Major Nairobi Traffic Route Shut Down for Week-Long Bridge Repairs
Nairobi, 13 March 2026
Kenya’s busiest highway connecting the city centre to northern suburbs faces severe disruption as authorities close Globe Roundabout until 19th March for critical bridge works. The closure forces thousands of daily commuters onto alternative routes, creating significant congestion across Nairobi’s transport network. Motorists must navigate complex diversions including the Globe Overpass and Professor Wangari Maathai Road whilst technical teams conduct urgent reinstatement work on the Nairobi River bridge.
Seven-Day Closure Details and Timeline
The Kenya National Highways Authority announced on Thursday, 12th March that the partial closure would continue until Thursday, 19th March 2026, spanning exactly seven days [1]. The temporary disruption aims to facilitate technical reinstatement works at the Nairobi River Bridge, which sits adjacent to the heavily trafficked roundabout [1][3]. KeNHA’s public notice, issued on 12th March, emphasised that the closure was necessary to conduct technical investigations and stabilisation works at the critical infrastructure point [7]. The timing coincides with one of Nairobi’s peak traffic periods, as motorists are already reporting heavy congestion along the superhighway just hours after the announcement took effect [1].
Complex Network of Alternative Routes
KeNHA has established a comprehensive traffic management system with multiple diversion routes to accommodate different destinations across Nairobi. Motorists travelling from Thika toward the Central Business District must now use the Globe Overpass instead of accessing the roundabout directly [1][3][7]. Those heading to University Way from Thika face redirection through Professor Wangari Maathai Road, whilst drivers bound for Kirinyaga Road and the OTC area must navigate via Ring Road Ngara to reach the city centre [1][7]. The most complex diversion affects traffic from Kipande Road heading to the CBD, requiring motorists to use Limuru Road at the Fig Tree junction before joining Professor Wangari Maathai Road to continue their journey [1][3][7]. Additionally, vehicles from University Way or the Nairobi CBD that typically make U-turns at Globe Roundabout must now utilise the Guru Nanak U-Turn facility [1][3][7].
Traffic Management and Safety Measures
The authority has deployed comprehensive traffic control measures beyond the basic route diversions, with additional temporary controls including lane management systems that may be introduced as construction work progresses [1][7]. Police officers and traffic marshals have been stationed throughout the affected sections to manage traffic flow and ensure motorist safety [1][6]. KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli specifically urged drivers to “exercise caution around the work areas and follow the proposed traffic management plan as well as cooperate with the police and traffic marshals on site” [6]. The authority has also established a toll-free communication line at 0800 811 244 for public inquiries regarding the disruption [3]. Motorists are strongly advised to plan their journeys early and allow additional travel time due to expected congestion on the alternative routes [1][3].
Infrastructure Maintenance Priority
The week-long closure represents part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve critical infrastructure along one of Kenya’s busiest highways, which serves as a vital connection between Nairobi’s city centre and the northern suburbs [7]. The Globe Roundabout functions as a crucial junction linking the Thika Superhighway to multiple destinations including Nairobi CBD, University Way, and Kipande Road [3]. KeNHA has apologised for the inconvenience caused and requested that road users adhere strictly to the proposed traffic management plan during the seven-day disruption period [1]. The authority’s decision to conduct these works demonstrates the priority placed on maintaining the structural integrity of bridges and transport infrastructure that thousands of commuters depend upon daily [GPT]. The reinstatement works at the Nairobi River bridge highlight the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure whilst minimising disruption to Kenya’s economic hub [GPT].