N$2.8b Hage G. Geingob Freeway extension unveiled
The Roads Authority (RA) officially opened the full 10-kilometre stretch of the Dr Hage G. Geingob Freeway yesterday, valued at approximately N$2.8 billion.
In August, President Nangolo Mbumba officially renamed the Hosea Kutako International Airport Freeway after late president Hage Geingob in honour of his birthday.
Speaking at the event on Thursday, RA CEO Conrad Lutombi praised the freeway opening as a milestone and a major step towards improving connectivity in and around Windhoek.
"Previously, the road was only open up to the Robert Mugabe interchange, but as of today, road users can access the Dr Sam Nujoma interchange, connecting Avis, Eros and Kleine Kuppe," Lutombi announced.
The development also allows travellers from Hosea Kutako International Airport to access the freeway via the Avis interchange, while drivers from Okahandja can connect through the Western Bypass. The extension is expected to ease congestion, particularly for heavy trucks bypassing the city.
Looking ahead, Lutombi confirmed that the freeway to the airport will be fully operational by March next year.
This includes the addition of the Finkenstein and Dobra River interchanges. “We are optimistic that by next year, the freeway will fully serve our road users, ensuring smoother connectivity,” he said.
Ease of connection
Addressing concerns about the 4.4-kilometre bottleneck stretch on the Western Bypass, Lutombi acknowledged the challenges posed by budgetary constraints during the initial construction phases.
He said the RA has approached the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) for approval to commence upgrading this particular section.
“The bottleneck creates a dangerous traffic conflict. However, we are optimistic that with CPBN's approval, construction will soon begin. This will include a full interchange at what we call Sam Nujoma West and extensions to key bridges,” he explained.
Furthermore, Lutombi added that pedestrian safety is a priority, with plans to install overhead crossings on the Western Bypass to reduce accidents.
“These projects are anticipated to improve Namibia's road infrastructure by late next year, to solidify the freeway’s Class A status,” he noted.
In August, President Nangolo Mbumba officially renamed the Hosea Kutako International Airport Freeway after late president Hage Geingob in honour of his birthday.
Speaking at the event on Thursday, RA CEO Conrad Lutombi praised the freeway opening as a milestone and a major step towards improving connectivity in and around Windhoek.
"Previously, the road was only open up to the Robert Mugabe interchange, but as of today, road users can access the Dr Sam Nujoma interchange, connecting Avis, Eros and Kleine Kuppe," Lutombi announced.
The development also allows travellers from Hosea Kutako International Airport to access the freeway via the Avis interchange, while drivers from Okahandja can connect through the Western Bypass. The extension is expected to ease congestion, particularly for heavy trucks bypassing the city.
Looking ahead, Lutombi confirmed that the freeway to the airport will be fully operational by March next year.
This includes the addition of the Finkenstein and Dobra River interchanges. “We are optimistic that by next year, the freeway will fully serve our road users, ensuring smoother connectivity,” he said.
Ease of connection
Addressing concerns about the 4.4-kilometre bottleneck stretch on the Western Bypass, Lutombi acknowledged the challenges posed by budgetary constraints during the initial construction phases.
He said the RA has approached the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) for approval to commence upgrading this particular section.
“The bottleneck creates a dangerous traffic conflict. However, we are optimistic that with CPBN's approval, construction will soon begin. This will include a full interchange at what we call Sam Nujoma West and extensions to key bridges,” he explained.
Furthermore, Lutombi added that pedestrian safety is a priority, with plans to install overhead crossings on the Western Bypass to reduce accidents.
“These projects are anticipated to improve Namibia's road infrastructure by late next year, to solidify the freeway’s Class A status,” he noted.
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