KURA Announces 3-Day Traffic Disruption Along Eastern Bypass

The revamped Nairobi Eastern Bypass which includes five new major vehicular crossings and six-lane dual carriageways
The revamped Nairobi Eastern Bypass which includes five new major vehicular crossings and six-lane dual carriageways
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The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) announced that a section of the Eastern bypass will remain closed for three days 

In a notice dated Sunday, January 29, KURA stated that the disruption will affect the stretch from China Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC) site camp to the Embakasi barracks heading towards Mombasa Road.

"We wish to notify the general public that there will be traffic disruption along Eastern Bypass from 6 am Monday, January 30 to February 1, 6 p.m.

A signage showing a road that is closed for construction
Signage showing a road that is closed for construction
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"This is to allow the contractor to lay the final surface dressing at the section between Embakasi Barracks and CRBC site camp as shown in the sketch," the notice read in part.

The disruption would mean that the outbound lane would be shared by motorists along the affected section. Consequently, KURA asked drivers plying the route to exercise more caution.

"Traffic marshals and police will be on-site to guide motorists so as to enable a smooth flow of traffic. Kindly bear with the situation as we endeavour to enhance urban mobility," the agency stated.

Kenyans who ply the route protested the closure, arguing that closing the section would only make the already-bad traffic situation worse.

"Surely! Closing the Eastern bypass on a weekday?" One tweep questioned. "How will the trailers from CRBC turn to join the road?" A second Kenyans wondered.

The only alternative route, to turn at the Astrol petrol station junction and rejoin the bypass at the Donholm junction, is longer than the section closed in terms of distance and time.

Motorists plying the roadway have been forced to deal with traffic jams following a plan by the government to dual the 28-kilometre road.

Having started under former President Uhuru Kenyatta's term, the expansion was targeted at easing traffic flow on the road. In October 2022, KURA set January 15 as the completion date

The Eastern bypass starts at the Cabanas junction along Mombasa Road, connects to Thika Road, and proceeds to Membley, Ruiru.

Motorists pictured on the Eastern bypass road.
Motorists pictured on the Eastern bypass road.
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