The Kenya National Highways Authority has announced to be working jointly with police to restore normalcy on traffic disruption caused by construction of the Nairobi Expressway project.
The ongoing construction of the Nairobi Expressway and relocation of utilities such as water pipes and power lines has resulted in disruption of traffic flow along the highway. KeNHA noted that the ongoing rains have created further constrictions as the relocation works in some instances have interfered with the existing side drainage leading to blockage.
“We take note of the public concerns and wish to inform you that we are working closely with the Traffic Police to manage the situation to minimise the inconveniences currently being experienced by road users and motorists,” said the authority in a statement.
Initiated improvement works
Following this, KeNHA has initiated improvement works at locations such as Nyayo Stadium roundabout to ensure the drainage remains free flowing at all affected locations. Normalcy will also be restored on the A8 road from Mlolongo to James Guchuru.
The Nairobi Expressway Project is a 27-kilometer road project beginning from Mlolongo through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Nairobi’s CBD to Westland’s area along Waiyaki Way. The project involves a four-lane and six-lane dual carriageway within the existing median of Mombasa Road/Uhuru Highway/Waiyaki Way and 10 interchanges.
The project broke grounds in October last year with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) as the contractor. The latter is responsible for the design, financing, and construction of the road under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. The company will also operate the road for about 27 years so as to recoup its investment through the collection of road tolls.
The road project is the first major project in the East African country to be carried out through a PPP model. It was initially to be completed December 2022 but has now been moved to December 2021 bringing the much-needed relief to traffic congestion in the Nairobi municipality.
