The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has taken a major step towards the construction of a new Nithi Bridge after approving the final design for the Ksh7.5 billion project.
KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli over the weekend inspected the final bridge design and proposed road alignment before authorising the contractor to commence preliminary works.
The inspection signals the project is in its final design phase, with engineers validating the revised road alignment and implementation plans aimed at improving safety along the busy Meru-Nairobi highway.
According to KeNHA, the new bridge and road alignment will replace the current hazardous layout with a safer design intended to curb the frequent accidents that have claimed hundreds of lives over the years.
"Once complete, the realignment will significantly reduce the risk of accidents at Nithi Bridge while providing a safer and more efficient transport link for road users," the Authority said.
KeNHA noted that the project forms part of its broader commitment to delivering quality road infrastructure that saves lives, improves mobility and supports socio-economic development.
Freshly released 3D renderings obtained by Vantage Ke depict the completed bridge featuring a redesigned road alignment, a wider carriageway and gentler bends designed to minimise road crashes.
The latest development comes just weeks after the National Land Commission (NLC) approved KeNHA's Early Entry Request, clearing the way for construction to begin before the completion of land acquisition and compensation.
The approval followed a joint public sensitisation meeting held on July 1 in Tharaka Nithi County between the NLC and KeNHA, where Early Entry notices were issued to affected landowners.
"KeNHA has received approval from NLC to commence construction on the new alignment of Nithi Bridge through an Early Entry Request, pending the completion of land acquisition and compensation for affected property owners," KeNHA said in an earlier statement.
The clearance allows the highways authority to access the required land parcels and keep the project on schedule instead of waiting for the compensation process to be concluded.
The redesigned bridge represents a significant engineering upgrade for the notorious crossing, which has for years been associated with fatal crashes because of its sharp bends and blind corners on both approaches.
Once construction gets underway, the project is expected to deliver a safer and more modern transport link while addressing the longstanding safety concerns that have made Nithi Bridge one of Kenya's most dangerous road sections.
