The government plans to construct two pedestrian bridges along Windhoek’s Western Bypass at an estimated cost of N$70 million, or N$35 million per bridge, with construction expected to begin between 19 November and 1 December 2026.
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi confirmed in Parliament that the designs for both bridges had been approved, paving the way for construction once contractor arrangements are finalised.
However, the government has yet to confirm the appointment of a contractor or provide a completion date for the project.
“The estimated cost of the two bridges is N$70 million. If anyone can offer a cheaper solution, we welcome it,” Nekundi said.
The planned construction follows growing concerns over pedestrian safety along the Western Bypass, where repeated crashes, including fatalities, prompted authorities to introduce speed humps as an interim safety measure.
Nekundi defended the speed humps, saying they had helped eliminate pedestrian-related crashes along the affected section since their installation.
He said pedestrian crashes had previously occurred every month before the measures were introduced.
“Since the speed humps were installed as a precautionary measure, we have recorded zero crashes involving pedestrians,” he said.
The Roads Authority (RA), working with the Ministry of Works and Transport and other stakeholders, announced the installation of speed humps in June 2025 following an increase in pedestrian-related crashes along the route.
The intervention focused on the B1 Western Bypass between the Independence Avenue Interchange near Katutura Hospital and the Lafrenz Interchange, identified as a high-risk section for pedestrians.
Similar measures were also planned along the A1 Road between Prosperita and the Windhoek Country Club Resort.
The speed humps were introduced to reduce vehicle speeds and protect pedestrians while authorities developed permanent crossing infrastructure.
The proposed N$70 million investment will provide two dedicated pedestrian crossings aimed at reducing the risk of pedestrians being struck by vehicles on the busy highway.
Although the bridge designs have been approved, the project remains subject to contractor arrangements, with the final contract value and construction completion timeline yet to be disclosed.
The bridges are expected to form part of longer-term measures to improve pedestrian safety along the Western Bypass.
