Starting tonight, the Nairobi Expressway will be temporarily closed to accommodate the Nairobi City Marathon, which is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2024. The closure will begin at 9:30 pm on Saturday, according to an announcement from Moja Expressway, the company responsible for managing the infrastructure.
The Nairobi Expressway, a key 27-kilometer elevated road, has become an essential route for Nairobi motorists, providing a crucial bypass of the often-congested Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way. Launched in 2022, the expressway stretches from Mombasa Road, runs parallel to Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way, and terminates at James Gichuru Road. Its efficient design and strategic location have made it a favored route, with average daily usage increasing from 50,000 vehicles to 70,000. By October 2023, over 180,000 vehicles were subscribed as users of the road.
The Nairobi City Marathon, now in its third edition, is set to start at around 6:30 am on Sunday. The 42-kilometer race aims to support local athletes, promote tourism, and raise funds for charity. With the expressway’s closure in place, participants and spectators will experience a unique route as the marathon courses through this modern infrastructure.
Moja Expressway has advised motorists to plan their journeys in advance and seek alternative routes during the closure. The company stated that they will provide updates on when the expressway will resume normal operations. The temporary closure is part of efforts to ensure the safety and success of the marathon, allowing runners to traverse the course without the usual traffic disruptions.
In their statement, Moja Expressway emphasized the importance of this event for Nairobi’s sporting and charitable activities. “Please note that the Nairobi Expressway will be temporarily closed from Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 9:30 pm to pave way for the third edition of the Nairobi City Marathon,” the statement read. “The resumption of normal operations will be communicated in due course. We kindly urge all motorists to plan their journeys accordingly in advance.”
For those who rely on the Nairobi Expressway, this temporary closure presents a notable inconvenience. The expressway has significantly impacted Nairobi’s traffic dynamics, offering a quicker route for those commuting through the city. The closure is expected to result in increased traffic on alternative routes, including Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way, which may experience heightened congestion during this period.
Motorists are encouraged to consider alternative routes such as Lang’ata Road, Uhuru Highway, or Kikuyu Road, which might provide smoother travel during the marathon’s impact. Additionally, planning for possible delays and adjusting travel schedules accordingly will be crucial for avoiding potential traffic snarls.
The Nairobi City Marathon is anticipated to draw significant attention, not just for its competitive edge but also for its role in supporting local causes. This event highlights the growing prominence of Nairobi’s sporting culture and its ability to leverage modern infrastructure for large-scale events.
As Nairobi prepares for this exciting marathon, the temporary closure of the expressway will serve as a reminder of the city’s evolving landscape and its efforts to integrate major sporting events into its urban fabric. Motorists and marathon enthusiasts alike are advised to stay informed through official channels for updates and further details regarding the expressway’s reopening.
In conclusion, while the temporary closure of the Nairobi Expressway presents short-term challenges, it also underscores the city’s commitment to fostering athletic and charitable activities. With careful planning, both participants and motorists can navigate this period effectively and contribute to the success of the Nairobi City Marathon.
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