The long-awaited footbridges along Thika Road have finally kick-started with Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) saying construction works have already begun on the Witeithie footbridge in Juja.
The Authority also said Interways Works has already moved on the site and is expected to have installed the footbridge by December.
The Witeithie footbridge is among the 4 additional footbridges that will be constructed along Thika Road to increase pedestrian safety and alleviate congestion. The installation of the four footbridges will cost Sh820 million.
“The contract for the other three footbridges at Mangu, Garden City, and Survey of Kenya has been awarded and construction works will begin soon,” Charles Njogu, KeNHA’s assistant director for communications said.
Interways has received the contract to install Witeithie and Mangu footbridges at a cost of Sh430 million while Fourway Construction Limited will construct the footbridges at Garden City and Survey at a cost of Sh390 million.
Njogu also said once the footbridges are complete, the speed bumps constructed at these 4 points will be removed to increase traffic flow and along the highway and boost pedestrian safety.
In May 2016, Juja residents called for more the construction of more footbridges along the highway in a petition submitted to parliament to alleviate pedestrian accidents. The residents wished for footbridges to be constructed at Witeithie, Gwa Kairu Crossing near KU Ruiru Campus, Juja Highpoint/Ndarugu Crossing Point, the Toll Station near Theta Club, and Bob Harrie/Nyacaba roads crossing.
Many pedestrians have been victims of careless driving and human errors along the major highway which has 18 footbridges and 10 designed footbridges awaiting construction. The delay for the construction of these footbridges has been as a result of inadequate funds which have led KeNHA to contemplate floating an infrastructure bond via public private-partnerships (PPPs) and developing a concession of target roads to mitigate infrastructure costs.
