Another new interchange for Harare

Construction has begun on a new major road interchange at the intersection of Harare Drive and the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Expressway (formerly Airport Road) in Harare, marking another milestone in the government's ongoing infrastructure modernisation programme.

Contractors have already started clearing land at the site ahead of full-scale construction works. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development confirmed the development, saying the project reflects continued efforts to build "modern, efficient and safe transport infrastructure".

"A new Interchange is coming. Land clearing is now underway for the construction of an interchange at Harare Drive and the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Expressway," the ministry said. It added that Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona will lead a site visit next Monday.

The interchange forms part of a broader national road upgrade strategy aimed at easing congestion in Harare and improving traffic flow along key economic corridors.

The Harare Drive project follows rapid progress on the Mabvuku Interchange along the Harare–Mutare Highway, which is expected to be completed by September this year. According to project officials, the Mabvuku interchange is designed to separate traffic streams using an overpass system, reducing congestion and improving road safety.

Deputy Director of Construction in the ministry, Engineer Virginia Mawere, said the approach is focused on improving mobility in high-traffic zones.

"The scope of work entails an overpass which is going to raise the Harare–Mutare Road, with traffic lights regulating vehicles coming in and out of Mabvuku underneath," she said. "What we want to achieve is improved safety, reduced travel times and enhanced trade along this regional corridor."

She added that the works are part of the broader Greater Harare Interchanges Project, which targets multiple congestion hotspots across the capital, including Delport Road, Seke Road, Masasa and other strategic junctions.

Government has also linked the infrastructure drive to wider economic goals under Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has previously said the Second Republic is prioritising infrastructure development as a foundation for economic growth. Last year, he officially opened the Trabablas Traffic Interchange, which connects Simon Mazorodze, High Glen and Chitungwiza Roads, forming part of the wider Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway upgrade.

With less than 30 kilometres remaining on the 585-kilometre highway modernisation project, authorities say the focus is now shifting to urban congestion points within Harare.

Additional interchanges are also planned at several key intersections, including Harare Drive junctions with Mutare Road, Liberation Legacy Way, Nemakonde Way, Sam Nujoma Road, Westgate, Kuwadzana and Churchill.

Officials say the expanded interchange programme is intended to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, and support increased trade and mobility across Zimbabwe's main transport corridors.