The construction of a US $168 milliom Western Bypass has started. In an announcement the Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHa) and the Ministry of Transport have said that the project is the fourth and final ring of the Nairobi Ring Roads. The bypass project will connect Gitaru in Kiambu county to the Southern bypass in Kikuyu town and will finally terminate in Ruaka while connecting to the Northern bypass. It will be a four lane expressway with a total length of 16.79Km and seven interchanges at Lower Kabete, Gitaru, Ndenderu, Ruaka, Wanginge, Rumingi and Kihara.

Mr James Wainaina Macharia, Transport Cabinet Secretary said that  the project will also feature noise control barriers in all the settlement areas to minimise disruption to the local people living in and aroud the area. The Western Bypass will have eleven traffic bridges and pedestrian underpasses throuout the entire length. Pedestrian barriers will also be installed in the middle to minimise pedestrian crossings that frequently occur at the non-authorized areas. This project will also provide for facilities for pedestrians such as footpaths and underpasses.

An enhanced feature separate footpaths and cycle tracks will be provided to ensure no direct conflict between motorized traffic and road users occurs. Additionally the road will also have paved deviations along the construction route to ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce environmental hazards.

China Road and Bridge corporation were tasked to undertake the project and to complete in a period of 39 months. Upon completion the project is expected to ease traffic congestion around Nairobi City, ensure rapid economic growth around the areas near the road, improve safety for pedestrians and other non-motorized road users and ensure a smooth flow of traffic in the area. 

To supplement the connectivity in the area the government is also constructing a bus park at Wangige which will enhance public transport efficiency and ensure that traffic congestion and interruptions occasioned by public transport vehicles is reduced. Provision of adequate bus bays at all the major existing commercial centres and settlement areas is expected to be provided.

Posted on : 24 Apr,2019