An investigation into the impact of failure in the planning phase of mega infrastructure projects (case study: road safety on Thika superhighway)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of failure in the planning phase of a mega construction as exemplified by road safety challenges on the Thika Superhighway. These challenges are exemplified by for example, frequent accidents on the densely populated parts of the highway; crossing the highway posed a challenge as the footbridges were spread wide apart and pedestrians were tempted to cross the highway without using the footbridges hence increasing the incidences of pedestrians being knocked down. It was also difficult for the disabled to cross from one side of the highway to the other since they had challenges in using the footbridges and could also not cross the highway without risking being knocked down by speeding motorists. There were also no provisions for cars that break down or run out of fuel while on the highway and need to pull aside to fix the problem. Accordingly, a comparison of the planned road safety measures vis a vis the best practice was conducted as an indication of failure by planners to access/utilize available information. Further, the study sought to identify the planned road safety measures that were implemented and the challenges thereof to interrogate planning implementation. The study covered various aspects of road safety that should be considered during the planning phase of a mega infrastructure project such as the best practice road safety measures, what the planning phase within the construction project lifecycle entails and the institutional and legislative framework on road safety in Kenya. The key challenges in the management of road safety were also considered. The study relied on information from the key informants/opinion leaders from KeNHA, Traffic police, APEC Limited, KARA and the contractors who had been directly involved in the project. The data from the key informants was collected via interviews and questionnaires. Residents along the highway were involved in focus group discussions (FGDs). Data was also collected via direct observation, photography and the scrutiny of project documents. The research findings were that some of the best practice road safety measures for a project of such magnitude that should have been considered during the planning phase were not considered. This is an indication of failure by the planners to utilize available information. There was failure by the planners to identify and use an appropriate design manual and to identify innovative ways of addressing safety issues which were bound to come up within the limitation of finances and space. There was also failure to include all the stakeholders during the planning phase who would have raised some of the safety issues which were likely to occur. Some of the planned road safety measures were also not adequately implemented. This was because either the road safety measures did not match the road users‟ safety requirements or did not comply with the design standards. The implemented road safety measures therefore did not comply with the best practice. Various challenges were also identified to have been faced during the implementation of the planned road safety measures such as inadequate resources, poor human behavior and ineffective communication and coordination which is an indication of failure by planners to consider road safety during the planning phase of the project. The study recommends the adoption of a context-sensitive approach to road-building. The project implementers should also consider the use of alternative materials such as fibre and plastic for safety signs and guard rails etc. which are not targeted by vandals and the use of modern technology such as real time surveillance systems to track down traffic offenders. The government should also emphasize the need for public participation and stakeholder engagement during the planning phase of mega road infrastructure projects in line with the Constitution of Kenya (2010) including road safety awareness-creation initiatives. NTSA‟s participation during the planning phase of mega road infrastructure projects should also be clearly stated as one of their mandates.