Sh1.7b Likoni floating bridge takes shape

Construction under way for the proposed Likoni floating bridge. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

Works on the first floating footbridge across the Likoni Ferry channel have started.

The Sh1.7 billion bridge contracted to the China Road and Bridge Corporation is being erected at Liwatoni on the island side and is a composite structure designed for pedestrians only.

It starts at the former Outrigger Hotel next to the Kenya Coast Guard headquarters in Mvita sub-County and crosses the sea to Peleleza in Likoni sub-County.

The bridge deck will have a 529-metre floating section and a 54-metre approaches on either side.

Coast Regional Coordinator John Elungata said perennial human congestion at the busy Likoni crossing channel will end soon when construction of the footbridge that will link Mombasa Island to the mainland south is completed in November.

The project is being undertaken by the State Department of Infrastructure through its implementing agency the Kenya National Highways Authority.

The bridge will have a discrete continuous structural system with 35 double body supported boats, and two end boats with twin springboards for the floating deck.

More than 300,000 people and 6,000 vehicles cross the busy channel daily using MV Jambo, MV Kwale, MV Likoni, MV Kilindini, MV Nyayo and the newly acquired MV Safari.