enforcement of
the traffic code.
Following that, a quick presentation of the parking component was presented. The solution
must start with organizing and controlling on-street parking. Strict enforcement will create the
market for off-street parking, which then can be supplied by the private sector. On-street
parking should be restricted by duration and should never be free, especially in business areas
and on shopping streets.
The President asked how can we get better enforcement. It was suggested that may be the
experience of the UK in decriminilization of parking offenses should be considered. I
The Consultant stressed the importance of having the consultation meetings be open to
everybody, especially neighbors of the projects. It was suggested to advertise the invitation for
the consultation meetings in the media. The Consultant said that this is OK, but the presence of
the media (especially TV) is not recommended, as their presence modifies the behavior and
encourages showing-off.
6Q1i3 OUC.9)
iuy K 9 2/3
In conclusion, the following schedule was agreed:
1. A consultation meeting be held at 7:00 PM, January 07. 1999 at Beit al-Atfal - Makassed
School (Dr. Kadi will make arrangements)
2. A consultation meeting be held at 7:00 PM. Januarv 08. 1999 at the French Cultural
Center, Rue de Damas (Mr. Sarkis will make arrangements).
The Consultant will draft the announcements and supply sketches of the grade separations for
people to look at prior to the meeting.
Presentation ended at 9:00 PM
64WOUmV ( 3/3
iumuwv &.19993/
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Khaled Ibn el-Walid ; Beit al-Atfal school; Horch, Beirut
Date: Thursday, 7 Jan. 1999
Attendance: See attachment
The President of the Municipal Council of Beirut opened the meeting at 07:15 PM. He
explained that the Municipal Council will cooperate and consult with the citizens. He said that
important projects are under preparation concerning relieving traffic congestion including
building overpasses and underpasses. He explained that the projects will be presented and the
opinions of the citizens will be heard.
Mr. Elie Helou of CDR gave a brief account of the BUTP and its three components: traffic
management, parking, and grade separations. There are 16 grade separations. 6 of which are in
Municipal Beirut. Three of which will be discussed tonight: Tayouneh. Beit al-AtfaL and
Sodeco. He explained that the project is comprehensive, it deals with the social, economic. and
environmental aspects in addition to the technical.
Dr. T. Nakkash of TEAM International took the floor. He explained the purpose of the
meeting and clarified that public hearings are an important stage in project preparation. He
explained that the objectives of the projects go beyond only relieving the traffic. because there
are economic and environmental issues that are tied to traffic congestion. All of this has a high
social cost. He explained that the work is based on extensive surveys and serious planning
effort. He ended his presentation by noting that the proposed solutions can carry us through
2015, but beyond that period we cannot survive without extensive good transit.
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel presented the environmental issue at stake. He presented the results of
computer simulations of certain pollutants, that show that the proposed projects will decrease
the level of pollution even with an increase in traffic volumes. He also explained some of the
mitigation measures that will be implemented in order to avert some of the negative impacts,
primarily during construction.
Dr. Ahmad Baalbaki discussed the social issues that transcend the direct impact of relieving
traffic congestion. He stressed the importance of public participation in making the project a
success during the conception, the design, the implementation, and operation and maintenance.
Engineer Jamal Al-Zarif presented the underpasses proposed near Beit al-Atfal. He
explained the constraints of the site. The proposed solution provides uninterrupted flow at that
junction. Several questions were raised by the public.
1. The difficulty of accessing Barbir Hospital for traffic coming from Chatila or EB on
Corniche el-Mazraa.
2. Is it possible for the EB traffic on Barbir Bridge to go SB to Chatila?
3. How to allow NB traffic on A/P road to go WB on Corniche el-Mazraa?
4. Is it feasible to remove the Tripoli bound taxi-service stand from the area?
5. Is there a way to limit the inflow to Beirut of vehicles coming from outside it?
_!un" a. 199 1/4
The first three questions were answered by explaining that the proposed underpass at Beit al-
Atfal cannot be expected to solve all the problems caused by a misconception of some projects
executed three decades earlier. The Consultant explained that Corniche el-Mazraa warrants a
special study, so does the problem of EW accessibility in general. The BUTP's scope does not
include Mar Elias, Borj Abou-Haidar, Barbir and other intersections on Corniche el-Mazraa,
and all are congested and require to be studied.
The President of the Municipality responded to the last two questions. He explained that the
taxi-service will be diverted towards the Adnan al-Hakim terminal. He also said that regulating
on-street parking will discourage car use in the city and will force people to think about using
public transport after leaving their cars in remote Park'n ride facilities at the peripherique.
The Tavouneh junction was presented afterwards. There was a question on why not a 3-level
solution was considered, by providing an overpass also that carries traffic between Chatila and
Adlieh. It was explained that the proposed NS underpass is sufficienL and another grade
separation is not warranted, as shown by the traffic forecasting model.
Finally, the Sodeco junction was presented.
Tlhere were questions of a general nature addressed to the President of the Municipal Council.
He explained the problems that the Municipality is facing and how they are being dealt with.
Dr. Baalbaki tested on the audience an altemative to parkmeters, which involves assigning each
curb length to an individual parking warden, who will collect from the people the parking fee
and provide other services such as guarding the car or even washing it. Such a solution will
provide employment to old people, and to unproductive employees of the municipality. It is a
labor intensive solution which does not require investing in expensive sophisticated equipment
that does not require expensive operation and maintenance. The majority opposed this
altemative, as they expressed distrust with the individuals who could be parking wardens.
The meeting ended at 9:20 PM.
I
I
64WdVMm3 (Rem9)
J_v & 1999 2/4
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Abdel-Monhem Ariss President - Municipality of Beirut
Amine Farchoukh Social Affairs Manager - Makassed
Robert Abrat Member - Municipality of Beirut
Dr. Salim Itani Member - Municipality of Beirut
Rachid Jalkh Member - Municipality of Beirut
Dr. Ammar Houri Member - Municipality of Beirut
Dr. Mohamed Khair Al-Kadi Member - Municipality of Beirut
Zacharia Melhem Teacher, Al-Horch Secondary School - Makassed
Mohamed Sukkar Supervisor, Al-Horch Secondary School - Makassed
Adnan Manasfi Director, Al-Horch Secondary School - Makassed
Jamal Housami Director, Omar Ben-Khattab Primarv School - Makassed
Faisal Khalil Matar Director. Omar Ben-Khattab Secondary School -
Makassed
Wadih Kanbar Teacher, Lebanese Universitv
Khalil Soubra Teacher. Lebanese University
Ali Nour Eddine Aassaf Architect
Hani Jamil Head of Merchants Association in Corniche Mazraa
Dr. Wael Mehio Dentist
Sami Daouk Founding Member, Merchants Association in Corniche
Mazraa
Mostapha Sinno Head of Merchants & Industrialists of AfifTibi Street
Ahmad Naji Fares Owner of ANF shops
Fouad Rustom Head of Ittihad Al-Chabiba Al-Islamiya
Ousama Sami Jrab Owner of Sami Jrab & Sons Co. for building material
Mahmoud Ayyad (reporter) Head of Abou-Chaker Committee
Nour Eddine Droub Social Affairs Assoc. - Makassed
Said Itani Director, Social Affairs - Makassed
Ibrahim Darwich Owner of garage Darwich
Haytham Daaboul Employee (BT Electricity)
Mohamed Dedd6 Islamic Institute for Lebanon Children's Care
Sobhi Haidar Islamic Institute for Lebanon Children's Care
lmad Masri Islamic Institute for Lebanon Children's Care
Ahmad Itani Director, Al-Tariq Al-Jadida Al-Oula Governmental
School for Boys
Saleh Mohamed Khair Al-Kadi Merchant
Najwa Nahas Hariri Public Relations for Charity - Al-Horch
Hoda Chami Afifi Hadile Fashion Magazine (Mouseitbe)
Hasna Wafiq Bekdach Owner of Hasna' Beauty Institute (Mar Elias)
Hassana Afifi Student (BBS)
Rola Hakim Al-Kadi Housewife (Al-Horch)
Jamile Hakim Al-Kadi Housewife & Member of Kaskas Housewives Assoc.
Maya AI-Kadi Student - Omar Farroukh Govermmental School
Hilal Naamani Social League of Abna' Al-Tariq Al-Jadida
Taysir Al-Durzi Social League of Abna' Al-Tariq Al-Jadida
Mohamed Bakri Sakr Engineer
Dr. Isam Kaysi A.U.B.
60)wwf3 (Rm94
Jau a. ,1999 3/4
Dr. Mohtasem Ghandour Dr. Nasib Barbir Medical Est. & Member of Board of
Trustees
Marwan Aris General Manager, Barbir Hospital
Khaled Jibbawi Beirut Issues (NGO)
Riad Bacha Al-Hoda Association
Dr. Sami Nasr Dr. & Member of Municipality of Beirut
Isam Barghout Merchant & Member of Municipality of Beirut
Mona Nagib Mneimne Employee - Jaznmal Trust Bank
Ghassan Majdalani Moukhtar, Mouseitbe
Salim Madhoun Moukhtar, Mazraa
Elias Michel Nasif Moukhtar, Mouseitbe
Ghazi Khamis V.P. Rezkari Party
Elie Helou CDR
Dr. Ahmad Baalbaki TEAM / Lebanese University
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel AUBTEAM International
Dr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM
Jamal Al-Zarif TEAM
Mahmoud Halwani TEAM
Imad Mroueh TEAM
1
E
MI09,u3(aes~ 4/4
iiny I. 1
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: French Cultural Center - Damascus Road, Beirut
Date: Friday, 08 Jan. 1999
Attendance: See attachment
Introduction by President of Beirut Municipality: Purpose of the meeting.
Elie Helou (CDR)
Beirut Urban Transport Plan with its three components:
1. Parking control and parking management
2. Installation of traffic signals, signing and pavement marking
3. Constructing 16 grade separations: 3 of them will be discussed in this meeting at Museum,
Adlieh Roundabout, an4l Sami Solh AvelDamascus Road.
Dr. T. Nakkash (TEAM)
Overview:ofthe study, starting in 1994: traffic surveys, data collection, and traffic modeling.
Jamal Al-Zarif (TEAM)
Location of the 3-grade separations:
1. Sami Solh AveiDamascus Rd.
Year 2015 traffic projections with Damascus Rd. a 2-way street (towards Fum el-Chebak)
warrant a grade separation at this location.
2. Museum
Year 2015 traffic projections show growth in the EW traffic
Physical constraints near the museum building and the existing monument
- lane width reduced from 3.50 m to 3.25 m
* main traffic will be in the EW direction
H6tel Dieu Str. changed to one-way towards H6tel Dieu (Northeast direction).
Q: How will you treat the traffic at the intersection of Hotel Dieu St. and Adib Ishak in front
of the Internal Security Forces Building?
A: This movement will now be possible at-grade, and the traffic can use Rue de Damas to go
to Sodeco.
3. Adlieh Roundabout
* 3 important arterials pass through Adlieh junction, Comiche el-Mazraa, Sami Solh Ave,
and Tahwita Rd.
* traffic coming from Mathaf to Tahwita Rd. and traffic from Sami Solh Ave. to Fiat are
the two most important traffic movements.
Q: Why not extend the grade separation and end it after the Fiat bridge?
A: It is not warranted.
Q: At the end of this tunnel (3 lanes NB), what will happen with the 2-lane Fiat bridge where
3 lanes of trffic are coming into it?
A: Part of the traffic turns right towards Jisr el-Wati.
6zWb=3(Rw.q 101/5
_OWY 9.19;99
Discussions about traffic congestion happening currently at the Fiat bridge.
Comments by Mr. Elie Helou:
Overall solutions to traffic congestion would include an expanded public transportation system
including metro lines, buses, etc.
Q: Were the access and egress to and from Justice Palace and General Security Building
taken into consideration?
A: Yes, there are three lanes bordering the General Security Building.
