Construction of proposed Western Bypass in Kenya that is aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the Capital. This is one of the several plans line up by the government of Kenya to reduce traffic congestion in Nairobi that has become a chronic problem.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha), a government body mandated to construct and manage highways in the country, said recently that it has signed an agreement with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to conduct feasibility studies and designs for the construction of the bypass as a high capacity expressway, clearing the way for its construction.
“The Nairobi Western Bypass project will be implemented as an Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract (EPC). The total EPC cost estimate is Sh17.3 billion and will be funded through a concessionary loan from the Government of China,” said State roads agency in a statement.
The proposed Nairobi Western Bypass has been earmarked as a link that is crucial in completing a system of ring roads around Nairobi City to divert traffic away from the Nairobi Central Business District. Two other Bypasses; the Eastern and Northern Bypasses in Nairobi, are complete with a third – the Nairobi Southern Bypass – nearing its completion.
The Nairobi Western Bypass is designed as a four lane Highway measuring 16.5km with a design speed of 100 km/hour. The bypass will connect with the Nairobi Southern Bypass at Gitaru, and the Northern Bypass at Ruaka. The project will involve construction of overpasses and interchanges at major junctions at Kihara,Wangige, Ndenderu and Ruaka.
The Nairobi County Government has been battling with the chronic problem of traffic congestion in the city which many experts blame on the poor planning of the city. These measure include reducing on the number of roundabout in and around the CBD as well as construction outskirt roads to divert traffic from the CBD.
Extract from constructionreviewonline.com
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