Motorists in Nairobi are being advised to brace for significant traffic disruptions as a crucial section of the Nairobi Expressway will be temporarily closed for three days. The affected stretch runs from the overpass at James Gichuru Roundabout to Njuguna’s Place on Waiyaki Way. This closure is scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 16, and will last until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19.
The temporary shutdown is necessary to enable important construction and maintenance works aimed at improving the overall safety and efficiency of the expressway. This infrastructure upgrade is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the expressway continues to meet the growing demands of Nairobi’s commuters and supports smoother traffic flow.
During the closure, motorists will not be able to access the overpass section between James Gichuru Roundabout and Njuguna’s Place. However, traffic using the underpass and the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway below will remain unaffected, allowing some continuity of movement despite the overpass closure.
Authorities have urged motorists who normally use the overpass as a means to bypass the busy James Gichuru Roundabout to plan alternative routes well in advance. The disruption is expected to cause delays, especially during peak hours, and early preparation will help reduce the impact on daily commuters.
This upcoming closure is part of a series of scheduled maintenance and construction activities along the Nairobi Expressway aimed at enhancing the road network. Recently, the Nairobi Expressway management implemented a temporary overnight closure of Museum Hill Exit A to carry out necessary repairs and improvements. That closure lasted from 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, to 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 11.
During the Museum Hill Exit closure, motorists were advised to use the Haile Selassie Exit as an alternative route. This helped ease congestion and allowed the maintenance work to be carried out without significant disruption to overall traffic flow.
The Nairobi Expressway is a vital artery in the city’s road network, connecting various suburbs and facilitating the movement of goods and people in and out of Nairobi. As such, its maintenance is critical to supporting the city’s economic activities and reducing travel times for thousands of daily commuters.
Motorists are encouraged to stay updated on any further announcements from the expressway management and local authorities regarding future closures or traffic advisories. Planning ahead and considering alternative routes will be key to minimizing inconvenience during these periods of essential works.
The expressway is managed under a public-private partnership arrangement with the Government of Kenya, which has allowed for significant investment in its development and upkeep. The ongoing construction and maintenance activities underscore a commitment to sustaining the quality and safety of this important infrastructure asset.
As Nairobi continues to grow, infrastructure projects like these are crucial in addressing the challenges of urban mobility. Although temporary closures cause some short-term inconvenience, they are necessary steps toward achieving a safer and more efficient road network.
The Nairobi Expressway serves as a model for modern urban roadways in Kenya, featuring advanced design and technology to improve traffic management. Maintenance work ensures that these features remain functional and that the expressway can handle increasing vehicle volumes effectively.
In summary, motorists should anticipate the closure of the Nairobi Expressway overpass section between James Gichuru Roundabout and Njuguna’s Place on Waiyaki Way from the early morning of May 16 through the evening of May 19. Alternative routes and careful trip planning are strongly recommended to avoid delays. The closure supports ongoing construction and maintenance aimed at improving safety and efficiency on this critical route, with other parts of the expressway remaining operational during the works.
Authorities and the expressway management apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during this period of necessary upgrades and repairs.