President of Municipality
* Plans for 12 underground garages
* the possibility of installing parking meters is currently being considered
* the purpose of parking meters is to reduce congestion, air pollution, and getting people
used to public transport
* for parking enforcement, the Municipality is currently considering having municipality
police enforce parking regulations instead of internal security forces.
Q: Why not consider parking garages under public gardens?
A: It is being considered.
President of Municipality:
Beirut Municipality is spending $100 million annually, while collecting only $55 million
annually.
Comment by Mr. Joseph Zaidan:
* Parking on Adib Ishac St. is not enough to handle the demand in the area
* Unbuilt parcels to be used as parking lots.
Comment by President of the Municipality
The Municipality will not accept cash in lieu for parking, if it is physically possible to provide it.
Last experience was not successful. Cash was paid but no parking was provided. It was
proposed to form local citizen groups to enforce traffic and parking regulations.
Mr. Elie Helou:
Plan for installation of traffic signals throughout Beirut and its suburbs.
Comments:
Concrete barriers (walls) that are being constructed in the gore areas of the ramp entrances and
exits are a safety hazard. Request for their proper treatment.
Dr. T. Nakkash presented a summary of the strategy for dealing with the parking problem:
* Parking master plan overview I
* Background on parking problems in the City of Beirut
* Priority is the treannent of short-term parking
* Distnbution centers to replace storage area in the buildings' basements
* The need for legalizmg to issue a property title for individual parking spaces in buildings.
64W& (Rl0 2/5
j_iy 9, 1999
Comments:
The restaurant owners canmot afford to pay 30 million LL for each parking spaces being
required at the rate of one space per 30 m2 of gross restaurant area.
Parking problems along Monot St. in Achrafieh, because of the concentration of restaurants.
Parking lot is available for USJ. However, it is closed for public at night.
Discussions regarding the restaurants in Beirut and the lack of parking space available. The
President said that the future Martyr's Square Parking Garage can serve the Monot St.
restaurants.
Dr. M. El-Fadel (AUB/TEAM)
Envirommental impact of the project.
Q: The effect of gasoline stations in the area?
A: Gasoline stations are sources of emissions and can present a potential source of soil and
ground water contamination wherever built. In this case, they exist with and without the
proposed grade seperation. The grade seperation itself is not going to increase-adverse
impacts of the gas station. Operations and activities at the station are typically the cause of
potential pollution at the station.
Q: Is the catalytic converter required for vehicles in Lebanon?
A: No it is not, but recently the custom tax on it was removed to provide incentives for
keeping it.
Dr. T. Nakkash:
A policy has to be set by the government to phase out leaded gasoline. It should be
accompanied by a policy for inspection and maintenance (I/M) of vehicles.
Q: (Bachir Saghir): Are there any proposed teatment for Salim Salam Tunnel?
A: Maintenance contract for the tunnel was signed 2 '2 weeks ago, and the ventilation blowers
are now working.
Meeting ended at 9:00 PM.
6J1M 9, I3V" 3/5
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Abdel-Monhem Ariss President - Municipality of Beirut
Dr. Fawzi Al-Aouji Dentist
Ahmad Said Beydoun Moukhtar Achrafieh (Baydoun district)
Joseph Zeydan Zeydan Merchant - Hairdresser (Adib Ishac Str.)
Nizar Karam Engineer/Consultant - Credo Co. / Engineers Consultants
Rachid Jalkh Member Municipality of Beirut
Halim Boulos Fayad V.P. Municipality of Beirut
Joseph Sarkis Member Municipality of Beirut
Nadim Matar General Manager - Danebco
Michel Nasr Mokhtar Saifi Sector
Dr. Sami Nasr Member Municipality of Beirut
Wasim Ajami Reporter - Lebanese Radio
Mohamed Assi Representative - Agence Nationale d'Informations
-Nemr Rizk Reporter - Lebanese Radio
Caroline Hanna President - Achrafieh Women's Committee
Rasmi Gebrane Moukhtar Achrafieh
Joseph Haikal President of the Committee - Achrafieh Coalition
Simon Abou-Loh Member - Achrafieh Committee
Ibrahim Hanna Member - Achrafieh Committee
Nawal Abou Kharroub Member - Achrafieh Women's Committee
Edward Noujeim Member - Achrafieh Committee
Jacques Mardini Member - Achrafieh Committee
Marie Mardini Member - Achrafieh Committee
Richard Noujeim Member - Achrafieh Committee --
Mahmoud Younes Photographer - Al-Liwa' Newspaper
Abdo Abi-Chalra Civil Engineer
Ghassan Bou-Assi Civil Engineer
Roger Yazbek Manager - Insurance
Hanna Nazzal Manager - Na77nl Invest Group (04-530024)
Sleiman Hilal Al-Mlawi Owner of Hilal Commercial Agency
Satii Arna'out Consultant - United Nations
Joe Kanaan Secretary of Achrafieh Merchants Committee & PDG r
Sodeco Gestion s.al.
Bachir Saghir Agronomist - Prestige Gardens
Robrt Jerji Mehmari Moukhtar Achrafieh (Karm Zeitoun, own bldg.)
Jean Asmar Hanna Nehmeh Moukhtar Achrafieh (A. Ishac str., Rubeiz Bldg.)
Elie Wardeh Jeweller (Sassine Square, Hussein Khattar Bldg.)
Joseph Ahmar Attorney (Edde Str., Abboud Bldg.)
Georges Joseph Moukarzel Moukhtar Achrafieh
Ibrahim Salim Jabbour Owner of Jabbour Electric Shop
Elias Albert Yachouh. Sales Manager - Sel & Poivwe
Alfred Madi Owner - Triple V
Michel Aar Engineer
Nagib Tabbal Bank Employee
Samira Ammar Moukhtar - Achrafieh
6imu93(31O) 4/5
Nabil Abi-Chakra Engineer - A.C.G.
Dr. Gilbert Gerbaka Pediatrician & Member Municipality of Beirut
Elie Helou CDR
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel AUB/TEAM International
Dr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM
Jamal Al-Zarif TEAM
Mahmoud Halwani TEAM
Imad Mroueh TEAM
641tg3(R-.) 515
JWAMY 9.199
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Chiah Municipality Building
Date: Thursday, Jan. 14, 1999
Attending: Mr. Edmond Gharios and Members of the Municipality
Mr. Elie Helou CDR
Mr. Tamnmam Nakkash TEAM International
Mr. Jamal Al-Zarif TEAM International
Mr. Imad Mroueh TEAM International
Meeting started at 7:00 PM.
Mr. Helou gave the background of the BUTP and explained that this is an informative meeting
in preparation of a public hearing on the proposed grade separations at:
- Galerie Semaan
- Mar Mkhael
- Msharrafleh.
Dr. Nakkash gave the background of the GBTP studies and its recommendations and gave the
floor for Mr. Al-Zarif and Mr. Mroueh to present the proposed grade separations.
The proposed bridge at Galerie Semaan was presented. A discussion followed, and the major
raised issues are the following:
Q: Why not an underpass instead of a bridge?
A: Major drainage box culvert crosses the junction, an underpass must stay under it.
Underpass will be very long, especially that the grade towards Sayyad is up.
Q: Why not have the grade separation on Camille Chamoun Blvd.
A: Right-of-way is narrower, will need to expropriate more, and wir cut trees and touch
buildings.
In generaL the council members said that the shops at the intersection oppose vehemently the
bridge. It was proposed to look into expropriating more from unbuilt properties in order to
provide a wider service road at-grade along the bridge.
Many council members asked whether the Haznieh-Airport link and the Nripherique will
render this overpass unwarranted. It was clarified that Hazmieh-Airport link will serve a
different mission than Chiah Blvd. and will not divert a lot of the latter's traffic to it. While the
Peripherique is not expected to be in before 5 years. All simulations show the need for the
bridge now and into the future under all scenarios.
For the proposed underpass at Mar Mkkhael, there was less objection. The question of the
pedestrian movement was raised. It was clarified that pedestrians are not supposed to cross
mid-block, and crossing at the intersection is taken care of
64&Ibu3(R- I)
_my is. 199 1/2
*
For the proposed overpass at Msharrafieh, there was a question on why not have the bridge in
the N-S direction. It was explained that the main traffic is E-W and is best to separate it from
the turning movements. It was mentioned that this junction falls in 3 municipalities: Chiah,
Ghobeiri, and Haret Hreik.
By the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed to invite for a consultation meeting with the
residents and stakeholders living or working near the 3 proposed structures to be held on
Monday, January 25, 1999 at 6:00 PM at the HQ of Chiah Municipality.
Meeting ended at 9:00 PM.
i_nty i5. 1999 2/2
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Municipality of Ghobeiri
Date: Saturday, Jan. 16, 1999
Attending: see attached list
Meeting started at 10:00 AM.
Mr. Elie Helou of CDR gave an introduction about BUTP and the purpose of this meeting in
preparation for the public hearing.
Dr. Tammam Nakkash of TEAM International gave the background of all the studies that were
performed for the GBTP and the undergoing studies for BUTP. He explained that the
components of the BUTP will serve the immediate and short-term needs, but the long-term
requires a substantial investment in mass transit. He also explained that the proposals of the
BUTP are being examined as to their economic feasibility, environmental and social impact.
Dr. Ahmad-Baalbaki explained the approach of the study towards studying its social impact. He
explained that some of the grade separations (bridges) can become an important landmark of
the area and that the space under it could be used for some community activities.
Before starting to present the two grade separations located within Ghobeiri Municipality, the
President of the Ghobeiri Municipality explained that the Municipal Council appreciates this
new approach of consulting with the Municipality and the people. He explained that Ghobeiri
has a long interface with the City of Beirut and that it houses probably 200.000 people. He gave
examples of big projects that were executed in Ghobeiri earlier without coordination with the
Municipality and that they are now trying to do something about them. He objected to the bus
terminal under Adnan Hakim street couplet because it is not compatible with the touristic uses
of the area, due to its negative environmental impacts.
Mr. Imad Mroueh started then to present the proposed grade separation at the Intersection of
Chiah Blvd. and Airport Road. It was shown how the proposal serves the traffic and provides
for all the movements that are not allowed now. There was a general acceptance of the proposal
and it was observed that the required expropriations are minimal and insignificant. There were
questions about some roads in the vicinity that the Municipality plans to improve (the one
passing near Sahel Hospital). It was proposed to provide a better E-W connection between
-Airport Road and the- Kafaat - Chatila Road that passes near the Chhute Higher Council. Mr.
Helou explained that some of these projects will be looked into in order to possibly incorporate
in the "Suburbs Development Project". There was a discussion on how to treat Ghobeiri
Square. The proposed solution is to provide the E-W movement with right-in and right-out only
on and from Chiah Blvd., because the N-S movement wfll be well served by the Airport Road
and Kafaat - Chatila, especially after providing all the turning movements at the intersection of
Airport Road with Chiah Boulevard. The circulation of Haret Hreik area should be looked at.
Afterwards, the proposed bridge at Msharrafleh was presented. Many questions and comments
were raised.
6&bmW 0_i12) 1/
_mmy 2k 191
K
Q: Why can't it be an underpass instead of a bridge?
A: There are utilities right at the intersection. If we go under them, the underpass will be
very deep and subsequently very long.
Q: Why not the bridge is put N-S?
A: The main traffic is E-W, and right-of-way in E-W direction is wider requiring less
expropriation.
Q: What about the entrance and exit to Bir el-Abed via the old road?
A: The location of this now minor road makes it impossible to provide N-B traffic on it
near the intersection. It is better to provide the possibility of left-turns on the Kafaat -
Chatila Road in order to provide the transition of the traffic from Bir el-Abed Road to it.
It was decided finally to present in a subsequent meeting all the available alternatives and the
pros and cons of each.
Trying to set a -date for the consultation meeting, the Ghobeiri Municipal Council was reluctant
to arrange for one before reaching a convincingly acceptable alternative.
