KURA Announces 12-Hour Closure Of Section Of Eastern Bypass

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has announced that part of the Eastern bypass will be closed, which will affect motorists connecting between Thika and Mombasa Roads.

In a notice dated Saturday, February 18, KURA revealed that the partial closure will occur on Sunday, February 19 between 6 am and 6 pm, a period of 12 hours.

The authority noted that the closure will allow the contractor to carry out construction work on the section of the road.

A map showing the intended partial closure of the Eastern Bypass for road works and alternative routes. /KURA

"Kenya Urban Roads Authority wishes to notify the general public that there will be traffic disruption along the Eastern Bypass as from 6 AM till 6 PM on Sunday 19th February 2023. This is to allow the Contractor to lay the final surface dressing at the section between Green Spot Gardens and Thika Road Junction," KURA stated in part.

Motorists have thus been advised to drive with caution and follow the installed road signs, traffic Marshalls and the police will be on-site to guide motorists and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

"We regret any inconvenience caused and urge members of the public to cooperate as we strive to Enhance Urban Mobility," added KURA.

The authority also offered alternatives for motorists using the bypass road. Notably, all vehicles will be required to use the lane meant for vehicles travelling from Mombasa Road to Thika Road.

At Shell Petrol station - next to Sunrise Road - vehicles heading to Mombasa Road will continue with their normal drive routes as the section will not be affected by the closure.

Motorists will also be required to maintain a speed of 30 kilometres per hour to avoid creating unnecessary traffic jams along the highway.

KURA assured the motorists that the construction works would be completed on time to ensure that normal flow of traffic resumes by Monday, February 20, where typically there would be rush hour.

On July 31, 2022, former President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the revamped Nairobi Eastern Bypass which includes five new major vehicular crossings and six-lane dual carriageways at the busy sections of the road, an expansion which KURA had in October 2022 set January 15 as the completion date.

He expressed optimism that the bypass road will significantly address the nightmare of traffic gridlocks in Nairobi estimated to cost the nation over Ksh5 billion annually in lost productivity time and wasted fuel.

The Eastern Bypass runs from the Cabanas junction along Mombasa Road all the way to Membley in Ruiru, connecting the Thika Superhighway.

It was conceptualised to give an easier route to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Nairobi CBD for residents living in Utawala, Ruai, along Thika Road in Ruiru, Embakasi among others.