Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir on Sunday restricted heavy vehicles above 10 tons from using several roads during peak hours.
Peak hours in Mombasa include between 6 am and 9:30 am in the morning and 3:30 pm to 8 pm in the evening hours.
He added that the restriction, effective Monday, August 21, to Sunday, November 19, is aimed at managing traffic flow as construction of the Mombasa-Malindi Highway progresses.
Among the affected roads include the Nyali Bridge, Fidel Odinga Road, New Malindi Road, Old Malindi Road, and link roads.
"The County Government of Mombasa has hereby placed a restriction on the movement of heavy vehicles on select roads during peak hours as per the notice below. Your kind cooperation is appreciated," the governor stated.
Matatu owners plying the route had urged the county government to expand the road due to the increased snarl-ups, especially during peak hours.
"We want the national government to construct the North Coast road the way they constructed the Dongo Kundu on the South Coast and Makupa, Port Reitz in Mombasa West," stated Matatu Owners Associaton coordinator Salim Mbarak in October 2022.
The residents also called for the construction of a bridge as the Old Nyali bridge could no longer accommodate the high number of motorists.
Their call aligned with Abdulswamad's plan to enhance road safety after receiving Ksh141,200,000 million in aid granted by Bloomberg Foundation.
He pledged to use the funds to develop road signage and other safety features guaranteeing the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
In November 2022, President William Ruto commissioned the construction of the dualling of the 40-kilometre Mtwapa-Kilifi road along the Mombasa-Malindi Highway.
The project was aimed at reducing traffic, enhancing connectivity, and the safety of pedestrians as it includes a 10-kilometre footpath and six footbridges.
"This road will help us connect with our neighbours from the East African Community (EAC) and will conduct business that will grow our economies and create jobs," Ruto remarked.
