The government plans to redevelop a 41-kilometer Maai Mahiu-Suswa road section, which will see the ease of access into the Naivasha inland container depot.
The road, which is a major road link to Western Kenya, has suffered numerous closures during heavy rains with some sections being completely washed off.
This has caused millions of shillings in losses for businesses, affected tourist movement to the reserve and forced commuters to use a longer route through Nakuru town.
“The reconstruction of the road (will) ensure smooth communication and travel in all seasons, hence removing the expensive disruptions and rerouting during the wet season. The adopted option is the proposed road that retains the current alignment with a provision for dual carriageway in future,” says the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) in submissions to the National Environment Management Authority (Nema).
The state has also laid plans for the construction of an interchange, to eliminate congestion of trucks headed to the port. The project will also feature pedestrian crossings and walkways.
“To ensure smooth and safe traffic flow near the ICD and Industrial park, an interchange is to be constructed on pieces of land to be purchased on either side of the road by the proponent. It will also have pedestrian walkways to enable people safely cross the road.”
KeNHA also reiterated that the government is debating on using geo-synthetic material to protect the road from soil movements. This will see it cost Sh13 billion, while the one without will cost Sh11 billion.
The road will be a solution to perennial traffic build-up while accessing the Inland Container Depot.
