Motorists traveling along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway are breathing a sigh of relief following the commissioning of the expanded Norton Toll Plaza. The upgraded facility, officially opened by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, on 18 December 2025, has alleviated traffic congestion as well as enhanced revenue collection for road maintenance.
The new plaza boasts four additional lanes, designed to handle the high volume of traffic along the route. This expansion has significantly reduced travel time, enhanced user experience, and minimized disruptions to traffic flow. “This is an advantage to us as motorists because we are no longer delayed,” motorists said, welcoming the development.
The commissioning of the Norton Toll Paza marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s efforts to modernise its road infrastructure. The Government aims to replace outdated toll gates with multi-lane plazas, allowing faster vehicle processing and reduced congestion. This initiative is part of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, which prioritize infrastructure development and economic growth.
Presiding over the commissioning, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix T Mhona, said the expansion of the Norton Toll Plaza was designed to reduce congestion, facilitate smoother transit for motorists and speed up transactions.
“This vital infrastructure is not just about collecting toll fees. It is about efficiency, safety and economic development,” said Minister Mhona.
As part of a new post-crash management programme, the Minister revealed that ambulances and medical personnel would be stationed at strategic toll plazas such as Norton to ensure rapid emergency response.
“This initiative is meant to ensure that accident victims are attended to and evacuated within the critical golden hour, which often determines survival and recovery outcomes,” he said.
Minister Mhona also noted that toll plazas naturally become centres of economic activity, attracting supporting businesses and services such as fuel stations, food outlets and vehicle services, thereby contributing to local economic growth and employment creation.
As Zimbabwe looks to the future, the expanded Norton Toll Plaza serves as a beacon of hope for improved road infrastructure and economic growth. Motorists are encouraged to register for the e-tag system, taking full advantage of automated lanes and avoiding manual payment delays. With this development, Zimbabwe is one step closer to achieving its vision of a modern, efficient, and prosperous nation.
