KeNHA Annouces Traffic Disruptions at Tana River Bridge for Girder Installation

The Kenya National Highways Authority has issued a public notice regarding temporary traffic disruptions at the Tana River Bridge to facilitate critical installation works on the new crossing. The restrictions affect a section of the Ukasi-Garissa-Modika (A3) Road as engineers begin the transportation and launching of precast concrete girders. This technical phase is central to the expansion of the bridge, which spans approximately 150 metres and serves as the primary link between the Coast, Eastern, and North Eastern regions.  

Construction activities are scheduled to take place in two distinct windows to manage the flow of heavy machinery and structural components. The first phase of disruptions concludes this week, with a second, longer duration slated to begin on December 29 and run through January 15, 2026. To minimize the impact on regional transport during the festive season, the authority has confined the work to off-peak hours, specifically between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.  

The project, which was officially launched by President William Ruto in February 2025, involves the construction of a modern bridge and reinforced approach roads. Current engineering focus remains on the placement of massive concrete beams that will form the primary deck structure. Once this new facility is operational, the existing 43-year-old bridge will be repurposed to handle lighter traffic, including pedestrians and livestock, effectively separating transit modes to improve safety.  

Traffic marshals and police officers have been deployed to both the Madogo and Garissa sides of the river to manage vehicle queues and guide motorists through the construction zone. The acting Director General of the highways authority, Eng. Luka Kimeli, urged drivers to adhere to on-site instructions and exercise caution around heavy lifting equipment. The Sh1.77 billion project is expected to alleviate long-standing congestion at this gateway, providing a more reliable crossing for commercial haulage and passenger buses.