The dualling of the Langata Road from the Kenya Wildlife Service gate to the Bomas of Kenya junction is at an advanced stage and will be opened fully in May.

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority, corrporate affairs chief John Cheboi yesterday said the left hand side of the carriageway is partially opened. The 3.2km road project is being undertaken by China Wu Yi Construction Company at a cost Sh2.67 billion.

"The dualling, which started in February last year is on schedule as major structural works including pedestrian sub-ways and underpasses as well as a box culvert are completed," said Cheboi.

KURA's "It will be a great relieve for motorists when part of the interchange will be open for traffic. "Backfilling of retaining walls is on-going in most sections of Magadi and Karen road.

He however said delays had been experienced due to the acquisition of land along the the road reserves for expansion.

"Like most urban projects Land acquisition and re-location of services remain a challenge. KURA is very hopeful that the gazettement of the National Land Commissioners will greatly help in hastening the process of land acquisition," he added.

The expansion and overpass is aimed to widen and reduce traffic jam along Langata Road with a new grade separated intersection at the Bomas/Karen and Ongata Rongai junction. This, according to Cheboi is part of a wider government plan to improve Langata-Karen and Ngong Roads.