The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a traffic advisory for motorists using the Nairobi Southern Bypass, announcing a temporary partial closure of the road this coming weekend to allow for the installation of stress-strain sensors.
According to a notice issued on Monday, June 2, the affected section lies near the entrance to the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) camp, directly opposite Nairobi National Park.
The closure will be in effect from Saturday, June 7 at 10:00 PM to Sunday, June 8 at 8:00 AM, totaling eight hours.
“The disruption follows the installation of stress-strain sensors on the highway pavement,” KeNHA said.
What Are Stress-Strain Sensors?
These specialised devices are installed beneath road surfaces to measure how pavement materials respond to traffic pressure, especially from heavy commercial vehicles.
The data collected is critical for:
Evaluating pavement strength and performance, guiding future road maintenance schedules, and mproving road design standards and upgrades.
“By understanding traffic load impacts in real-time, KeNHA can optimise long-term infrastructure planning,” the statement added.
Only a 10-metre stretch of the outer lane will be affected, meaning both lanes will not be entirely closed.
However, motorists are urged to proceed with caution and follow directions from traffic marshals and police officers who will be on site.
This is not the first time the Authority has temporarily closed this highway.
In December 2024, KeNHA undertook similar works for bridge expansion joint rehabilitation and concrete pavement reconstruction near the Virtual Weighbridge.
