Motorists using Mombasa Road are facing major delays this Friday following a double whammy of disruptions near Athi River and Maanzoni in Machakos County.
In a public alert, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) warned of heavy traffic congestion heading toward Nairobi after an overloaded truck was intercepted at Athi River, effectively blocking one side of the highway.
“Motorists using Mombasa Road at Athi River, Nairobi-bound, are advised to take caution while driving, as an overloaded truck has interrupted, blocking one side of the road,” the statement read.To address the situation, KeNHA said its Axle Load Enforcement Highway Unit officers were on the ground working to open the blockage and restore normal flow.
Worsening the situation was another accident that had happened along the same Nairobi-bound section at Maanzoni; the accident brought traffic to a grindlock. No details on casualties or vehicles involved had been released by the time the press statement was released.
"The drivers are advised to use caution and be cooperative with traffic officers at the scene as clearing efforts go on," KeNHA said.The traffic woes come just ahead of planned road closures tied to Sunday’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) match featuring Harambee Stars. The government announced that one side of Mombasa Road will be closed from Lusaka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout to accommodate the event at Nyayo Stadium.
Other closed include Aerodrome Road from Madaraka Roundabout to Bunyala and sections of Lang’ata Road.
To reduce the congestion, County Traffic officers is calling on motorists to use alternative routes and plan their trips ahead.
