By Judith Matanire
Motorists using the Harare–Mutare Highway will from September 9 be redirected to detour routes as government moves ahead with the construction of the Mabvuku Traffic Interchange, a project expected to transform traffic flow in the eastern parts of the capital.
Initial ground works, including clearing of land and preparation of temporary roads, have already started. The interchange is designed to ease congestion on the highway, which carries heavy commercial traffic to Mozambique and daily commuter flows from Mabvuku, Tafara and neighbouring suburbs into Harare’s central business district.
Announcing the diversion, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development said the temporary changes are meant to allow smooth progress on the project while safeguarding both drivers and construction teams.
“Traffic will be diverted to detour routes for the purposes of the construction of the Mabvuku Interchange. Clear signage will be in place to guide motorists through alternative routes,” the ministry said, adding that the public’s cooperation is appreciated.
The Mabvuku project comes on the back of the recently opened Trabablas Interchange, which has improved connectivity between Simon Mazorodze, High Glen and Chitungwiza Roads. That development has been hailed as a benchmark in modern road construction and has inspired similar projects across the city.
Work is also beginning on future interchanges at Simon Mazorodze/Willowvale, Simon Mazorodze/Remembrance, as well as Harare Drive, Westgate and Churchill Road intersections.