Construction crews have started building a major bypass road around Zimbabwe's dangerous Christmas Pass. Leengate Private Limited began clearing land last Thursday for the 99 million dollar project. The company will build two modern traffic exchanges at each end of the 31.2 kilometer route. Workers expect to finish the bypass within 15 months. Heavy trucks will use the new road to avoid deadly mountain curves.
Accidents happen almost every week on Christmas Pass as loaded trucks struggle down steep slopes. Brake failures and truck rollovers occur frequently on the winding mountain road. The bypass will run through Feruka near Mutare city center. Officials first proposed this alternate route back in 1992. Most trucks carry goods to Mozambique's Beira port and other African countries.
Transport Minister Felix Mhona confirmed work has begun on the bypass project. Provincial engineer Raphael Sugauke said crews cleared their first work camp at Romeo Turn-off. The project will add several bridges along with the two major intersections. One exchange will sit at Romeo Turn-off and another at Mutare Teachers College. These connections will link the bypass to existing highways.
Provincial Minister Misheck Mugadza praised President Emmerson Mnangagwa for supporting the project. He said the bypass will reduce traffic jams and prevent accidents. Current traffic volumes create dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. The new route will move heavy trucks away from crowded city streets. Officials expect the bypass to save many lives once completed.
Accidents happen almost every week on Christmas Pass as loaded trucks struggle down steep slopes. Brake failures and truck rollovers occur frequently on the winding mountain road. The bypass will run through Feruka near Mutare city center. Officials first proposed this alternate route back in 1992. Most trucks carry goods to Mozambique's Beira port and other African countries.
Transport Minister Felix Mhona confirmed work has begun on the bypass project. Provincial engineer Raphael Sugauke said crews cleared their first work camp at Romeo Turn-off. The project will add several bridges along with the two major intersections. One exchange will sit at Romeo Turn-off and another at Mutare Teachers College. These connections will link the bypass to existing highways.
Provincial Minister Misheck Mugadza praised President Emmerson Mnangagwa for supporting the project. He said the bypass will reduce traffic jams and prevent accidents. Current traffic volumes create dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. The new route will move heavy trucks away from crowded city streets. Officials expect the bypass to save many lives once completed.
