Mbogolo Bridge closes for final works, traffic diverted to old bridge.

13/03/2025

4mo

Mbogolo Bridge closes for final works, traffic diverted to old bridge. FILE | Courtesy

BySophia Winters

Key Take-aways from this Story

Closure Dates: March 18 (midnight) – April 1 (midnight).

Alternative Route: Old Mbogolo Bridge.

Reason for Closure: Final construction works to enhance safety and durability.

Traffic Measures: Police and marshals deployed, signage in place, public advisories issued.

Long-term Benefits: Reduced congestion, improved connectivity between Mombasa and Kilifi, enhanced transport efficiency.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a temporary closure of the newly constructed Mbogolo Bridge along the Mombasa-Mtwapa-Kilifi road. The closure, set to begin on Tuesday, March 18, at midnight and lasting until Tuesday, April 1, at midnight, is necessary to complete the final phase of construction. This development marks a critical step in the overall infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing the efficiency and safety of the region’s road network.

Traffic Diversion and Motorist Advisory

With the closure of the new bridge, all vehicles traveling along this corridor will be rerouted to the old Mbogolo Bridge, which will serve as the alternative passage during this period. KeNHA has urged motorists to exercise patience, plan their journeys accordingly, and follow all road signs and diversions to ensure smooth traffic flow.

“The closure will facilitate the final stages of the project, ensuring safety and durability,” KeNHA stated in a public notice issued on March 12. The agency has emphasized that while the closure might cause temporary disruptions, the long-term benefits of the bridge will significantly outweigh the short-term inconveniences.

Mitigating Traffic Disruptions

Given that the Mombasa-Mtwapa-Kilifi road is one of the busiest transport arteries along the Kenyan coast, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on traffic. To mitigate congestion and ensure minimal delays, KeNHA has put in place a comprehensive traffic management plan.

Deployment of traffic marshals and police officers – Authorities will be stationed at key points to manage vehicle flow and prevent gridlock.
Clear road signage and alternative routes – Motorists will be guided on the best way to navigate the affected areas.
Public awareness and advisories – Drivers, businesses, and commuters are being informed in advance to allow them to make necessary adjustments to their travel schedules.

**The new look of the bridge after reconstruction. Source: citizen.digital**

The diversion via the old Mbogolo Bridge will be crucial in ensuring continuity of movement, though drivers should expect slight delays, especially during peak hours. KeNHA has requested the cooperation of all road users, emphasizing the importance of patience and adherence to instructions from marshals and police officers.

Enhancing Coastal Connectivity and Economic Growth

The Mbogolo Bridge project is part of a broader government initiative to modernize road infrastructure in Kenya, particularly in high-traffic regions such as the coastal strip. The bridge is expected to enhance connectivity between Mombasa and Kilifi, making transportation more efficient and reducing travel time significantly.

This upgrade is not just beneficial to daily commuters but also to businesses, traders, and transporters who rely on the Mombasa-Mtwapa-Kilifi corridor for economic activities. With Mombasa being a key port city, a smoother road network will facilitate faster movement of goods, reduce logistical costs, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the region.

Government’s Commitment to Infrastructure Development

Kenya’s road and transport sector has seen major investments in recent years as the government aims to enhance mobility and trade across the country. The construction of new roads and bridges aligns with the government’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes infrastructure as a key pillar of economic transformation.

The Mbogolo Bridge is just one of many projects designed to improve road safety and efficiency. Other key infrastructure projects in the coastal region include:

**A representation of an ongoing project of Dongo Kundu bypass. Source: KNA**

Dongo Kundu Bypass – A crucial link reducing congestion around Mombasa port.
Mombasa-Malindi Highway expansion – Aimed at accommodating increased traffic along the northern coastline.
Likoni Floating Bridge – Providing alternative passage for pedestrians across the Likoni Channel.

These projects collectively aim to support trade, tourism, and transportation, ensuring that the region remains a vital economic hub for Kenya and East Africa.

What Motorists Need to Know

As the final construction activities take place, KeNHA has issued a few key recommendations for motorists:

1.Plan trips ahead of time – With diversions in place, drivers should allocate extra travel time to accommodate potential delays.
2.Observe speed limits and traffic rules – To ensure safety, especially along the alternative route, motorists are urged to adhere to posted speed limits and road signs.

**Motorists are urged to adhere to posted speed limits and road signs. Source: AFP**

3.Use alternative routes where possible – Those not necessarily traveling to Kilifi should consider using other road networks to avoid congestion.
4.Follow updates from KeNHA – Regular announcements will be made regarding progress on the bridge and any potential changes to the traffic management plan.

Looking Ahead

While the closure of the Mbogolo Bridge might cause temporary inconvenience, its long-term benefits will be immense. The upgraded bridge will improve safety, reduce travel time, and enhance the overall transport experience along the Mombasa-Mtwapa-Kilifi corridor.

Authorities are optimistic that once completed, the bridge will significantly decongest traffic, provide a reliable link for residents and businesses, and contribute to the seamless movement of people and goods.

For now, KeNHA urges all motorists and road users to cooperate fully and follow the recommended guidelines to ensure a smooth transition during the closure period. As Kenya continues to invest in infrastructure development, such projects will play a vital role in shaping the country’s economic future.

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