The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a temporary closure of a key section of the Southern Bypass for two weeks. This closure will facilitate necessary rehabilitation works and is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at 8:00 PM, and conclude on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at midnight.
Affected Section and Purpose of Closure
The affected stretch spans both sides of the road between the Ole Sereni Interchange and the Ngong Road Interchange. KeNHA has clarified that the closure will enable the rehabilitation of expansion joints on all bridges within this section and the reconstruction of the concrete pavement at the Virtual Weighbridge.
“This is to enable the rehabilitation of the expansion joints of all the bridges along the closed section as well as reconstruction of concrete pavement of the Virtual Weighbridge,” KeNHA stated.
These essential works are aimed at improving the long-term durability and safety of the bypass, ensuring smoother operations for heavy and light vehicles alike.
Alternative Routes and Traffic Management
To minimize disruptions, KeNHA has advised motorists to use alternative routes during the closure period. Traffic will be diverted through Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road, and Ngong Road. A detailed traffic management plan will be implemented, and the authority has urged road users to exercise caution, follow signage, and cooperate with traffic marshals and police officers on site.
“Motorists are requested to exercise caution around the work areas, to follow the proposed traffic management plan below and cooperate with the police and traffic marshals on site,” KeNHA added.
Public Safety and Planning
Motorists and commuters are advised to plan their travel in advance to avoid unnecessary delays. The alternative routes are expected to experience increased traffic volume, especially during the festive season when road usage typically surges. KeNHA is committed to ensuring that the work is completed within the scheduled timeframe to minimize inconvenience.
Broader Infrastructure Developments
The closure comes amidst KeNHA’s ongoing efforts to enhance Kenya’s road network, with significant projects and policies under consideration. One of the major policy discussions involves introducing tolling systems on select roads to generate revenue for maintenance and upgrades.
KeNHA has hinted that tolling could be implemented on critical roads, including the Nairobi Southern Bypass and the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway. However, the authority has emphasized that the tolling policy will only be rolled out after adequate public consultation and thorough planning.
Impact on Commuters and Businesses
While the rehabilitation works are necessary, the temporary closure is expected to disrupt travel plans, particularly during the busy end-of-year period. Businesses that rely on seamless logistics along this route may face delays, and public service vehicles may need to adjust their schedules.
The use of alternative routes could lead to congestion, with potential ripple effects on other major roads in Nairobi. Commuters are encouraged to explore off-peak travel and consider carpooling to ease the strain on alternative routes.
Looking Ahead
KeNHA’s proactive measures to upgrade the Southern Bypass highlight the importance of maintaining and modernizing critical infrastructure to support Kenya’s growing economy. However, with rising urbanization and vehicle numbers, such closures underscore the need for efficient traffic management and timely communication with the public.
As the rehabilitation progresses, motorists and businesses alike will hope for improved road conditions and reduced wear and tear on vehicles. In the long term, the planned tolling system and infrastructural investments could potentially ensure more sustainable maintenance of Kenya’s road network.
For now, KeNHA urges road users to remain patient and prioritize safety as the rehabilitation works take place.
