Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has provided crucial information on the construction of Nairobi Western bypass. Its construction starting at Ruaka passing through Ndenderu, Kihara, Wangige and Kanjeru, joining the Nairobi-Nakuru highway at Gitaru completes the Ring Road around Nairobi City. It is set to reduce traffic congestion within the city.
The bypass procured through Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract is expected to cost KES 17 billion. The cost of the project has been termed as expensive comparing with other main roads being constructed. The EPC Model ensures that no variation of prices are incurred during implementation of the project.
The Authority through a press release confirms that feasibility study and preliminary designs have already been carried out to determine project scope and cost, valuation of works and economic analysis of the project undertaken by a technical team of experts on civil engineering and economists. Thirdly, necessary presentation of the project proposal has already been made to the National Treasury and the Attorney General, and approvals obtained.
Scope of work
The bypass will cover a total length of 126 kilometers consisting of four lanes express way of 16.5km and service roads of 17.4km, six traffic interchanges and overpass at Gitaru, Wangige, Kihara, Ndenderu and Ruaka, each with a configuration of four traffic lanes, and 11 traffic bridges and underpasses.
The project will have separate foot paths, cycle tracks and street lighting for enhanced safety and security features. To avoid encroachment of the road reserve, retaining walls and slope protection, noise barriers and common utility service will be erected. In addition, to enhance transport efficiency and ensure traffic congestion and minimal interruptions by public service vehicles, a bus park will be put up at Wangige.
Elsewhere, the Southern bypass will be completed next week, KeNHA has announced. Its completion has been delayed by issues of land acquisition along the National Park is currently at 98 per cent completion. The design speed for the road will be 100kph to ensure traffic flow.
In 2010, the Government through KeNHA contracted China Road and Bridge Corporation to carry out design and construction work.