Once more, the Juja underpass along Thika Road Highway has succumbed to the heavy overnight rains, leaving it impassable for small vehicles.
Videos circulating on social media show motorists as they navigate through the floodwaters, with some resorting to pushing their vehicles through the waters.
In one clip, a group of individuals can be seen pushing a small car through the underpass.
Thika road around the Juja underpass. pic.twitter.com/DujLkdOtWu
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) May 1, 2024
In another video, a Super Metro bus manages to navigate its way through the waters to reach the other side.
Thika Road around Juja underpass is impassable for small cars.#ThikaRoad
— Jayden, go home, you’re drunk. (@mkufuuu) May 1, 2024
Kitengela@Ma3Route pic.twitter.com/vE0j0lyRZm
This is not the first time the underpass has faced such challenges. Just last week, on Wednesday, April 24, it was temporarily closed by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) following heavy rains the previous night.
The flooding had resulted in a traffic snarl-up, stretching from Juja Mall and affecting both the main highway and the service lane.
In response to the recurring issue, KeNHA issued an advisory urging motorists to utilize the service lane at Exit 14 and 15 until the water levels subside.
In another update, KeNHA said they had found a way to control the floodwaters.
They had resorted to opening a guard rail with a backhoe to ease the flooding.
“Update on traffic disruption at Juja Underpass along Thika Superhighway 1/2 The Authority has resolved to open a guard rail with a backhoe as a temporary measure to ease flooding water and restore traffic to normalcy at Juja underpass. While this is a temporary measure, the Authority continues to urge motorists to avoid the area if possible until the water recedes,” KeNHA had said on their X account.
Other flooded roads
In a recent update, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has resorted to temporarily closing some of the roads affected by the overnight rains that rendered them flooded and risky to pass.
Among the affected routes are Enterprise Road, Eastern Bypass, and Thika Bypass.
KURA said efforts are underway to manage traffic flow and ensure the safety of motorists navigating the affected areas.
“Following the heavy rains experienced last night across the country, the following roads within Nairobi & Kiambu Counties have been heavily affected leading to partial closure. Enterprise road, Eastern bypass and Thika bypass. The traffic police and our technical team are on the ground to direct traffic and enhance the safety of Motorists. We shall keep you posted as the situation unfolds. Please drive safely and don’t attempt to cross flooded sections,” KURA said.
