Parts of Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway closed for expressway construction
What you need to know:
- The Sh62 billion project, which started late last year, will result in Kenya’s first double-decker expressway and is financed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
- The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) will build the 27.1km road linking the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Nairobi-Nakuru highway in a maximum of three years.
- The project is expected to reduce the heavy traffic on Mombasa Road, which usually starts from Mlolongo and goes all the way to the city centre.
Motorists should brace for major traffic congestion and delays as sections of Mombasa Road and Uhuru Highway have been shut for construction of the Nairobi Expressway.
In a statement on Thursday, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) the construction will be limited to the central median of Mombasa Road.
“However, in some instances, we may be required to close a single lane on either side of the highway to ensure the safety of motorists plying the route,” Director-General Peter Mundinia said.
Mr Mundinia said the contractor will minimise disruptions as works are executed around the JKIA turnoff, Cabanas, NextGen Mall, Capital Centre, Kenyatta Avenue and the University Way roundabout.
Motorists were requested to follow directions on road signs and those issued by traffic marshals to ensure traffic flow is as smooth as possible.
Major project
The Sh62 billion project, which started late last year, will result in Kenya’s first double-decker expressway and is financed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) will build the 27.1km road linking the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Nairobi-Nakuru highway in a maximum of three years.
The project is expected to reduce the heavy traffic on Mombasa Road, which usually starts from Mlolongo and goes all the way to the city centre.
In August, Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said the contractor was asked to work speedily.
“The project started in June, but there was a bit of a delay because of Covid-19. We have asked the contractor to fast-track the construction and take 18 months to two years so that we can have the road by June 2022,” said Mr Macharia.
The expressway includes a four-lane and six-lane dual carriageway within the existing median of Mombasa Road/Uhuru Highway/Waiyaki Way, as well as 10 interchanges.
Superhighway maintenance
In a separate notice, KeNHA informed motorists of a two to three-week partial closure of the Thika Superhighway for maintenance.
A statement said the affected sections are Nairobi–Ruiru and Ruiru–Thika.
“These works may result in temporary closure of some lanes during the day,” KeNHA said.
Motorists were urged to exercise caution and follow the traffic management plan and directions given by traffic marshals.
