The Nairobi Greenpark Terminus Pedestrian Underpass is located at the busy Haile Selassie–Uhuru Highway roundabout. Currently, the project is nearly complete and it’s completion status stands at 97 per cent.
On Thursday, the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure did an inspection of the Ksh.2 billion project. The highly anticipated project is expected to open soon. Furthermore, the lawmakers hailed the facility as a key step toward easing congestion in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. Also, in another project that is expected to ease traffic congestion in Nairobi, a 70-kilometer road was unveiled in the capital for commuters.
Factsheet
Project name: Greenpark Terminus Pedestrian Underpass Network
Location: Haile Selassie Avenue–Uhuru Highway Roundabout, Nairobi,
Funding source: Government of Kenya (GoK) through the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF)
Contractor: China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC)
Consulting engineer: Civil One Consulting Engineers Ltd.
Total length: Approximately 500 meters. The network consists of four underpasses.
Pedestrian capacity: Designed to accommodate over 21,000 pedestrians daily and up to 8,500 at peak hours.
Current progress: Approximately 97% complete
Expected opening: Soon, targeted for December
About Project’s Financing and Developer
The project was financed through the Road Maintenance Levy Fund. Additionally, it is being implemented by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) under the supervision of Civil One Consulting Engineers Ltd.
The 500-metre underground pedestrian walkway is designed to streamline pedestrian movement across major routes. These routes include Mombasa Road, Upper Hill, Westlands, and the Railway terminus. Streamlining of the pedestrian movement is expected to eventually strengthen Nairobi’s transport network.
Facilities
Furthermore, the Nairobi Greenpark Terminus Pedestrian Underpass is equipped with seven standby generators and a water pump for drainage. Additionally, it features CCTV surveillance and a police post for security. It also contains elevators that will serve persons with disabilities, the elderly, and expectant mothers. Lastly, the facility will host 39 shops, billboards, and rental spaces to generate revenue.
According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the remaining works on the project entail installation of elevators, electrical and mechanical systems, interior finishes, CCTV setup, landscaping, and final utility connections.
Capacity
Once the project commences operations, the Greenpark underpass is expected to improve pedestrian safety at one of Nairobi’s busiest junction. Also it will be used by more than 21,000 people daily. Additionally, it will reduce traffic conflicts between vehicles and non-motorised users, cut travel times, and enhance overall transport efficiency.
The commercial spaces within the underpass are expected to create new business opportunities. On the other hand, the improved infrastructure will bolster safety and logistics in the central business district.
