Green Park Underpass set to transform Nairobi’s CBD access

NAIROBI, — A significant step towards improving pedestrian safety and easing traffic congestion in Nairobi’s central business district is nearing completion. The Green Park underpass, situated at the busy intersection of Uhuru Highway and Haile Selassie Avenue, is now 88% complete and is expected to be operational by mid-2025.

This Ksh 2 billion project, spearheaded by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) in collaboration with the China Road and Bridge Corporation, aims to provide a safe and efficient route for pedestrians beneath Uhuru Highway. Once operational, it will connect Uhuru Park, Nairobi Railway Station, and Haile Selassie Avenue directly to the CBD without the need to cross busy traffic lanes.

The underpass is designed to enhance pedestrian mobility and reduce traffic congestion in one of Nairobi’s busiest areas. It features well-lit corridors, CCTV surveillance, and commercial amenities, including coffee shops, kiosks, and newsstands. These facilities are intended to mirror the multi-functional pedestrian tunnels found in cities like Amsterdam, London, and Hong Kong, where such infrastructure serves both transit and lifestyle purposes.

Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management, emphasized the project’s significance during an inspection tour. “This Green Park underpass is not just any construction project it represents a vision to modernize Nairobi’s urban landscape,” he remarked. “We’re creating an experience, not just a crossing.”

The underpass is part of a broader initiative to decongest the city and improve mobility. It aims to reduce the chronic traffic bottlenecks at the Haile Selassie-Uhuru Highway junction by separating pedestrian and vehicular movement. With over 21,000 pedestrians using the intersection daily, the underpass is expected to alleviate pedestrian-vehicle conflicts and enhance commuter safety.

Once completed, the Green Park underpass will not only provide a safer alternative for pedestrians but also contribute to Nairobi’s image as a forward-looking, people-centred metropolis. By diverting foot traffic below ground, the facility is expected to improve traffic flow and mark a shift from reactive traffic control to proactive, design-led solutions in line with global best practices.

As Nairobi continues to grow, projects like the Green Park underpass are crucial in shaping the city’s future, ensuring that development keeps pace with the needs of its residents.

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