This archive report was first published on 11 July 2021.
On July 11, 2021, motorists moved past the newly cleared Gilgil Weighbridge after an old toll plaza was demolished. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) had assured motorists of minimum disruption of traffic flow along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, occasioned by the demolition of the Gilgil weighbridge.
According to KeNHA, the demolition of the bridge kicked off on the night of July 10, 2021, with the highway authority advising motorists to use alternative routes between Saturday and Monday to facilitate the process. The exercise was carried out at night, during curfew hours, when the flow of traffic is minimal.
KeNHA cluster manager at the Gilgil toll station, Maurice Ademba, explained that the work was expected to happen during curfew hours, to avoid inconveniencing motorists. He emphasized the importance of following the provided guidelines and deviations within the area to ensure smooth removal of the bridge.
However, following a notice issued by the highway authority, there was an all-day traffic disruption at the weighbridge on Saturday, July 10 at 10pm to Monday 12 at 4pm. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes such as the Njabini flyover (near Soko Mjinga Market) - Njabini-Engineer -Okalou Gilgil route or Lanet (Nakuru)-Dundori-Ol Joro Orok-Olkalou-Engineer-Njabibini -Njabini Flyover routes.
KeNHA assured that the demolition would be complete by Monday evening, as a new bridge fitted with lighting and cameras was earlier erected to ensure weighbridge operations continue smoothly even as the demolition is going on.
