The major access road to the Port of Mombasa from the Central Business District has been expanded.

The dual carriageway has been expanded by two metres on each course to accommodate two trucks on either side at the same time.

“This is part of the expansions of entry and exit points to accommodate the growing number of trucks,” said Hajj Masemo, Kenya Ports Authority principle communication officer.

He spoke to the Star on the phone yesterday.

Masemo said the climbing lanes at gates 18 and 20 are under construction.

These are expected to improve off-take and truck turnaround time.

The expansion projects come as the port hit the one million container throughput mark for the first time on December 31.

The access roads and gate expansion projects have been funded by Trade Mark East Africa for Sh100.2 million.

The contract was signed in December 2013 and AELHS Engineering awarded the tender.

“We remain focused on improving movement into and out of the port as we continue with improving port efficiency,” said Masemo.

He said the management will also widen the exit road through gate number 18 up to the Changamwe roundabout, which will be increased by two lanes.

Masemo said gates numbers 20 and 21 will also be reconfigured to enable smooth movement of trucks out of the container terminal.

The expansion is expected to increase the number of containers moved out of the port daily.

KPA delivers about 2,000 twenty-foot containers a day.

Source: The Star

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