The expansion of Amahoro Stadium to double capacity and the establishment of a sports village around the same area (Remera) is expected to lead to increased traffic congestion, especially on match days.
ALSO READ: VIDEO & PHOTOS: Amahoro National Stadium engineers "committed to deliver” before August
Expected to be completed in August, the stadium will have a seating capacity of up to 45,000 people and parking space of close to 3,000 cars.
In addition to this, in the stadium’s vicinity will be Zaria Courts, a Giants of Africa facility that will be home to various sports and recreational facilities. The BK Arena, Rwanda’s largest indoor sports facility is also in the same location.
Even before the establishment of such developments, the roads around the stadium used to be affected by traffic during match days. Now, with the stadium’s revamping, it seems rather clear than there is a need to put in place ways of handling traffic.
In an interview with The New Times, City of Kigali Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva noted that to ease the traffic jam around Amahoro Stadium, there are new alternative roads in place which will be used accordingly. He also hinted at the fact that there may be more roads coming up in the near future to ease congestion.
ALSO READ: How will dedicated bus lanes impact public transport in Kigali?
"In addition to alternative roads, strategies of traffic management will be utilised including communication to residents about alternative roads, the use of shared transport such as buses that will be oriented in that area so that people do not come with their private cars,” he said.
He further mentioned ongoing traffic impact studies to guide post-stadium completion interventions, including the potential expansion of pedestrian and cyclist walkways.
"So far traffic impact studies of the stadium are being carried out to advise the related interventions that will be done after the completion of the stadium, including but not limited to the expansion of walkways for pedestrians, and cyclists during entrance and exit hours,” he added.
Among the alternative roads currently in place are: Migina-Controle Technique- Nyagatovu- Kimironko, Nyabisindu-Kibagabaga, Remera -Baho-RDB, Contrôle-Migina –RDB, Contrôle Technique -Green Hills, Zindiro-Bibare-Cyamitsingi, and Kimironko Market-Regina Pacis-Giporoso.
"For the long- -term, the interventions may include road widening and junction improvement. People are encouraged to embrace public transport instead of private cars because there will be a priority for public buses to pass,” Dusengiyumva said.
Since August 31, 2022, the country's main stadium has been undergoing a significant facelift, set to transform it into an ultra-modern sports ground by the end of 2024.
The renovations include expanding seating capacity, enhancing outer facilities, such as Petit Stade for basketball and indoor games, the Paralympics gymnasium, parking and access roads, as well as the perimeter fence.
The construction, led by the Turkish firm SUMMA in collaboration with local construction firms, including NPD Cotraco, Real Contractors, and Gasabo 3D Design as project supervisor, aims to elevate the stadium to international standards.
The playing surface will be a hybrid of natural grass and artificial turf, providing extended durability and more playing hours. Technologies like modern lighting, sound and heat insulation, and an automatic irrigation system to enhance the stadium.
The facility has 10 access points outside and 10 gates inside, with conference areas, offices, retail spaces, and other essential facilities operational 24/7 to generate revenue even on non-match days.