Nairobi is preparing to face one of the most problematic periods in its history with regard to the city's road system. The simultaneous construction of two major infrastructure projects, namely the motorway that will link the capital's business centre directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Mombasa Road, which will connect the entire city with exits and elevated roads, will force thousands of motorists to use alternative routes to the two city arteries Waiyaki Way and Mombasa Road.
The Kenya National Highways Authority announced the closure of Waiyaki and part of James Gichuru from yesterday until Monday, July 17, to allow for the construction of flyovers and lanes.
Beyond the city route, Waiyaki Way to all of Forest Road will instead be closed for a full 34 days, until Monday, August 1.
There should be no extension on the deadline because from what Malindikenya.net has been able to ascertain, Chinese construction site activity continues even at night and the motorway, which will be the first toll road in the whole of Kenya, is expected to be completed in 2022.
"The closure is unavoidable in order to proceed with the construction of the Nairobi Expressway along Mombasa Road," KENHA announced in a statement, "Motorists are urged to use alternative routes. KeNHA apologises for the inconvenience, as we aim to provide an efficient, safe and reliable road network.
The construction of the motorway has worsened the traffic situation in Nairobi, with cars clogging up for long periods during peak hours.
By now, even the alternative routes known to residents have become 'red' zones on satnavs and the traffic police are using all the forces at their disposal, which do not seem to be sufficient.The motorway, which will be 18.5 km long, will start from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and end at the junction of James Gichuru Road and Waiyaki Way, at the gateway to the populous and historic Westlands district. The ten exits and the connection between Mombasa Road and the CBD will make it 27.