It was decided to provide to the Council, the text of the invitation and copies of the proposed
grade separations on Friday, January 22. 1999, and to plan for another meeting during the first
two days of the week of January 25, 1999. The public consultation meeting is to be scheduled
during the week of Feb. 01, 1999 the latest.
Meeting ended at 01:00 PM.
I
64WswmO tRU12)
i-my A4 19W2
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Chiah Municipality Building
Date: Monday, Jan. 25, 1999
Attending: See attached list
This is a record of the consultation meeting which took place at the date indicated above. The
hearing started at 6:20 PM.
Mr. Helou of CDR gave an introduction explaining the scope of BUTP and its objectives. He
clarified that studies are being performed since 1994. The grade separations were selected with
the objective of improving circulation on entire corridors. He also explained that environmental
issues are among the objectives of BUTP.
Dr. Nakkash of TEAM International proposed to go directly to the presentation of the proposed
grade separations along Chiah Boulevard, especially the thee that concern Chiah Municipality,
namely Msharrafieh, Mar MikhaeL and Galerie Semaan.
Mr. Mroueh of TEAM InternationaL started by presenting the proposed grade separation at
Msharrafleh which is an overpass along Chiah Blvd. that carries EB and WB traffic, on
2-lanes each direction. Mr. Mroueh explained that all possible alternatives were considered:
overpass versus underpass, and whether the grade separation should carry EB and WB traffic
or NB and SB traffic. He explained that in order that the signalized intersection at-grade
operate satisfactorily, the heaviest movements must be separated, i.e. EB and WB traffic. The
underpass alternative would require relocating major underground utilities right at the
intersection. The underpass would be deep and thus longer than the proposed overpass. More
expropriation would be needed including partial demolition of a 6-floor and a 2-floor building.
Q: What about Ghobeiri Intersection (the one to the West of Msharrafleh, and between it
and A/P Road Intersection?
A: The Kafaat - Chatila Road and the new proposed design at AIP Road Intersection, in
addition to the Chatila interchange, currently under construction would render Ghobeiri
- Haret Hreik Road a local road. In addition, the right-of-way along Chiah Blvd. at
Ghobeiri Intersection is very tight which precludes any structure there without
excessive expropriations. Accordingly, it is proposed to allow only right-in and right-out
movement on and from Chiah Boulevard at that intersection. The NS movement will be
well served- by Kafaat-.. Chatila Road and A/P Road, especially after providing all turns
at the A/P Road Intersection and the additional EW connectors between Kafaat -
Chatila and A/P Road to the South of Chiah Blvd that are part of Suburbs Development
Project are completed.
Mr. Mroueh presented next the proposed underpass at Mar Mkhael. He explained that at this
location, an underpass carTying EB and WB traffic was feasible. All expropriations are taken on
the southern side in order not to touch the newly rehabilitated Mar Mkhael Church.
Finally, Mr. Mroueh presented the proposed overpass at Galerie Semaan. Again here, the EW
traffic was the heaviest and it was best to separate it. He explained that two factors precluded
considering an underpass at this location. First, there is a major drainage conveyor that goes
under Blvd. Camille Chamoun, and an underpass would have to stay under it, because it would
6W-40m3(P-s13) 1/3
_wy 266 19" 1
.
not be possible to reroute it. Second, the Chiah Blvd. rises sharply in the direction of Sayyad at
about 200 m to the East of the Intersection, which will make any underpass very long.
The floor was open for discussions. The following issues were raised:
Q: Don't you think that the currently under-construction Hazmieh - A/P Road will relieve
the traffic on C'hiah Boulevard once it is opened to traffic?
A: The Hazmieh - Airport Road has a different mission. It is also not parallel to Chiah
Blvd. Its westem extremity at A/P Road is far to the South of the intersection of Chiah
Blvd. and A/P Road. It is also important to remember that all the vacant properties
along Chiah Blvd. are candidate for major developments. Some of these developments
(hotels, commercial centers) are already sprouting. Any traffic diverted to other roads
will be far exceeded by traffic generated by new developments.
Q: What about the Peripherique, would it not relieve Chiah Blvd. and cancel the need for
the grade separations?
A: The computer model shows that with all the committed and proposed road links the
delay at Galerie Semaan in the year 2010 will be 20 times worse than it is today. which
is already beyond the level of tolerance.
Q: There are decrees for more roads in the area. Maybe when executed, it will make the
proposed grade separation redundant.
A: The decrees are for local roads (16 m wide ROW).
At the conclusion of the meeting, some of the shop owners in the area expressed their wish to
delay the construction at Galerie Semaan overpass until the Hazmieh - Airport Road is open.
They argued, maybe it will reduce traffic drastically on Chiah Blvd. The same persons
expressed their conviction that a grade separation at Galerie Semaan is a necessity now, and
more so in the future if things do not get better.
Meeting ended at 8:45 PM.
.
6401w 3 Ret.c 13)
Jaway 26 1999 23
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Edmond Gharios President Chiah Municipality
Zuheir Gharios Moukhtar Chiah
Charles Semaan Decorator
Ibrahim Rahal Civil Engineer
Ghandour Michel Semaan Decorator - Simea
Georges YousefMalkon Civil Engineer
Antoine Libbos Member Chiah Municipality
Antoine Abi-Harb Member Chiah Municipality
Mohamed Jabadi Civil Engineer
M'. Joseph Nahim Attorney - Chiah
Fadi Tanios Gharios Lawyer
Elias Maksoud
Pierre Maksoud
Jamil Achkar Present for expropriations
Ronald Melkon Member Chiah Muinicipality
Representative of Rasamny Younes Co. for Cars
Elie Helou CDR
Dr. T. Nakkash TEAM International
Jamal Al-Zarif TEAM International
Dr. M. El-Fadel AUB/TEAM International
Dr. A. Baalbaki TEAM International
T. Wehbe TEAM International
M. Chouman TEAM International
6Wb8uW0wcU3) 3/3
_my 2 1I99
RECORD OF MEETING
Place: Choueifat Municipality HQ
Date: Friday, Jan. 29, 1999 and Tuesday, Feb. 02. 1999
Attending: Dr Wajih Saab (President)
Mr. Akram Saab
Mr. Ismat Saab (et.al.)
Dr. T. Nakkash - TEAM International
Mr. J. Al-Zarif - TEAM International
Mr. L. Mroueh - TEAM International
Mr. E. Helou - CDR
First Meeting: Friday 29/01/1999
Mr. Helou started introducing the topic and Dr. Nakkash gave also a long explanation of the
history of the project. It was apparent that we did not have an audience for what we came for.
The group,led by Mr. Ismat Saab expressed strong feelings about many issues affecting
Choueifat, but not related to the BUTP or to the proposed grade separation at the intersections
of Bchamoun and Aramoun Roads. They were not ready to listen before having answers to
questions including:
1. The rezoning of Choueifat, resulting in reducing the permitted exploitation (to 5% as
they said in some areas).
2. The uncompleted Tiro Road which leads to nowhere after authorities opted to go inside
the A/P ROW for the Southern Entrance Freeway, leaving no possibility for connecting
Choueifat with the motorway for going in the direction of Beirut or to the South.
3. Why wasn't the rehabilitation and widening of Old Saida Road (Decree 1332)
implemented between Sainte Therese and Deir Koubel bifurcation?
4. What happened to Decree 6859 (middle of Sahara Road) that connects to Tiro Road?
The meeting was concluded on the account to get more information on these issues for the next
meeting.
Second Meeting: Tuesday 02/02/1999
Mr. Helou of CDR brought in the available decrees.
1. Regarding Decree 1332, it was explained that the rehabilitation done on the Section
Deir Koubel Bifurcation to Khadeh was not done according to the Decree, but with the
concurrence of the people. It was demanded to have the Decree adjusted to fit the fact.
as part of the expropriation decree needed for the proposed grade separation near
. Khaldeh.
2. The old decree of the Southern Entrances which envisions a roundabout at Khaldeh,
and which includes the Bchamoun, Aramoun, and Old Saida Roads together with the
proposed motorway, is not anymore in context.
64Gs Oka.(R 14)
Feby t 191
3. The Choueifat people are insisting on downgrading the previous motorway which
instead was re-located inside the A/P ROW to the level of urban blvd.
4. The people of Choueifat want their roads connected to the network by completing the
roads in the plain.
The discussion of the specific grade separation reached a conclusion that they are for it. but
insist on tying its execution with that of the rehab. of Old Saida Road between Sainte Th*rese
and Deir Koubel Bifurcation.
The preparations for the public consultation meeting were discussed; it was decided to be held
in the coming 10 days, at the Municipal HQ.
64bieW (R=. 14)
Fdbw-y 4, 1999
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Ghobeiri - Dallas Center
Date: Monday, Feb. 08, 1999
Attending: See attached list
Meeting starting at 6:15 PM
The President of the Municipal Council of Ghobeiri Mr. Mohamed Khansa opened the meeting
welcoming everybody and explaining its purpose.
Mr. Elie Helou of CDR made a presentation about the components of BUTP, explaining that
the grade separations were selected to relieve entire corridors in order to allow, in addition to
reducing congestion, efficient operation of public transport, and this results in reducing
pollution.
Dr, T. Nakkash of TEAM International gave a brief background of the studies that preceded
BUTP and explained that not only traffic and engineering considerations were studied but also
economic feasibility and environmental impact.
Mr. I. Mroueh of TEAM Intemational started by presenting the proposed grade separations at
the intersection of AlP Road with Blvd. Chiah. He explained how the proposed solution will
provide all the turning movements, that are not allowed now.
Participants presented their comments and questions.
Q: Are pedestrians taken care of?
A: Yes, the signalized at-grade intersection will allow safe pedestrian crossings, as
pedestrians will have their protected phases.
Q: How is Ghobeiri Square treated?
A: After opening the Kafaat - Chatila, with all movements allowed at Musharrafich, and
the above proposed solution, and because the Ghobeiri Road will be disconnected at
Chatila when the Chatila Interchange is completed, the Ghobeiri Road will carry less
traffic. It is possible to consider discontinuing it, i.e. allowing only Right-In / Right-Out
turns from Chiah Blvd.
Q: Why not provide a grade separation at Ghobeiri Square?
A: The ROW at that location is very tight. Any grade separation would require excessive
expropriation and tearing down several multi-storey buildings.
The proposed solution at Msharrafieh was presented next, and the following questions were
raised.
Q: Why not an underpass instead of a bridge?
A: Important underground utilities are present at Msharrafieh junction. An underpass will
go down below it, thus it will be excessively long, resulting in the need to expropriate a
six-storey building on one side and a 2-storey structure on the other.
F*Wuqy 9,199 1/3
.
Q: Why not have the bridge in the other direction?
A: Since the Blvd. Chiah traffic is the heaviest, if it stays at-grade the signal will not
operate properly. In addition the ROW along Kafaat - Chatila is narrower, and more
expropriation will be required.
Q: Isn't a traffic signal only enough to serve the purpose?
A: By the year the proposed grade separation is expected to be in place (2003), the delay
at the signal will be far from tolerable. It is already excessive nowadays.
Meeting ended at 7:30 PM.
64hbisg3(Ra.15) 2/3
Fdmuwy9. 1999
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Mohamed Khansa President, Ghobeiri Municipality
Hasan Dergham Engineer, Ghobeiri Municipality
AlR Khansa Member,Ghobeiri Municipality
Wassim Dergham Civil Engineer
Salim Al-Khalil Civil Engineer
Firas Kanj Civil Engineer
Mahmoud Hamdan Civil Engineer
Bahya Mahmoud Hajj Lawyer
Nassim Amine Hajj Merchant
Wafiq Berjaoui Mokhtar - Ghobeiri Bir Hassan
Yousef Al-Khalil Resident
Samir Mohsen Haj. Traffic Engineer
Adel Haj - Architect + Civil Design
Ghassan Chararah Manager, Jammal TrustBank - Ghobeiri Branch
Mahmoiud Ahmad Khansa V.P. , Jammal Trust Bank - Ghobeiri Branch
Mohamed Ibrahim Diya Civil Engineer
Wael Farhat Lawyer
Husein Mohamed Khansa Merchant - spare parts for cars
Khoder Dergham Civil Engineer
Osama Khansa Electrical Engineer
Said Kanj
Mohamed Hamdan Owner Hamdan shop
Mostapha Kanaan Cultural Center for Research & Development
Ghassan Khansa Member, Ghobeiri Municipality
Abbas Khansa Resident
Hasan Mawla
Ibrahim.
