The Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) on March 24 launched the $100 million (Rwf140bn) project that is set to not only change the face of Kigali, but also significantly ease traffic flow along the city’s major roads. The project, which will be implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) will commence with improving three critical road junctions: Chez Lando, Gishushu, and Kicukiro/Sonatubes. ALSO READ: More four-lane roads, 43 flyovers planned for Kigali The road junctions approved late last year under the project dubbed Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project (KUTI), seeks to improve Kigali’s urban transport infrastructure by upgrading key junctions, promoting Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) facilities, and supporting e-mobility initiatives. At the Chez Lando junction commonly known as Gisimenti, an underpass will be constructed such that a motorist coming from Gishushu heading to Kigali International Airport passes below vehicles moving on a road overhead. ALSO READ: Is it possible to unlock Kigali's peak-hour jam? A technical feasibility study commissioned by recommended, among others, the construction of a 740-metre-long underpass, according to RTDA’s environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) for the project. ALSO READ: Kigali to pilot dedicated bus lanes in six months For the Gishushu junction there will be a flyover bridge from around Simba Supermarket such that buses using the existing road pass underneath it. The recommended intervention consists construction of a 500m-long flyover bridge. Regarding the Sonatubes junction there will be an underpass [tunnel] from the Ministry of Health offices, before moving up from the area where Rwanda Tourism University College is located. ALSO READ: Six things to know about Kigali urban transport improvement project The technical study commission by RTDA recommended the construction of a 620m long underpass tunnel in line with the junction improvement. In a broader context, the three junctions’ upgrade is part of the KUTI project meant for easing transport in and around the capital, through interventions including reducing congestion and long queues prevalent at most major junctions during peak periods. The AfDB Country Manager, Aissa Touré stated that “the project will not only improve transport efficiency and connectivity but also contribute to economic growth and job creation.” The initiative is expected to create approximately 400 temporary jobs during the construction phase, with 30% of these opportunities designated for women. 11 road junctions need improvement Fidele Abimana, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of infrastructure said that the city seeks to upgrade 11 road junctions of which Chez Lando, Gishushu, and Kicukiro/Sonatubes junctions are part. Planned activities also include the upgrading of Gisozi (Kinamba area) junction, Nyabugogo, Rwandex, and Kibagabaga junctions, availing designated bus lanes, cyclist lanes, overhead pedestrian bridges, and easing movement of persons with disabilities (PWDs). ALSO READ: Dedicated bus lanes: Why CBD-Sonatubes-Giporoso road was selected In September 2024, the City of Kigali announced that it was set to pilot Dedicated Bus Lanes within the next six months. Currently the city is preparing a lane exclusively for buses. The initial pilot will cover two lanes of the Central Business District-Rwandex-Sonatubes-Giporoso road. One of the key characteristics of this road is that it has four lanes, which makes it easy to dedicate two to buses that are carrying passengers in peak hours, while the remaining two are used by private cars. The dedicated bus lanes will be in use from Monday to Friday during morning and evening peak hours.
