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Access Engineering PLC (AEL) is making swift progress in the construction of the T-Mall flyover and 05 foot bridges in Kenya and is well on schedule to be completed and handed over next year.
Recognising the need for constructing a flyover across Langata road in Nairobi which is used to move large volumes of cargo on a regular basis, the project was initiated by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KNHA) of the Ministry of Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development of Kenya. Traffic at the T-Mall junction is said to be heavy during the day time and worsens at peak time between 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
At completion, the 405.8 m long T-Mall flyover is expected to largely improve the travel time of commuters in Nairobi since traffic along Mbagathi Way and Maai Mahui Road can use the service road beside the flyover without the need for stopping at the junction. As of January, main erection work of the flyover was completed with the project scheduled for substantial completion by July.
The T-Mall flyover is the first steel flyover to be constructed in Kenya and the company engages the services of selected local sub-contractors in the execution of work. Hence, the project will be a catalyst of growth for the local construction industry in Kenya with direct technology and knowledge transfer.
Alongside the T-Mall flyover, the company is also engaging in the construction of foot bridges in five locations namely; T-Mall Junction, Uhuru Garden, Barracks, Nayayo and Galariya, all of which are located along the Mombasa and Langata Road, Nairobi. The completion of the five pedestrian bridges is expected to greatly improve the safety of pedestrians crossing the road, while reducing travel time for motorists.
The footbridges are located where the recorded pedestrian fatalities are highest in the city. According to Kenyan media reports, close to 40 pedestrians have been killed in road crossing related accidents with a further 80 persons suffering injuries in January alone.
Both the flyover and the footbridges are expected to reduce the vehicle operating costs substantially over time due to reduced traffic congestion. Reduced traffic levels are also closely associated with lesser environmental pollution and carbon emission.