Commuters on board MV Harambee at the Likoni crossing channel. [Photo/nation.co.ke]
The national government has unveiled plans to construct a Sh82 billion Gate Bridge connecting Mombasa Island and the mainland. The project, which will take four years, is expected to ease transport along the Likoni ferry channel upon completion.The project consultant and the environmental impact assessment team leader Mr Michael Mwangi said the bridge is expected to begin on Lumumba Road, near Jela Baridi Prison, Majengo. The bridge will pass through railway station and Moi Avenue along Archbishop Makarios Road, Likoni Channel at Mwenza Creek before joining the Southern by-pass at Ziwani.Mwangi on Thursday confirmed the completion of the feasibility test ahead of the construction process set to begin in April.“We are constructing a very tall bridge in the country from King’orani area in Mombasa and connect it to the projected Southern by-pass in Ziwani area Kwale County,” said Mr Mwangi, as quoted by The Star. He said the project, which will be 1.4 kilometers long and about 69.9 metres tall, will not affect operations at both the Mtongwe and Likoni Ferries. Maina, however, said that the contractor of the project will find it difficult to construct the bridge considering the high traffic along the Likoni ferry channel. The bridge will include four lanes and sidewalks for pedestrians.