Hasan Shelkh
Mohamed Darghamn Electromechanic Engineer
... Kazma Architect
Salah Kazma Contractor
Mostapha Abdel-Aziz Kanj Architect
Ali Abmad Khansa Mokhtar
Jihad Alameh
Husein Salah Khansa Expert, car accidents
Yousef Hamdar
Mahmoud Dagher Sirat Co.
Elie Helou CDR
Dr. T. Nakkash TEAM International
Dr. M. El-Fadel AUBfIEAM International
Jamal Al-Zarif TEAM International
Imad Mroueh TEAM International
64h=n3W(Rc1.S) 313
Febnmy 9. 199
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Place: Choueifat Municipality
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 1999
Attending: See attached list
Meeting started at 12:30
A member of the Municipal Council Dr. Mcharrafieh, introduced the representatives of CDR
and the Consultant.
The representative of CDR, Mr. Helou, explained the purpose of the consultation meeting and
the various components of the BUTP, and defined the focus of this meeting, which is the
proposed overpass along Old Saida Road at its intersection with Bchamoun and Aramoun
Roads.
The representative of the Consultant, Dr. Nakkash, gave the background of the studies leading
to the BUTP. He explained that projects are being screened for technicaL economic, and
environmental feasibility and impact. He explained that the purpose of this consultation meeting
is to inform the stakeholders, answer- their questions. and benefit from their insight in improving
the proposed design.
Engineers Mroueh and Zarif of TEAM International presented the proposed design, traffic
forecasts, overpass configuration, and at-grade intersection under the overpass.
Questions were entertained from the audience:
Q: Is the expropriation required within existing expropriation decrees?
A: The extra right-of-way needed is essentially within the decree (26 m) envisioning
widening of Old Saida Road, but some extra will be needed and all of it will be on the
west side to avoid hitting the Statue and other properties.
Q: One person identifying himself as the owner of a gas station asked how much will his
property be touched.
A: About 6 m deep along the entire fa*ade.
XQ: ---Why not have the overpass carry traffic in both direction? -^
A: The intersections of Bchamoun and Aramoun Roads are each a T-intersection with Old
Saida Road. There is no need to have the overpass be in both directions. The trffic
forecast shows that the proposed design will work through 2015. Beyond that date,
there is still room for adding the overpass in the other direction.
Mr. Helou interected explaining the concept of "phased construction".
Q: There is a lot of traffic during AM peak coming down from Aramoun and going
towards the schools in Bchamoun. How is it going to be handled?
A: The signal phasing will be adjusted in a manner to allow this traffic to negotiate the area
of the intersection during the same cycle.
64.3p.16) 1/3
Feny 25, 1999
.
Q: Why not have traffic coming from Khaldeh going to Bchamoun take the proposed
overpass and provide a ramp for it in the direction of Bchamoun? This will reduce the
traffic conflicting with Aramoun traffic at-grade.
A: Will look into that, but it should be noted that this will require additional right-of-way
on Bchamnoun Road.
Q: How long the construction duration will be?
A: 14 months.
Q: Will owners of the properties to be expropriated be given the chance to know how
much will be expropriated?
A: Yes, when decrees preparation is complete, there will be a formal meeting for that
purpose.
The audience took the opportunity of the meeting to express their concern about mobility issues
in their area, not related directly to the proposed project. These issues were discussed, and Mr.
Helou encouraged them to write to various competent parties explaining their concerns.
The following issues were raised:
1) There are many limited access motorways planned to cross the area. The expropriated
right-of-way will be huge. But there is a lack of lower classification roads (Boulevards,
etc.) that encourages the development of the area.
2) There is a planned road whose construction was started many years ago, but was not
completed. It runs from Khaldeh Junction, north to Tiro Road. It will relieve Old Saida
Road in that area and will not require expensive right-of-way acquisition.
3) Why not complete upgrading Old Saida Road between Ste. Therese and Deir Koubel
Rd. especially that it was widened at both sides of this section?
4) There is a lot of trip exchanges between Aramoun, Bchamoun and Doha, yet everybody
needs now to go down to Old Saida Road to go from one to another. A road that
crosses the wadis between the areas is needed. Apparently, decrees for such a road
between Doha and Aramoun exist. This axis warrants further study.
5) The planned Nripherique has a partial interchange with Bchamoun Road, but not with
Ararnoun Road. The connection of both areas with the Nripherique should be
restudied. I
Meeting ended at 14:30 PM.
I.
64W_mmg3 M-a. 16) 2/
Febury 25.1999 2
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Anis Hammoud Manager Advertising Agency - Member, Dawha
Development Committee
Mahmoud Baydoun President, Committee of Azhar Lebanon Mosque
Camille Ajjaj Mehtar Resident
Wajdi Haidar Member, Municipality Council
Jeryes Tawil Owner of Gas Station (Bchamoun Bifurcation)
Ghazi Souki Member, Municipality Council
Yassine Chahine Member, Municipality Council
Metri Hanna Vice President, Municipality Council
Hicham Jurdi Resident
Amir Charif Soubra Representing Stayro Products Co.
Mohamed Nabil Turk Member, Dawha Development Committee
Wafiq Baddour Member, Dawha Development Committee
Kamel Rida Member, Dawha Development Committee
Nazih Rayyes Member, Dawha Development Committee
Ahmad Ayyach Resident
Khaled Kammourieh Manager, Soliverre
Elias Karam P.R. - Choueifat Municipality
Dr. Fadi Mcharrafieh Technical Office - Choueifat Municipality
Omar Adib Kadi Technical Office - Choueifat Municipality
Hisham El-Jurdi Engineer - Resident
Elie Helou CDR
Dr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM International
Dr. Ahmad Baalbaki TEAM International
Jamal Al-Zarif TEAM International
Inad Mroueh TEAM International
6W/bwx%W (t,6)3
Fby 25.1999 33
RECORD OF MEETING
.....................................................................
Date: 09 Dec. 1998
Place: CDR
Subject: Preparations for Public Hearings - BUTP
Attending:
Name On behalfof
Mr. Elie Helou CDR
Dr. Wafaa Charafeddine CDR
Dr. Tarnmam Nakkash TEAM International
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel AUB/TEAM International
Mr. Jamal El-Zarif TEAM International
Preparations for public hearings were discussed. Jt was decided to start as soon as possible by
holding a meeting headed by Mohafez of Mount Lebanon with representatives of Municipalities
in Northern and Eastern suburbs. This meeting will include representation from Borj
Hammoud,-Jdeideh, Jal el Dib,Antelias and Sin el Fil. The following grade separations are
within the jurisdictions of these municipalities:
Dawra Bridge: Boj Hammoud and Jdeideh
Grade Separation at: Jal el-Dib and Antelias
Hayek and Mkalles: Sin el-Fil Municipalities.
An appointment with the Mohafez of Mount Lebanon was set for 11:00 AM Friday December
11, 1998.
The municipalities will be tentatively covered during the period Dec. 17 - Dec. 23, 1998. A
proforma Consultation Meeting Announcement (attached) was prepared for the use of the
municipalities.
It was decided to finish the rest of the public consultations by January 16, 1999 with the
following sequencing:
- Beirut 1 (Matha� Adlieh, Sami el-Solh)
- Beirut 2 (Tayouneh, Beit al-AtfaL Bechara el-Khoury)
- Ghobeiry (Msharrafleh, A/P)
- Chiah (Galerie Semaan, Mar Mkhael, Tayouneh)
- Choueifat (Bchamoun, Aramoun).
D6ambh (R19Nd Pae I of2
.
Attachment
SAMPLE
(Translated from Arabic)
ANNOUNCEMENT OF
A CONSULTATION MEETING
The municipality of Borj Hammoud invites all concerned residents in its jurisdiction to attend a
consultation meeting to discuss a project concerned with traffic improvement at Dawra
j u n c t i 0 n
Date: Thursday, Dec. 17,1998 - 18:30 PM
Place: Municipal Offices
L
r
64Mau(RJcI) Page 2 of 2
i_ns 1911
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Date: 11 Dec. 1998
Place: Serail of Baabda
Subject: Preparations for Public Hearings - BUTP
Attending:
Name Affiliation
His Excellency Muhammad Suhail Yamout Governor of Mount Lebanon - Presiding
Mr. Elie Helou CDR
Mr. Sami Khazen Municipality of Antelias
Mr. Ziad Lteif Municipality of Antelias
Mr. Walid Abou Jaoudeh Municipality of Jal el-Dib
Mr. Assaad Bakhos Municipality of Jdaideh
Mr. Sami Chaoul Municipality of Sin el-Fil
Mr. Solat Totelian Municipality of Bori Hammoud
Mr. Maurice Ojail Municipality of Borj Hammoud
Dr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM International
Mr. Jamal-EI-Zarif TEAM International
The meeting started with an explanation of the BUTP objectives which include improvement of
transport conditions in Greater Beirut through traffic management, organizing parking, and
construction of overpasses and underpasses at selected junctions. The requirements of IBRD,
as a probable financer, were explained as to procedures required prior to appraisaL which
include technical, economic, environmentaL, and social evaluations.
The Consultant explained the "participatory approach" and its positive impact on improving the
quality of the project and ensuring maximizing its benefit, reducing its negative impacts (if any),
and gaining public support for it.
The representatives of various municipalities showed interest and willingness to support this
approach, and expressed their wish to know more about the projects prior to the open public
meetings.
After a discussion, the following was agreed upon:
Eir,st --Each of the municipalities represented in the.above meeting will receive copies of the
preliminary designs of overpasses or underpasses within their jurisdiction on
Saturday morning December 12, 1998 from CDR.
Second: Preparatory sessions will be held with representatives of the municipalities, CDR,
and the Consukant according to the following schedule:
- Monday, December 14, 1998 @ 16:00 hrs - with the Municipalities of Borj
Hammoud and Jdaideh at Borj Hammoud Municipality
- Tuesday, December 15, 1998 @ 16:00 hrs with the Municipalities of Jal el-Dib
and Antelias at the CDR
- Friday, December 18, 1998 @ 13:00 hrs with the Municipality of Sin el-Fil at its
headquarters.
64Muumg(Ruc.2) Page of 2
D I 1, 199S
7Third: It was agreed that public meetings be advertized and open to whoever wishes to
attend and be held with the participation of each Municipality at 6:30 PM at the dates
defned below. Particular attention will be given to make these meetings known to
concerned parties and NGO's. The following schedule was adopted:
- Bor Hammoud and Jdaideh: Thursday, Dec. 17, 1998
- Jal el-Dib and Antelias: Monday, Dec. 21, 1998
- Sin el-Fil: Tuesday, Dec. 22. 1998.
m
Page 2 of2
O.,embr It. 1998
RECORD OF MEETING
....................................................................
