The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a grant agreement with the Tanzanian Government for the New Bagamoyo Road (Phase 2) widening project in Dar es Salaam.

Under the terms of the agreement, JICA will provide JPY3.782bn ($35m) to widen New Bagamoyo Road, which is approximately 4.3km between the Morocco and Mwenge Intersections, from two to four lanes.

The scope of the project also includes the installation of drainage facilities to prevent road flooding.

The widening of the road is expected to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate transportation.

Dar es Salaam has witnessed rapid population growth, averaging a 5.8% increase a year from 2002 to 2012.

“The widening of the road is expected to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate transportation.”

The number of vehicles on the road also recorded a 7% annual increase between 2001 and 2010, resulting in serious traffic congestion in the city.

Upon project completion, the average vehicle speed along the target interval is expected to increase significantly.

The New Bagamoyo Road connects the centre of Dar es Salaam with the northern part of the city, which is a growing residential area.

In a separate development, JICA supported the widening of a 12.9km section of the road between the Mwenge and Tegeta Intersections from two to four lanes through the Project for Widening of New Bagamoyo Road (2010–2014).

Expected to be completed in 37 months, this project will be executed by Tanzania National Roads Agency.