Construction of stylish Sh17b western bypass begins – PHOTOS
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHa) has embarked on the construction of the Sh17 billion Nairobi western by-pass.
The project is being undertaken by the China Road and Bridge corporation and is expected to be completed in 39 months.
The bypass will help ease traffic congestion in Nairobi by connecting to other bypasses which include the southern bypass, the northern bypass and the eastern Bypass.
Transport CS James Wainaina Macharia has said the project will kick off in Gitaru where it will connect to the southern bypass in Kikuyu town. The project will eventually terminate in Ruaka where it connects to the northern bypass.
He said the bypass will have a four lane expressway. It will further have seven interchanges located at Gitaru, Lower Kabete, Wangige, Kihara, Ndenderu, Rumingi and Ruaka.
According to Mr Macharia, the bypass will also have noise control barriers in all human settlement area as an enhanced environmentally- compatible modern highway.
The road will also have paved deviations along the construction route aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow, reducing environmental hazards such as dust.
“These deviation routes shall be retained for future use by residents along this corridor,” he said.
The road will have eleven traffic bridges and pedestrian underpasses on the entire length.
Pedestrians fond of crossing roads carelessly will also be stopped as the project contains a pedestrian barrier that runs in its midst.
The contractors will also build a bus park at Wangige to enhance public transport efficiency.