Reforms to reduce Nairobi’s CBD traffic congestion begin

City Hall has barricaded the right turn at the Old Nation (Khoja mosque) roundabout as it starts implementing traffic reforms to ease congestion in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

The barrier erected over the weekend bars traffic from Moi Avenue through River Road or those on Tom Mboya Street wishing to make a U-turn back into the city centre. This traffic has been seen as impeding flow towards Murang’a Road with the ensuing tailback stopping movement in the whole roundabout.

The reforms were announced last week with more right turns in roundabouts expected to be barred in the next two weeks. This will include the Westlands roundabout where motorists from the city and Rhapta Road will no longer be allowed to turn to Westlands but will instead proceed to make a U-turn at Brookside Drive then make their way back to the Westlands.

READ: Roundabouts to go as Kidero tackles Nairobi traffic

Equally, those from Westlands seeking to proceed to Rhapta Road or Kangemi will not be allowed to turn at the roundabout and will instead be forced to go and make a U-turn near Consolata School.

Motorists from the Industrial Area using Lusaka Road heading towards the CBD will also not be allowed to take a right turn at the roundabout near Nyayo Stadium. They will instead have to drive in the opposite direction and eventually turn on the South C bridge.

Exiting at Chiromo towards Riverside Drive will also no longer be allowed and motorists will be expected to proceed to the Westlands roundabout and exit using Rhapta Road towards Kileleshwa and Yaya Centre.

These changes are to be effected as quick fixes after which City Hall will spend nearly Sh400 million to replace five roundabouts with signalised intersections along the Mombasa Road-Uhuru Highway-Waiyaki Way stretch of the A104 and A109.