Construction works on the B1 national road section between Okahandja and Windhoek, Namibia has begun. The government was prompted to upgrade this road to a dual carriageway due to the fact that it accommodates many heavy vehicles, making it one of the countries dangerous roads.
A 10km stretch will be upgraded on the road, and the construction activities will entail 691 000m3 mass earthworks and 324 000m2 single seal surfacing. In addition, two interchanges will be constructed, with each one of them having a north and south bridge.
There will be an additional 4.5km road created to give proper access to plots that are near to the carriageway. The completion of the project is expected to be in 2016.
According to the Divisional MD of Aveng Grinaker-LTA Richard Evans, there will be no major road diversions while construction continues. Upon completion of the northbound carriageway, vehicles will be channeled to that section so that the south part can also be constructed.
Evans also noted that the dual carriage upgrade is advantageous because it will help in the effective flow of traffic during peak hours and slower vehicles will not be at any risk.
Namibia is also undertaking another massive port expansion project – the Southern Africa Development Community Gateway Port – set to start this year.
