The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has officially announced that a section of the Thika–Garissa (A3) Highway will undergo a partial closure lasting three months to allow for important repair works.
In a public notice released on Monday, July 21, KeNHA explained that the disruption will affect the area near Mbakini Centre, where maintenance will be carried out on the Kavenge (Mbakini) Bridge.
According to the announcement, rehabilitation works will begin on Saturday, July 26, 2025, and are scheduled to be completed by Saturday, November 8, 2025. The works mainly involve repairing bridge girders and the deck, which are crucial structural parts of the bridge.
During this period, motorists traveling along the highway should expect reduced traffic flow, delays, and possibly some temporary detours.
KeNHA assured the public that a comprehensive traffic management plan is being developed to help minimize congestion and ensure safety throughout the maintenance phase.
To support smooth traffic operations, police officers and trained traffic marshals will be stationed along the affected section to guide and assist drivers.
“KeNHA urges all motorists to cooperate with traffic officers on the ground and follow the approved traffic management plan to avoid inconvenience,” the statement read in part.
Why Bridge Girders Matter
Though not easily visible to the average road user, bridge girders are essential to the structure and safety of a bridge. These are horizontal beams installed beneath the road surface that carry the weight of the bridge deck and any vehicles that pass over it.
Engineers often describe girders as the “backbone” of the entire bridge structure.
The installation and rehabilitation of these girders involve multiple steps, including:
- Removal of old or worn-out components
- Precision structural repairs
- Installation of new girders, typically made from steel
Since steel plate girders are likely being used for this bridge, the installation process itself can take more than six weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the bridge.
However, considering the full scope of the work, including safety checks and road reinforcements, the entire project will require at least three months for proper execution.
Part of a Broader Trend of Roadworks
This isn’t the first time KeNHA has implemented such long-term closures in recent months. On June 28, the agency issued a similar advisory affecting the Gitaru Interchange, which links Waiyaki Way with the Southern and Western Bypasses.
That closure involved the Southwestern Loop, which was shut down to allow critical construction work.
Earlier in April, KeNHA also closed off parts of Mombasa Road and the Nairobi Expressway near Katani Road for road maintenance. That closure lasted from April 19 to July 20.
KeNHA continues to emphasize the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the role such projects play in ensuring road safety, structural reliability, and the overall improvement of transport networks across the country.
Motorists are encouraged to remain patient, stay informed, and plan their journeys in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.
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