IN A MOVE to enhance road infrastructure and safety, the Government has announced a five-month closure of a critical section along the Harare-Nyamapanda Highway to facilitate toll plaza construction and major rehabilitation works.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, in conjunction with the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), in a statement said that the section between the 40kilometre and 40.5kilometre peg will be completely closed to traffic starting 18 February, until 31 July 2026.
The closure, mandated under the Roads Act, is a necessary step in the upgrading of the vital arterial route.
During this period, all traffic will be diverted onto a detour road, and authorities have called for utmost cooperation from the motoring public.
“The closure is necessary to facilitate toll plaza construction,” it stated.
In a full list of directives to ensure public safety, the Ministry implored drivers to adhere strictly to the following rules:
“Reduce speed when approaching the construction zone and strictly adhere to traffic control signs and signals.
“Drive with due care and attention, exercising patience and following instructions from traffic control personnel.
“Plan for extra travel time to account for potential delays; and”
“Yield the right of way to all construction vehicles and respect the safety of the teams working on-site,” said the Ministry.
The development is expected to impact cross-border hauliers and commuter omnibuses, with delays anticipated particularly during peak hours.
In a closing appeal for understanding, the Ministry stated: “Your patience during this period is greatly appreciated. We look forward to your continued support and cooperation in maintaining road safety.”
The project falls under the ongoing Kilometre by Kilometre road rehabilitation program.
In a related matter the Ministry announced the temporary and partial closure of a route stretching from J.M. Nkomo Street (at the statue) through Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue and Lady Stanley Street, and along Victoria Falls Road up to Masiyepambili Drive.
The closure, which began on 16 February 2026, is scheduled to last until 30 April 2026.
With the affected area being heavily built-up, authorities have outlined specific alternative routes for different vehicle types. Light vehicles will navigate the work zones using “stop-and-go” mechanisms, while residential routes will remain open for local property access.
In a critical directive for hauliers, the Ministry stated: “All heavy vehicles must reroute via Masiyepambili Drive to access the CBD.” Access on Old Falls Road will be strictly limited to local residents only.
In a safety advisory issued to the public, the Ministry strongly urged drivers to obey all posted traffic signs, drive with caution at reduced speeds, and allow for extra travel time in their schedules.