Date: 14 Dec. 1998
Place: Borj Hammoud Municipality HQ
Subject: Consultation Meeting with Municipalities of Borj Hammoud and Jdaideh
Attending:
Name Position and/or Profession Municipalitv
Mr. Antoine Jbarah V.P. Municipality Jdaideh
Mr. Joseph Kharrat Pharmacist, Member Borj Hammoud
Ms. Arpina Mikarsian Engineer, Member Borj Hammoud
Mr. Joseph Nseir Civil Engineer, Member Borj Hammoud
Mr. Assaad Bakhos President - Municipality Jdaideh
Mr. Solat Totelian President - Municipality Borj Hammoud
Mr. Edward Kogoglian Engineer, Member - Municipality Borj Hammoud
Mr. Rafi Kogoglian Engineer, Member - Municipality Borj Hammoud
Mr. Ohannes Bohmian Mokhtar of Borj Hammoud
Mr. Antranik Masleban V.P. Municipality Borj Hammoud
Mr. Nijad Bou Khalil Secretary Municipality Borj Hammoud
Mr. Maurice Ojail Tech. Advisor to President Borj Hammoud
Mr. Fares Bou-Khalil Elderman (Mokhtar) Borj Hammoud
Mr. Labih Bakhos Engineer, DGU Jdaideh
Mr. Shawki Kairouz Asst. to V.P. Municipality Jdaideh
Mr. Jamal El-Zarif Representing the Consultant TEAM International
Mr. Mahmoud Halwani Representing the Consultant TEAM International
The project of Dawra Bridge consisting of replacing the existing 2-lane steel bridge. which is
substandard and cannot carry heavy trucks, by a 2xX post-tensioned concrete bridge with high
geometric and structural standards, which provide better circulation of the local traffic under the
bridge, was presented to the audience.
The audience raised the following points:
- Investigate the possiility of using more slender piers.
- Reduce the width of the median in order to widen the roadway. This involves cutting the
existing Eucalyptus trees. Eventually, everybody was against cutting trees.
- The two municipalities favored expropriating more on both sides to provide service roads
wider than 7 m in order to account for parked and stopped cars.
- Borj Hanmoud Municipality is against installing Park Meters. They rather control parking
duration without imposing a fee for curb parking.
E(omer 14R1c9) Page I of I
DmI,bf 14, 199U
RECORD OF MEETING
...................................................................
Date: 15 Dec. 1998
Place: CDR
Subject: Consultation Meeting with Municipalities of Antelias and Jal el-Dib
Attending:
Name Afflliation
Mr. Elie Helou Projects Dept - CDR
Mr. Antoine Attiyeh Architect, Jal el-Dib Municipality
Mr. Edmond Al-Hajal Engineer, Jal el-Dib Municipality
Mr. Walid Abou Jaoudeh Engineer, Jal el-Dib Municipality
Mr. Andre Abou Jaoudeh Jal el-Dib Municipality
Mr. Munir Al-Hajal Dr. Engineer, Jal el-Dib Municipality
Mr. Ziad Lteif Engineer, Municipality of Antelias
Mr. Sami El-Khazen Municipality of Antelias
Mr. Farhat Abou-Jaoudeh President of Antelias Municipality
Mr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM International
Mr. Jamal EI-Zarif TEAM International
Antelias
The meeting started by explaining the proposed N-S 2x3 lanes bridge to replace the existing
NB 3 narrow lanes steel bridge at Antelias, in order to provide good servicing in the N-S / S-N
directions and provide access to Joseph Khoury landfill development.
A question was brought up regarding the possibility of building underpasses in lieu of
overpasses. It was explained that this location is particularly difficult to drain, as an underpass
will be below sea-level and Nahr Antelias is very close. Depending on a pumping station will
prove costly as a first investment and probably ineffective due to poor maintenance.
The other option of providing a grade separation in the direction EW (between Antelias and
Joseph Khoury) was discussed. An overpass will be opposed by the Armenian Patriarchy,
while an underpass will have drainage problems.
After extended discussion, it was agreed that the last proposal will be investigated regardless of
its drainage problem and presented together with the proposed sketch design during the Open
Consultation Meeting.
Jal El Dib
Next, the proposed grade separations at Jal el-Dib were discussed. The main objection to the
proposal is that the overpass will block the sea-view and it will put additional traffic on the
internal roads. The representative of Jal el-Dib Municipality informed that some expropriation
decrees exist and some additonal expropriaton can be done on the internal roads.
The improvement of the internal roads as part of the project was asked for. A decree exists to
widen the internal road to 22 m. Designs were made by ACE. Jal el-Dib Municipality wishes
this project be executed.
60bng(Rec.4) Pag I of I
Dwb I S, 199
It was explained that when Linord is executed. then its main access will be from Jal el-Dib. The
option of just replacing the existing bridge by a 3 or 4-lane concrete bridge and leaving the SB
traffic at grade for the time being until Linord is urbanized should also be considered.
6W,5 "OtW94) Pap 2 of I
RECORD OF MEETING
.....................................................................
Date: 17 Dec. 1998
Place: Dirmelkonian Theatre
Subject: Consultation Meeting with Municipalities of Borij Hammoud and Jdeideh
Attending: See attached list
The meeting started with a series of short presentations made by representatives of CDR and
the consultant. During the presentation overhead projection was used. The whole meeting was
taped for record.
Mr. Elie helou of CDR presented BUTP and highlighted its environmental objectives: reduction
of pollution and emissions, reduction in noise level.
Dr. Nakkash, representing the Consultant, gave the background of the transport planning effort
that preceded BUTP, starting-in 1994. He explained that the proposals were evaluated using
network models of GB that permit evaluation of several alternatives.
Dr. El-FadeL responsible for EA on behalf of the Consultant, descnbed the existing levels of
noise and pollution, he said that the proposals will cause a positive effect but it wil not be
enough. It should be accompanied by a plan to phase out leaded gasoline and require the
catalytic converter. He also explained the environmental concerns during construction. Care
winl be taken to alleviate the noise caused by the excavation equipment, safety precautions will
be taken, protection of the site, signing the detours, and monitoring the construction to protect
the workers, the neighbors, and the environment in general.
Dr. Baalbaki, responsible for Social Impact on behalf of the Consultant, stressed the importance
of implicating the community in order that the area wil not become only a transit zone, where
people overfly. Improving the traffic will encourage people to come and shop from the area. He
invited the community to consider how to benefit from the space under the bridge. It may be
used as a street art gallery, for street performing art, etc. He explained that any project winl
cause some negative impacts, especially during construction, these negative impacts wil be
identified and assessed in order to mitigate.
Engineers Jamal el-Zarif and Imad Mroueh presented the technical description of the bridge
stressing its capacity to carry traffic, and heavy trucks (existing does not carry heavy trucks, the
design -takes care of aesthetics, athe waft-at the two ends of the bridge were kept as low as-
possible to minimize obstruction of the view, the spans were chosen to be long to keep the
number of piers at a minimum, the piers are slender, the concrete surfaces are treated to
discourage sticking posters, or writng graffiti.
The following questions were raised:
Q: Why not use the area under the bridge as a taxi stop?
A: Due to substandard vertical clearance, the area under the 2 extremities of the bridge is
curbed. It is not safe for pedestrian and traffic to have taxi ingress-egress under the
bridge. The President of Borj Hamnmoud Municipal council proposed that taxis should
rent a lot for their parking, and they will be called by radio to the round point when a taxi
is needed there.
_mnbw 2R*@5) Pap I of 3
Q: The at-grade service roads, designed for 7 m (2 lanes), why not expropriate and make it 3
lanes?
A: Traffic does not require more than 2 lanes. Also the bridge is 3 lanes (each direction),
plus 2 lanes for the ramps must merge to 4 lanes. The Consultant has provided for a
smooth transition 1:70. It is not good practice to go from six lanes to 4 lanes (violates
lane between rules). Otherwise the expropriation will touch the entire area between
Dawra and Nahr El Mott.
Q: Is there a way to look how to organize the parking in the area by benefiting from the set-
backs. Why not expropriate the set backs from curb parking.
A: If the set backs are expropriated, the vehicles parked on them would now use the curb.
But the Consultant will look closely at the previous expropriation decrees to evaluate if
anything better can be done.
Q: Why not provide a pedestrian underpass?
A: Pedestrian movement-is well provided at-grade, under the proposed bridge. A pedestrian
underpass is not warranted, it is costly, interferes with existing utilities, has security
problems, and will be under the water table.
Q: What is the cost of the project and the construction duration?
A: About $ 3 m and 16 months for construction.
Q: For how long would this bridge solve the problem?
A: It will serve the traffic through 2015. Traffic problems are not solved solely by grade
separations. A substantial effort in improving public transport is required.
Meeting concluded at 9:00 PM
6Whe " (R=cS) Page 2 of 3
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position Affiliation
Dr. Salim Allat Member of the Health & Works Municipality: Jdeideh -
Committee Baouchrieh
Asaad Yazbeck Head of New Jdeideh Senator Shop
Merchants Association
Georges Yazbeck Member of Municipal Council: Edd Shop
Jdeideh - Baouchrieh
Elias Abou-Jaoude Head of Dept. Municipality: Jdeideh - Baouchrieh
Antoine Gebara V.P. Municipality: Jdeideh - Baouchrieh - Essed
Antoine El-Kik Head of Division. Municipality: Jdeideh - Baouchrieh - Essed
Tanios Fares Hobeika Businessman - Rond Point Dawra
Joseph Albert Kharrat Kharrat Pharmacy Dawra Intersection
D. Ara Menassian Head of Health & Environment Municipality: Jdeideh -
Committee Baouchrieh - Essed
Shawki Kayrouz V.P. Assistant Municipality: Jdeideh -
Baouchrieh - Essed
Fares Abou Khalil Borj Hammoud Mayor
Edward KJa Oghlanian Engineer Member: Borj Hamnmoud Mun.
Joseph Kahwaji Real Estate Consultant Member: Borj Hammoud Mun.
Joseph Nseir Civil Engineer Member: Borj Hammoud Mun.
Rafi Kok Oghlanian Civil Engineer Member: Borj Hammoud Mun.
Naja Abou Khalil Head of Administrative Affairs Borj Hammoud Municipality
Arpina Menkasaian Engineer Borj Hamnmoud Municipality
Dr. Solak Totalian President of Borj Hammoud Municipality
Maurice Ojeil Technical Consultant Borj Hammoud Municipality
Ohannes Hovig Bedoyan Borj Hammoud Mayor
Soren Yaacoub Manager of the Theatre
Mr. Elie Helou Projects Dept - CDR
Dr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM Intemational
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel AUB/TEAM International
Dr. Ahmad Baalbaki TEAM International
Mr. Jamal El-Zarif TEAM International
Mr. Imad Mroueh TEAM International
Mr. Mahmoud Halwani TEAM International
soic19 Page 3 of3
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Date: 21 Dec. 1998
Place: Mar Elias Church - Antelias
Subject: Consultation Meeting with Municipalities of Antelias and Jal el-Dib
Attending: See attached list
Elie Helou (CDR)
* Reason/or goal of this public hearing
* Overview of the BUTP with its 3 components:
- installation of traffic signals
- parking issues
- 16 grade separations
* Present existing conditions at Jal el-Dib and Antelias junctions
* Discussion of possible solutions at these two locations
* Open Consultation meeting should involve the public not only the city or municipal council
members.
Dr. Tammam Nakkash (Consultant)
* Benefits of a public hearing
* History of the project starting with the 1994 GBA Master Plan traffic surveys were
conducted, traffic forecasting model was developed, future highway networks were coded
which include all programmed and planned projects by the Lebanese Government
* Different alternatives/solutions were studied using this traffic model
Priorities were identified in the BUTP to improve traffic conditions in GBA.
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel (Consultant)
- Enviro2unental issues or impacts resulting from traffic congestion
* The environmental impacts of the proposed project (grade separation) during and after
construction.
Dr. Baalbaki (Consultant)
* Social impact
* Participation of ordiary citizens is very important in assessing the impact of the project.
Comments by Mr. Raymond Azar (Attorney)
* The bridges that will be built at Antelias and- Ja7-el-Dib, must represent and protect the
environment and the history of Antelias
* The bridge over Antelias Square was built without the consultation of the people of Antelias
* Traffic problems were not solved by building the bridge at Antelias Square
* Traffic congestion at Antelias is a result of the junction with the coastal Highway
* Citizens' participation is very important as Dr. Baalbaki has indicated.
