KeNHA Tells Mombasa Road Motorists To Brace For Traffic Disruption For One Month

The authority notified users that the disruption would commence on Friday, September 20 running until Tuesday, October 22.

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
Sep 14, 2024 - 13:30 Updated: Sep 14, 2024 - 13:41
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KeNHA Tells Mombasa Road Motorists To Brace For Traffic Disruption For One Month
Mlolongo toll station along the Nairobi Expressway. /PHOTO

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has informed motorists using Mombasa Road to anticipate traffic disruptions for 32 days on one of its sections.

In a notice issued on Friday, September 13, the authority notified users that the disruption would commence on Friday, September 20 running until Tuesday, October 22.

"The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to notify the public that a section of Mombasa Road (A8) near Syokimau Railway Station, will experience traffic disruption along the Nairobi bound lanes from Friday, September 20, 2024, to Tuesday, October 22, 2024," the notice read in part.

KeNHA explained that this will allow for realignment of the road and construction of a mid-span footbridge foundation at the median between the Nairobi bound lanes and the adjacent Nairobi Expressway fence.

KeNHA's notice on the 33-day traffic disruption issued on September 13, 2024. /KENHA KENYA

Consequently, motorists were advised to exercise caution during the 32 days to avoid causing traffic jams.

The highways authority also noted that there will be traffic marshalls to guide motorists plying the route during the maintenance and construction work

"KeNHA advises motorists to follow the proposed traffic management plan below and cooperate with the police and traffic marshals on site," added the notice.

The upcoming closure will add to a series of closures affecting the major highway, attributed to the rebuilding of Mombasa Road, which suffered damage due to the construction of the Nairobi Expressway.

With Mombasa Road being a crucial lifeline for transportation and commerce between Nairobi and Mombasa, any disruption in its accessibility could have significant ramifications for businesses and travellers alike.

Local residents and businesses have been asked to brace themselves for potential delays and diversions, with some expressing concerns over the impact on daily routines and commercial activities. 

Building footbridges at high human traffic points is considered important in helping Kenyans cross safely from one point of a major highway to another. The government recently allocated Ksh500 million for the construction of 17 footbridges in Nairobi after the floods that devastated the city swept away or destroyed most of them.

Justus Onyikwa, a deputy director at the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), said the agency prioritized Nairobi for rehabilitation. However, they expressed commitment to addressing roadwork, particularly in areas where they were washed out, ensuring prompt attention and maintenance.

“The estimated cost of completing the work on the 17 footbridges is around Ksh500 million. Currently, their concentration is solely on Nairobi, before rolling out repair across the country. We will attend to all roads even as we try to secure extra funds to cover all the affected areas,” Onyikwa told Sunday Nation in May this year.

According to Onyikwa, they will prioritise Mathare, Kamukunji, Kibra, Embakasi South, Kabete, Langata, and Westlands constituencies. These areas have been identified as high-priority due to their large populations and the urgent need for safe crossing points over oft-dangerous rivers.

“We are concentrating on the densely populated regions. This includes the Jerusalem neighbourhood along the Nairobi River, which is heavily populated. Other key areas also require improved access to services considering a majority of those affected are school children and commuters. 

"The original bridges in these locations were washed away, so we are rebuilding them from the ground up,” he added, further revealing that they are reconstructing bridges spanning around 50 meters, aiming to enhance their clearance and bring them up to standard.

Footbridges being reconstructed are, Gitathuru-Wanjiru Footbridge, Mandera-Koria Footbridge, Lungalunga-Viwandani Footbridge, Mosque Road Footbridge, Ngumba Bridge, Huruma (Ghetto area) Footbridge, and Madoya Bridge, which are vital connections within their respective communities.

Others ate the Gitathuru-Utalii Hotel Footbridge, Kisii Footbridge, Kiambiu-Uhuru Bridge, Ruthimitu-Uthiru Bridge, Nyando Bridge, Sarang’ombe Footbridge, Sarang’ombe Motorable Bridge and the Mumwe Road Box Culvert.

Police officers arrest pedestrians during a nationwide crackdown on March 26, 2024. /NTSA

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