UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | In a significant development, the government has initiated major construction works on the Busega-Mpigi expressway, leading to the diversion of traffic on a segment of the Kampala-Masaka highway.
The move is part of the government’s strategy to address the persistent traffic congestion between Busega and Nsangi along the Kampala-Masaka highway.
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) spokesperson, Mr Allan Ssempebwa, confirmed that the traffic diversion had been pre-communicated to road users to facilitate the commencement of full-scale construction.
“We put up notices earlier and shall continue engaging road users to take precautions in and outside Mpigi town to avoid accidents. We expect the work to take about 8 months,” he stated.
To facilitate the construction process, road users bound for Masaka will be rerouted at the Mpigi Town roundabout, rejoining the Masaka Highway at Kalagala.
Similarly, motorists heading to Kampala will follow the redirected route. The diversion aims to streamline traffic flow and minimise disruptions during the anticipated 23.7km expressway project.
The construction of the Busega-Mpigi expressway is a collaborative effort involving a consortium of Chinese companies, namely the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the China Railway 19th Bureau Group Company Limited.
The government envisions that this initiative will alleviate the longstanding traffic congestion issues that plague certain sections of the Kampala-Masaka highway, particularly between Busega and Nsangi.
Similar to the toll system implemented on the Entebbe Expressway, the Busega-Mpigi Expressway will also be tolled.
Motorists are expected to pay toll fees based on their respective vehicle sizes. This tolling approach aims to contribute to the financing of the expressway project and ensure its sustainability.
The spokesperson further emphasised the importance of cooperation from the public during this period, urging road users to adhere to safety guidelines and follow the designated diversion routes.
UNRA anticipates that the construction, managed by the Chinese consortium, will be completed within the estimated timeframe of 8 months.
The Busega-Mpigi expressway project aligns with the government’s broader infrastructure development agenda, aiming to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and bolster economic activities in the region.
As the construction progresses, UNRA will continue to provide updates and engage with the public to ensure a smooth flow of information regarding the project’s status and any relevant changes to traffic patterns.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
Masaka City Allocates USh130m for Repairs to Faulty Street Lights
Infrastructure Upgrade Continues as Hoima District Local Government Addresses Road Maintenance