Other general comments
* The residents of this area are living the daily problems associated with this traffic
congestion.
* The organization sponsoring the project should set the conditions that the residents of the
area should participate and give their opinion regarding the project.
WG-gOto-7) Pange I of 4
Dmouber. 1938
.
Imad Mroueh (Consultant)
* Presentation of the proposed designs of the grade separations at Antelias and Jal el-Dib
Proposed Grade Separations at Antelias:
1. Underpass connecting Antelias to the landfill area.
2. Two overpasses that carry each the NB and SB traffic of the Coastal Highway. allowing
connecting Antelias to the landfill area and turning movements at-grade.
The pros and cons of each alternative were presented. Alternative 1 would require going under
sea level and its connection with the street system on the landfill will be close to the shore line.
It will require pumping to extract storm water and the design of the street system in the fill area
will need to be changed. It does not provide direct connection between the Coastal Highway
and Antelias for traffic leading from Antelias to Beirut and for that coming from Jounieh to
Antelias. Alternative two would provide the required movements, with no constructibility
problems.
Q: Why Not build a directional underpass from Antelias Southbound towards Beirut?
A: It would need to go under Fouar River and will not provide the required movements
Q: Why not build two underpasses: one NB, the other SB instead of the unsightly bridges?
A: A very expensive solution. since one needs to drop below Fouar River. This makes the
underpasses very long. Its drainage would require a pumping station, operation and
maintenance would be costly and in case there is a fitilure of the pumps or power, the
consequences are grave on public safety and trafickability of the Northem Highway.
Progosed Grade Separations at Jal el-Dib:
1. Two directional overpasses
2. A three-lane concrete overpass to replace the existing steel overpass.
Alternative 1 would provide effectively all the movements in and out from Jal el-Dib and the U
turns. It is easy to construct without disrupting the traffic. Connection to Linord can be provided
by extending one of the directional overpasses to the West.
Alternative 2 would keep things as they are now, with the many conflicts under the bridge. At a
latter stage a SB similar bridge must be constructed to provide access from Jal el-Dib to Linord I
landflfl.
Comments
Several persons expressed their disconient with Alternative 1, as it will dump traffic on tfie
internal roads of Jal el-Dib that requires rehabilitation. Several persons commented that since
we do not have a river at Jal el-Dib, why not provide two underpasses: one NB, the other one
SB, this would allow all movements at-grade with no conflict. It was brought to the attention of
the audience that the underpass will be under sea level, its drainage would need a pump station.
No such solution can be adopted without the approval of the MPW, the owner of the Coastal
Highway, that they are committed to the operation and maintenance of the pump station, its
auxiliary power supply, etc.
It was agreed to present to each municipality a summary table of the pros and cons of each
Alternative. CDR and the Consultant will hear the suggestions of the municipalities, if they
have other viable alternatives.
640%es(R-7) Page 2 of 4
Dabw*r. 19U
Mr. Helou of CDR concluded by stressing the need for the general public to attend the hearing
which should be advertised to attract ordinary citizens and not be monopolized by members of
the municipal council.
Meeting concluded at 9:00 PM
Page 3 of 4
LIST OF ATITENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Khalil Bou Habib Member: Antelias Municipality
Dr. Samir Serhal Member: Antelias Municipality
Farhat Abou-Jaoude President: Antelias Municipality
Georges Abou-Jaoude President: Jal el-Dib Municipality
Joseph Khoury Developer and Contractor
Sami El-Khazen Member: Antelias & Naccache Municipality
Georges Khoury Member: Antelias & Naccache Municipality
Ravnond Azar Attomey - Antelias
Pere Antoine Daou Head of Mar Elias Convent - Antelias
Mona Mneimneh (Mrs.) Supervisor - Bank
Fawzi Bouari Engineer - Contractor
Andre Abou-Jaoude Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Edmond Hajal Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Antoine Attieh- Engineer & Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Emile Akl Abou-Jaiude Mayor: Jal el-Dib Municipality
Doulmit Akl Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Antoine Abou Ali Member: Antelias & Nakkash Municipality
Gerard Khatchadourian Engineer: Representing Archbishop Aram Al-Awal
Ziad Lteif Engineer: Antelias Municipality
Dr. Emile Bou-Habib V.P.: Antelias Municipality
Elias Fouad Bejani Engineer & Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Walid Abou-Jaoude Engineer & Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Menhem Maroun Engineer & Member: Jal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Fadi Farid Abou-Jaoude Member: lal el-Dib & Bkinnaya Municipality
Mr. Elie Helou Projects Dept - CDR
Dr. Taminmam Nakkash TEAM International
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel AUB/TEAM International
Dr. Ahmad Baalbaki TEAM International
Mr. Philimone Azar TEAM International
Mr. Imnad Mroueh TEAM International
Mr. Mahmoud Halwani TEAM International
Mr. Toufic Wehbe TEAM International
6E0bomg(P.c 3) Pap 4 of 4
De _e. 2. 19W#
RECORD OF MEETING
......................................................................
Date: 22 Dec. 1998
Place: El-Saydeh Church - Sin el-Fil
Subject: Consultation Meeting with Municipality of Sin el-Fi
Attending: See attached list
Meeting started at 6:45 PM
President of Sin el-Fil Municipality Council
* Welcoming all participants in this public hearing
* Purpose of the public hearing is to present the proposed solutions for the traffic congestion
problems at Hayek and MkaUles roundabouts and get feedback from the residents of the
area participating in the meeting.
Elie Helou (CDR)
* Overview of the BUTP project with its 3 components:
- Parking issues
- Traffic Management
- Grade separations.
This project is a follow up to the study started in 1994 when the GBA Master Plan was
developed.
Dr. T. Nakkash (Consultant)
* Purpose of this meeting
* History and background of the GBA Master Plan with its components: Immediate Action
Plan, long-term plan (Year 2015), and mid-term plan (Year 2005)
* The BUTP study
* The place of a public hearing in review process of the projects
* Hayek and Mkalles projects and their impact on traffic, environment, and society.
The Consultant presented answers to questions such as:
Q: Are the Hayek grade separations needed if the peripherique was built?
Q: What percentage of trips using the Hayek junction are characterized as being local trips
versus long regional trips?
Q: Why not widen/improve the road,between -Mkalles roundabout and Dekwaneh Square
through Tell Ez-Zaatar, so more traffic will go through it relieving Hayek?
Q: Will the proposed bridge affect the parking issues/problems in the area?
Q: What is the status of the project?
Q: What is the construction cost of the bridge?
Q: What is the construction cost of the peripherique?
Q: Lot No. 965 in Sin el-Fil, part of this parcel will be expropriated as part of the project, and
about 460 m2 will be left. However, with the 30% of the area is buildable according to
zoning with only 30% of lot area available for building, how could the owner provide the
required parking?
Q: What is proposed along Sin el-Fil Blvd., at Galerie Khabbaz and Ittihad intersections?
Q: Why not install traffic signals at Hayek first, before deciding if a grade separation is
required?
umtwnbw2(. 1 S) Page I of 5
Dea,bef 159S
Q: Why not try a one-way system Hayek - Dekwaneh and Saloumneh - Hayek before
constructing the bridge?
0: What other alternatives were considered in addition to the proposed bridge?
9: Why not construct underpasses instead of overpasses?
The Consultant presented briefly the process used to reach the proposed solutions, the various
scenarios considered, and the criteria of evaluation. A table was presented showing the MOE
used to compare alternatives. It showed that without the proposed grade separations, even if the
Peripherique is in service, the LOS at Hayek will continue to be unacceptable from now and
increasingly through the horizon of the study.
Jamal El-Zarif (Consultant)
* Presentation of previous overpass solutions considered: 4-overpass (bridge) alternatives
were considered and presented
* Identification of the number of points of conflict with and without the grade separation.
Imad Mroueb (Consultant)
* Presentation o-f 3 alternative grade separation underpasses solutions considered: 3-
underpass (tunnel) alternatives were considered and presented
Qalaa- Dekwaneh tunnel, slope R 10%
Jisr el-Wati - Dekwaneh, slope = 8-9%
For acceptable slopes in and out of the underpasses, the underpass would need to be
excessively long. Other problems with the underpasses are that they require relocating a large
water minor (Hayek - Qalaa) direction, and a major box culvert in Slav area. Draining of
underpasses would require pumping. An excerpt of a report prepared by the Consultant as part
of the Archeological Assessment was read. The report concludes that "archeological deposits
are likely to be present in the vicinity of Saloumeh, Hayek, and Mkalles Roundabouts and any
intrusive ground works may result in their being seriously compromised".
One of the representatives of an NGO (Man, Earth, and Enviromnent) interjected that he had
the chance to review this project with CDR and has spent many hours trying with others to
come up with other alternatives. He said that the main objection to the overpass is its visual
intrusion, in addition to noise, and the inconveniences to the residents during the construction.
Using a laptop, the Consultant presented a simulation of the queues build-up at Hayek under
various alternatives, using a software called SYNCHRO.
At the end of the meeting, the CDR and Consultant expressed their availability to sit with a
committee named by the Municipality to discuss any proposals they have and incorporate their
concerns in improving the proposed design if any.
Meeting concluded at 10:00 PM
6ibg (RmS) Page 2 of 5
Dcsba 199S
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Name Position and Affiliation
Mr. Alexi Hamouch Hamouch Gas Station
Mrs. Majdalani
Mrs. Nadia Aoun
Mr. Robert Mansour Dib
Ms. Jambeh Abi-Aad
Mr. Rafic Abou-Antoun Merchant
Mr. Sabeh Abou-Antoun Employee: Sin El-Fil Municipality
Mr. Abdo Joseph Kahale Mechanical Engineer: Calitec Company
Mr. Antoine Barakat Owner of lot No. 965 in Sin El-
Fil
Mr. Antoine Hamouch Owner: Hamouch Gas Station
Mr. Mitri El-Bahri Sales Manager. Mitsubishi Company
Mr. Samir Boustani - Manager
Mr. Steve Khayat Owner of apartment in Forest Bldg.
Mr. David Abi-Nader Member: Sin El-Fil Municipality Council
Mr. Edmond Bilal Owner of lot No. 957 - Havek Roundabout
Mr. Georges Rizk Renter of Commercial space in lot No. 957
Mr. Jean Edmond Bilal Owner of apartment and office space in lot No. 957
Mr. Eid Rizk Renter - Commercial space at Hayek Roundabout
Ms. Marguerite Hatem Renter - Commercial space in lot No. 957
Mr. Roland Daou Owner of apartment - Hayek Roundabout
Al-Ittihad Engineering Owner of 3 offices in lot No. 957
Mr. Michel Fares Fares Est. For Trading and Decoration
Mr. Antoine Chaoul Merchant
Mr. Bassam Fares Owner of dry cleaner
Mr. Nagi Chaoul
Mr. Pierre Jbeili Merchant and Mayor of Sin El-Fil Municipality
Mr. Georges Mghames Owner of travel agency and member of Sin El-Fil Municipality
Mr. Joseph Farah Attorney & Member of Sin El-Fil Municipality Council
Mr. Abdo Elie Jbeili Jeweler
Mr. Chafic Gebara Insurance Agent - Mar Elias St, Sin El-Fil
Mr. Charbel Mardini Architect
Mr. Georges Selim Zouein Merchant - El-Saiydeh St.
