By Tapiwa Chawagarira
Motorists using Bulawayo Road have been warned to brace for significant traffic disruptions on Monday, September 28, when thousands of football fans are expected to converge at the National Sports Stadium for the Warriors’ highly anticipated clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Harare City Council’s Traffic Laws Enforcement Division has announced temporary traffic control measures around the stadium. The inbound carriageway is scheduled to close between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to manage the anticipated surge in traffic.
These measures are being implemented ahead of the evening international football match, which is expected to attract around 30,000 spectators.
In a notice issued by Chief Traffic Officer M. Chimombe, motorists are advised to plan their journeys and use alternative routes to avoid congestion.
The notice states that a police checkpoint will be established at the intersection of Bulawayo Road and Harare Drive, and access beyond the checkpoint toward the stadium and city centre will be restricted.
Only match officials and motorists with official advance tickets will be permitted to proceed beyond the controlled point.
“Motorists travelling from Bulawayo toward Harare City Centre who do not possess official match tickets will be diverted onto Harare Drive,” the notice states.
These motorists will then be directed to alternative routes, including Solomon Mujuru Drive, formerly known as Kirkman Road, to reach the city centre.
The council stated that the outbound carriageway will remain open, allowing motorists travelling from the city centre past the National Sports Stadium to use the route as usual.
The traffic arrangements are expected to challenge motorists as supporters begin arriving at the stadium several hours before kick-off.
Authorities are urging road users to avoid unnecessary travel through the affected section during the closure period and to allow extra time for their journeys.
Chimombe’s notice also appeals for cooperation from motorists and other road users as traffic officers and police work to control the movement of vehicles around the stadium.
The Warriors’ return to the National Sports Stadium for the high-profile encounter against DR Congo is expected to generate considerable activity around the venue, with the large crowd likely to put additional pressure on surrounding roads.
Motorists using Bulawayo Road are therefore urged to take the traffic warning seriously, leave early, and consider alternative routes before the 4 p.m. closure takes effect.
