Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on Thursday, February 23, warned motorists plying Thika Super Highway of the closure of a section of the busy road.
Some lanes of the highway were closed after an accident that happened at the Chania River Bridge near Blue Post Hotel.
A number of drive lanes were affected, especially, the Kenol-bound traffic that was completely blocked by the wreckage that had covered all lanes.
"Recovery process is ongoing by the Police with assistance by the Performance Based Contractor," KeNHA warned.
The Authority asked those heading to Nairobi from Kenol to consider alternative routes.
"Motorists are requested to exercise patience and caution, and to obey instructions by the traffic marshals as Police intensify efforts to salvage the situation to restore normal traffic flow," KeNHA advised.
The alternative routes can be traced from Thika town through Makongeni estate to other parts of Kiambu Couty.
On February 15, 2023, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) acknowledged concerns that were raised by social media users who asked the government to redesign the busy road.
"Our attention has been drawn to the Social Media circulation and concerns raised by the public on the safety status of Chania River Bridge barrier in Thika, Kiambu County.
"Following inspection by Kenya Urban roads Authority Engineers a decision has been made to remove the barrier and a new one installed to protect this historically ornamental bridge built in 1936 from heavy vehicles," KURA noted.
Kenya Urban Roads Authority noted that the colonial four-meter wide bridge remains very structurally sound.
However, Kenya Urban Roads Authority explained that the bridge was designed for lighter vehicles and thus the need to protect it from heavy vehicles who erroneously want to approach Thika town using this short route.
"KURA urges drivers with heavy vehicles to use alternative roads provided including a newly constructed Thika Northern bypass which links Muranga Road from Delmonte shop to Ananas building Supermarket in Garissa Road.
"Going forward, Government will put in place improved designs that will allow smooth flow of Traffic in and out of Thika Town joining the Northern Corridor," KURA explained.