Mr. Labib KaDas Engineer
Mr. Dory Azar Student - Civil Engineer
Mr. Nadim Torbey Optician
Mr. Antoine Kahale
Mr. Charles Bitar Industrialist
Mr. Farouk Minkara Owner of Commercial Space
Mr. Amer Nassar Civil Engineer - ACE & YASA
Mr. Elie Khazzoum Business Administration & member of the Lebanese House of
Environment
Mr. Ziad Aki Attomey - YASA
Mr. Maher El-Ajam Civil Engineer - YASA
Ms. Antoinette Nehmeh Civil Engineer - Nehmeh Office, Mkalles
Mr. Negib Selim Zouein Merchant - ADP
Mr. Georges Elie Ojeil Engineering Planner member of Sin El-Fil Municipality
Mr. Sami Chaoul President - Sin EI-Fil Municipality
64mwm(bRa319 Pap 3 of 5
Mr. Inad Zouein
Mr. Sellin Havek
Mr. Samir Azar Owner of land parcel to be partially expropriated
Mr. Noubeir Kouyoumji Pharmacist
Dr. Antoine Hachem
Dr. Elias Hachem College of Engineering - Lebanese University
Mr. Nasim Abou-Zeid Architect - Lebanese University
Mr. Elias Matar Municipality Police - Sinn El-Fil
Mr. Roger Sfeir Archeologist & Member of Sin El-Fil Municipality
Mr. Halim Gerji Nasr Self- Employed
Dr. Naji Chamiyeh Environmental Engineer - Ministry of Environment
Mr. Elie Haddad Airplane Maintenance Engineer - Beirut Airport
Mr. Khalil Ouyoun Retired - General Security
Mr. Elie Helou Projects Dept - CDR
Dr. Tammam Nakkash TEAM International
Dr. Mutasem El-Fadel AUBfIEAM International
Dr. Ahmad Baalbaki TEAM International
Mr. Philimone Azar TEAM International
Mr. Imad Mroueh TEAM International
Mr. Mahmoud Halwani TEAM International
Mr. Jamal El-Zarif TEAM International
64mgOm... ePage 4 of 5
Drmbe 231998
Annex 4-1 Second National Consultation Meeting schedule
Registration 08:30 - 09:00
Opening Session 09:00 - 09:30
* Team International
* CDR
* Minister of Transport
Coffee Break 09:30 - 10:00
BUTP Progress 10:00 - 10:30
EIA 10:30 - 11:45
Exhibition & Questionnaire 11:45 - 12:15
Mitigation & EMP 12:15 - 13:00
Discussion 13:00 - 14:00
Lunch 14:00- 15:00
Annex 4-2 Invitees and participants to the Second National Consultation Meeting
Participants are sbown in Bold
First Name Last Name Affliation
1 Iman Nuwayhid AUB
2 Naif Germani CDR
3 Elie Helou CDR
4 Ghassan Khayrallah CDR
S George Samaha CDR
6 Hala Shams CDR
7 Alan Kardahi CDR
8 Abdel Mounhim Shehadeh CEGP
9 Samir Mansour CEGPVB
10 Mohammad Mashnouk Development and Environment Media Association
11 Mooa Abdel Khalek DGU
12 Nabil Safwat ESCWA
13 Sati' Arnaout European Union
14 Nashaat Mansouf Green Forum
15 Adel Abou Daher Internal Security Forces
16 Fouad Hamid Khoury Internal Security Forces
17 AbdeLBadib Soussi Internal Security Forces
18 Mouein Shehadeh Internal Security Forces
1 9 Iskandar Aiiaqa Internal Security Forces
20 Nabil Merhi Internal Security Forces
21 Adel Hamieh Ministry of Public Works
22 Mohammad Baaj Ministry of Transport
23 Atef Merhi Ministry of Administrative Reform
24 Naji Kodieb Ministry of Environment
25 Berj Hatjian Ministry of Environment
26 Samih Webbe Ministry of Environment
27 Hadi Kamal Ministry of Petroleum
28 Edward Shoukair Muhafazat Mount Lebanon
29 Abdel Mounhim Ariss Municipality of Beirut
30 Michel Assaf Municipality of Beirut - Traffic Section
31 Joseph Nseir MunicipaUty of Bourj Hammoud
32 Tony Abi Harb MunicipaUlty of Chiyah
33 Fadi Mcharrafieh Municipality of Chouwaifat
34 Amine Jraidiny Municipafity of Chouwaifat
35 Mohammad Khansa Municipality of Ghobeirey
36 Hassan Dergham Municipality of Ghobeirey
37 Munir Hajal - MunicipaUity of Jel El-Dib
38 Nabil Zurd Abou Jaoude Municipality of Jel EI-Dib
39 George Ajail Municipality of Sin El-Fil
40 Joseph Farah Municipality of Sin EI-Fi
41 Samir Doumit Order of Engineers
42 Abdel Hafiz Kayssi PIU - MPW
43 Tania Mansour PIU - MPW
44 Adel Mortada Public Transport and Railways Authority
45 Youssef Fawaz Solidere
46 Mariam Hashash TEAM International
47 Mahmoud Halwani TEAM International
48 Nada Dagher TEAM International
49 Yusef Salam TEAM International
50 Jamal Zarif TEAM International
51 PhiUmone Azar TEAM International
52 Dunia Andary TEAM International
53 Lina Kattan TEAM International
54 Imad Mroueh TEAM International
55 Tammam Nakkash TEAM International
56 Zaki Nakkash TEAM International
57 Rita Wahab TEAM International
58 Nazib Kronfol TEAM International
59 Ahmad Ba'albaki TEAM Intemational (Expert)
60 Mutassem El-Fadel AUB/TEAM International (Expert)
61 Mohammad Fawaz UMP
62 Dima Kbatib UNDP
63 Lamia Mansour UNDP
64 Ziad Aki YASA
Participants who were not invited:
65 Hicham Sinno Municipal Council of Beirut
66 Chafic Sinno MEAD &aL
67 Afif Ariss ATC (Ariss Trading & Contracting)
68 Adnan Kayssi Kayssi Co.
Annex 4-3 Opening session speeches durng the Second National Consultation Meeting
TEAM International by Dr. Tammam Nakkash
Excellency Adel Hamieh representing his Excellency Minister of Transport and Public Works; Secretary
General of CDR Mr. George Samaha; President of the Order of Engineers; Ladies and Gentlemen
participating in this Consultation Meeting from among municipal councils' members, representatives of
govermment agencies, officers of Internal Security Forces, Academicians, representatives of international
organizations and NGO's, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I welcome you all on behalf of TEAM International in this Second National Consultation Meeting on Beirut
Urban Transport Project. Our First Consultation Meeting was held about one year ago at the inception of
the Preparatory Study. The results of the First Consultation Meeting oriented our efforts during the past year
while completing the major part of the Preparatory Study. It is now timely to expose to you today the
results, especially those pertaining to the Environmental Impact Assessment, Economic Feasibility, and the
institutional framework required during the implementation, operation, and maintenance of the BUTP.
Last year was full with daily interactions between the Consultant (TEAM International) and the Project
Owner (CDR) on one side and many government officials and bodies in order to choose among technical
alternatives and decide on engineering details. I like here to single out a unique practice-probably the first
time ever used in Lebanon during the preparation of a development project. I meant the public-participation
in the decision-making process. This participation would have not succeeded'without the close cooperation
provided by-the newly elected municipal councils, NGO's, and the citizens at large concerned by this
project. The many hearings and consultation meetings were open to all of them. They communicated
frankly expressing some of their worries at times, objecting to certain details at others. always abiding by
objectivity and putting public interests ahead of their own, in case of any conflicts.
I look forward to this Second National Consultation Meeting with you today, and you are this selected elite
group of professionals, experts, and officials, as an open forum through which we expose the results and
exchange views about some options and alternatives. Our role stays as that of a consultant who puts in front
of the decision-maker a comparison of all alternatives exposing pros and cons of each, and it remains to the
decision-maker to act.
Today we will discuss some important options and altermatives Decisions seem to be ripe and ready for
harvesting. I say that, holding this meeting under the auspices of His Excellency Ministry of Transport, is a
good omen that confirms official support to this project and providing it with prerequisites of success.
Ladies and Gentlemen, investment in infrastructure, equipment, and high-tech - although important - cannot
realize its objectives in the absence ofthe proper organization and institutional set-up or without the trained
manpower required for operation and maintenance. In conducting the BUTP Preparatory Study, we have
endeavored to provide it with all the prerequisites of its success: technically, economically, socially, and
environmentally. We have ahead of us a busy day of discussions and consultations. While consulting
together we enrich the democratic experience, which is the backbone of sustainable development.
Before I leave this podium I must thank the World Bank for his support of this project and making available
to it the rich international experience it possesses; and like to thank again his Excellency Najeeb Mikati,
Minister of Transport, and each one of you for your participation. . . ; !
Councilfor Reconstrucjion and Developmnent by the Secretary General George Samaha
Your Excellency Minister of Transport, Minister of Public Works Najeeb Mikati, Ladies and Gentlemen
It gives me great pleasure to deliver the CDR's address, on behalf of its President Engineer Mahmoud
Osman, in the opening session of the Second Consultation Meeting for the Beirut Urban Transport Project,
organized by TEAM International, the consultant charged by CDR to prepare the studies of this vital
project.
My address will not be long, we engineers deal with designs, plans, perspectives, and graphs more than
words which are used only to support selecting an alternative over another.
Brethren,
Urban transport is one element among many addressed by urban planning science. Designs for roads and
their implementation are not sufficient without equipping the networks with means and equipment that
ensures a safe environment for the society, providing housing and convenient transport to the citizens.
It is well knaown that in all countries problems of traffic congestion and accidents are prevalent.
This confirms the need to find solutions for these problerns by organizing car parking along the curbs,
providing off-street car parks, organizing streets intersections in a well studied manner that provides for
movements in all directions with a reasonable cost. The split among various modes of transport, private and
public, is essential and leads to restricting the use of the private car.
Restrictions whether procedural or organizational are not enough, because restrictions may open the door to
exceptions, excessive use of authority, and selectionism. Financial constraints based on tariff impact the
poor and middle class income groups, while providing comfortable transport to the higher income strata.
That is why it is necessary to adopt an objective well conceived policy for public transport, of all types, and
institute public awareness to convince the people to use it for their daily travel. These solutions should not
stop at the limits of lip service, but require improving the quality of the public transport services and
provide enough frequency and geographical coverage.
We in Lebanon: authorities, administrations, and citizens become to realize day after day the society's need
to address these issues and find the adequate solutions, subject to available resources and in harmnony with
the approved development plans.
These developmental and planning responsibilities and others including consulting, directing,
implementing, financing, and control, all specified by the law establishing CDR according to the Legislative
Decree No. 5 dated 13/01/1977, were all and are still performed by CDR, in various degrees according to
the prevailing circumstances and the associated available funds. Witness to that are our accomplishments to
date including studies and executed projects, according to funds assigned to CDR and in cooperation with
line ministries, concerned administrations, CEGP, and CEGPVB.
We are fully confident that durink the promising new administration headed by President Lahoud, we will
continue to perform with full transparency and cooperation with all parties to equip our country, cities,
towns, and villages .iimanner oommensurate with Lebanon's cultural and econamicrole Wich is present
in all corners of the world, and that ensures the sustainability of Lebanon's existence and mission.
I am grateful for your attendance and I thank all who contributed to the success of this Consultation
Meeting, especially the World Bank and the consultant TEAM International, and I stress finally on the
positive coordinating role played by all concerned ministries, the Municipality of Beirut and all other
municipalities within Greater Beirut.
Ministry of Transport and Public Worts by H.E Adel Hamieh
It is my pleasure to participate in the Second Consultation Meeting of the BUTP.
We recognize the BUTP as a pilot project, lots of our ambitions rely on it to establish traffic management
systems that will be implemented first in Greater Beirut and eventually all over the Lebanese territories.
In addition to its impact on Lebanon's emergence to the world, the land transportation sector in Lebanon
has a very important and positive role in the revitalization of all economic and social sectors, which should
reflect the ambitions provided by the present Administration for a promninent future for Lebanon.
It is without any doubt that Lebanon in general and Greater Beirut in particular is suffering from coping
with the huge traffic volumes on one hand, and the lack of organization of traffic on the other. This requires
an in-depth study to propose plans and solutions to remedy the problems and mitigate the negative impacts -
of this problem on the environment and the economy.
We are now in front of one of the most important projects, which deals with the essence of traffic problems
in Greater Beirut to put the engineering and economic basis for solving some of the traffic congestion
problems especially on major intersections, in addition to the organization of traffic using technical
innovations for traffic management that contribute to the reduction of the burdens born by the citizens, in
te6ms of the high transportation cost. These solutions will eventually produce a positive effect on the
nationil economy.
This project is-one of the pillars required to improve the quality of transport services in Lebanon. However,
this should be completed by other steps. We should endeavor to achieve improving public transport services
and increasing road capacities along major axes around Beirut and leading to it. In that respect we have to
mention the effective initiatives taken by the Ministry of Interior to implement drivers' awareness programs
leading to better abiding by traffic laws and ordinances, which is essential to realizing the transport sector
objectives.
We, at the Ministries of Transport and Public Works, are presently preparing for a workshop, during the
first week of July, with an objective to help draft a national policy for land transport to be implemented in
phases based on a programme of priorities complying with available financing, to attain the best economic
pay off, always targeting a balanced development that addresses the local socio-economic needs of each
region. Almost two weeks ago, the Ministry of Public Works launched the National Roads Project, which
embodies a pilot project to rehabilitate the national road network, utilizing the most modemu scientific
techniques in project planning, programming, monitoring, and implementation. We look with anticipation
to launching the implementation of the BUTP. Moreover, we look forward to implernent other projects that
fortify the transport sector in Lebanon.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to TEAM International for their great endeavor in their
laborious studies to improve the performance of the transport sector in Lebanon. I also would like to thank
CDR for its sincere efforts towards bringing this viable project to success and also the World Bank who
always financed various development projects in all sectors, for its support to this project. Long live
Lebanon.
Annex 4-4 On-street parking management questionnaire and analysis of results
Cat tion%
Caegor,y Optio
I Priority in government action should be given in the short-term to IYes 81
organizing on-street parking over off-street parking provision. No 19
Not answered 0
2. Public money need not be directed towards building parking garages, Yes 78
since such an investment should be financially viable on its own and No 22
thus attractive to private investors. Not answered 0
3. Should the projects for building underground parking garages under i Yes 44
the following gardens be still considered as part of the BUTP? No 41
Sanayeh Not Answered 15
Yes 53
Mazraa No 28
Not Answered 19
lYes 50
Mar Nicolas No 31
Not Answered 19
Yes 44
Rachidine No 37
Not Answered 19
4. Paid on-street parking in urbanized areas should be implemented: a 28
(a) Imrniediately completely b 72
(b) Gradually after experimenting with pilot projects Not Answered 0
5. Paid parking in areas like Hamra or Sassine should be enforced
during the following periods daily (except Sundays and official
holidays. Choose one a 34
(a) 8:00AM - 8:00 PM ;b 60
(b) 9:00AM - 6:00PM c 3
(c) 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Not Answered 3
6. Labor intensive curb-side parking control is a viable alternative to Yes 38
the use of electronic equipment. No 56
Not answered 6
7. Among all curb-side control methods not requiring installing I 3
equipment on the sidewalk, I prefer them in the following priority. 2 6
1,2,3,4 (I=best) 3 i 6
Attended parking, receipts issued manually 4 35
Not Answered 50
Attended parking with hand-held computer I 9
2 13
3 28
4 3
'Not Answered i 47
Voucher (scratch card) I 37
2 13
3 16
4 3
iNotAnswered 31
Individual Park Meter I 47
2 19
3 0
i4 i 9
I Not Answered 25
8. Comparing only Park Meters with Pay and Display !a 50
(a) I prefer Pay and Display lb 44
(b) I prefer Park Meter I Not Answered 6
9. If Pay and Display is used in Beirut, the public will find it True 56
unacceptable because of the need to walk to the machine to pay and False 44
back to the car to display the receipt. _! _i
10. If Pay and Display is used, the longest walking distance acceptable j 25 m i 63
to the Lebanese parker between where he parks and the location of a 50 m 34
Pay and Display machine is: Choose one 75 m 3
11. If Pay and Display is used, the public will not accept a PAD machine True 75
on the opposite sidewalk because it requires crossing the street in False 22
order to get the receipt and back to the car to display it. Not Answered 3
12. Enforcement of curb parking regulations is the exclusive Yes 66
responsibility of traffic police and civilians should not have a role in No 34
it.
13. Parking violations should be fined outside the traffic courts system 1 Yes 84
and treated as a bad debt. (Decriminalization of traffic violations) No 16
14. Do you prefer that parking organization and management in Greater
Beirut be under a single parking authority, or be controlled by each
Municipality individually? a ! 38
(a) Parking Authority ,b 59
(b) Individual Municipalities Not Answered 3
15. Do you prefer in any case to have the parking field management
handled directly by the employees of the Municipality or Parking
Authority or have it contracted or concessioned to the private sector? a 72
(a) Directly by Parking Authority or Municipality employees b 25
(b) Contracted or concessioned to theprivate sector Not Answered 3
I
.
1.
Annex 4-5 Questions/comments and answen during the Second National Consultation Meeting
Discussion (Public transport)
Q Last year there was an attempt to ban any talk about public transport. Is this ban still valid today?
A I do not remember that we said that we should not talk about Public Transport.
Q you said it is not a component of our discussion.
A That is not accurate? We said that public transport is not an element we are working on. If you
remember, I started my presentation by stating the importance of public transport. What ever we do,
we will not solve the problem unless we invest in public transport. The roads and traffic situation at
the present time does not allow us to plan for the public transport that could be adequately used by
the people. But this does not mean that someone else could work on it at the same time. Furthermore.
we are ready to talk about anything. There is no ban on anything. I would like here to confirm that
public transport is not -absent form the CDR, World Bank or TEAMs minds. We have always
insisted on its major importance in solving transport sector problems. Nevertheless, the elernents of
the BUTP facilitate a better performance of Public Transport, but does not include any direct
investment in that sector.t
Q I disagree with your presumptions. I think there are very small and low cost initiatives that could be
done that could positively affect the public transport performance. However, since the terms of
refeience of the BUTP does not include a section on Public Transport we are obliged to respect your
position and not talk about it.
A I agree with you, however this does not neglect the fact that other people could work on it. TEAM
does not monopolize transportation planning.
Discussion (Environmental impacts)
Q What are the variables that you have taken in your model? When you collect spot data do you take
also from the surrounding roads? Do you model the impact on the alternative routing roads and
surrounding areas?
A One can model the impact on alternative routing roads. In this exercise we focused on the
intersection itself where a grade separation is proposed to evaluate the future noise levels with and
without the grade separation. Many elements were taken into consideration in the formulation of the
model some of which are: car speed, type of cars, characteristics of the fleet, emission factors, fleet
age and many other elements that we can evaluate within a reasonable degree of scientific certainty.
What is most important in the modeling, is the comparative assessment, and not the exact numbers
that you get, that will allow you to compare different scenarios irrespective of the numbers that are
obtained.
Q The Internal Security Forces are the ones that are now responsible of managing the traffic; hence
they are exposed to pollution on daily bases, due to there long stay on intersections which are
heavily polluted as you have already explained. What do you think are -preventive measures that
should be taken by the traffic police to reduce the impact of pollution on him.
A I will go in detail on how we can reduce the pollution impacts, not only on the traffic police, but on
the general public as well.
A BUTP provides traffic signals on all the intersections, which will eventually replace the traffic
police, thus reduce the impact of air pollution on policemen.
Discussion (Economic Assessment)
Q What do you mean by Parking Control?
A Parking Controls are procedures to implement and enforce the Law in the areas that we have studied.
The implementation requires for its success to equip the parking authority (internal security forces
and/or municipal police...) with means to facilitate their work and coverage.
Q Are you going to provide parking places for those who park illegally?
A No. It is left to the market forces to take care of it. The areas we are talking about here are
commercial zones many of the shop owners leave their cars in front of their shop all day. What we
are saying is that we are going to place Parking Meters to allow a better turnover for the on-street
parking, which will increase the number of visitors.
Q You mentioned that the cost of expropriation is 25MS, which I do not think it is correct?
A 25M$ is the economic value of the expropriated lands. The land value is very high in these urban
areas we cannot estimate the cost of the land without knowing the economic value of land in each
area. The effective cost of expropriation was not studied yet, this is a separate study that will be done
after the expropriation decrees are released.
Q In the context of parking lots. A decision was taken 2 years ago to oblige the owner, of vacant lots to
clear it and make it a parking lot. This decision was not fully implemented. Since the cost of parking
lots is that high and most probably within the present economic situation, it is not feasible. Did you
study the economical implications of the full implementation of the official decision on the present
parking situation? Don't you think that we can postpone the parking problems for future years until
we become able to spend money on such a problem?
A What you said is very true. According to the statistics and studies thaitwe have done we found out
that the main problem in parking situation is the lack df law enforcement. Thus, it is very clear to us
that-if we enforce the law on parking, lots of the problem will diminish. Moreover, what you have
suggested will not work if there is no law enforcement of parking on street. For example, next to our
office in Jenah facing the NBN TV, people used to park in a vacant lot for free. The municipality
obliged the owner to clear the lot from rubble and provide it as a paid parking lot, today all the cars
are double or triple parked on the street, where as the new parking lot stays empty.
Q In the economic assessment, social imnpact has a serious value on the economic assessment. There is
a big impact on the land value when you install a bridge in an area, all the buildings within the area
are effected in terms of value which consequently has a social impact. It should have been studied
whether you prefer a bridge or a tunnel. A tunnel keeps the noise underground and keeps the
commercial activity on ground level. It also affects the value of apartments and shops. Other
elements are the value of time. Saving 30 min of time does not mean gaining 30 minutes of work and
its relationship to the personal income.
A VOC (Vehicle Operating Cost) and VOT (Value of Time), were separate studies. To calculate the
VOC we used different factors to evaluate fuel consumption, car depreciation and maintenance,
wheel wearing, and interest. VOT based on 2 surveys, the statistics we did on streets road side
interviews 2 household surveys in each zone where we carried interviews and found the level of
income, car ownership and social class. Hence, we were able to calculate the time we save and its
value in terms of money, in addition, we introduced the factor of time where time was directly
related to work. This is the point that you have referred to. All the time that is saved which has
nothing to do with work has been given a very low valuelpercentage; we sometimes calculated it as
33%. The imnpact on land value was explored in terms of expropriation or if a building is hit by the
right of way and its economic value.
Q What about the social impact?
A The social impact is being studied in a separate Report. Which will be ready in the comning few
months.
Q I d
o not intend to discuss the methodology. I would like to know if you have taken into
considerations the impact of your design on the performance of bus routing. As you know the Public
Transport Authority is implementing a plan prepared by TEAM, LAURIEF, SOFRETU and CDR.
There are specific bus stops and bus stations next to the 16 grade separations that you have worked
on. How is it being affected by your plan? Did you assess the impact of that change on the bus
routing? Is the use of public transport going to increase or decrease? Did you change any bus lane?
A We have taken the public transport occupancy in our economic analysis. In terms of operations all
the designs did not change or adversely affect the operations of public transport. For each grade
separation, service roads were provided that are designed to accommodate the public transport.
Buses should not take the overpass or underpass. they should always take the peripheral roads. This
project will improve the traffic flow and consequently bus operations and schedule adherence will
improve.
A The components of the project are going to upgrade the fluidity of traffic which is going to reflect
positively in an increase in median velocity of public transport movement. Thus increasing its
efficiency and ridership.
Q I think there are lots of buses. But people in developed countries do know when the bus is coming
and how long it takes to go from one point to the other. Here in Lebanon people avoid the use of the
bus because they do not know when to expect the bus, where it is going, and how much it takes to
get there, that is why they prefer the use ofjitney and taxis.
