Things looking up for GO!Durban project
Commuters can expect the first bus to run before March 2017.
THE Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a GO!Durban update on Wednesday, 3 February at the Premier Hotel.
Carlos Esteves, deputy manager of road system management ETA, presented the progress of the project, mainly in the Pinetown area.
Esteves said the bulk of the road work on the Pinetown corridor is complete, even though the roads may still look unfinished.
“Crompton Street and Glenugie Road are the furtherest behind in progress,” said Esteves.
Some of the challenges the project faced was the relocation of the taxi rank, the heavy pedestrian traffic on Anderson and Josiah Gumede Road, permission to occupy property, relocation of numerous services, soil condition, sourcing of materials, inclement weather or disruptions not created by the contractor or employer.
The right of way on Escom Road to Blase Road is 45 percent complete.
Esteves also highlighted that the GO!Durban project contracts 100 percent black-owned companies, supports small businesses and employs local people.
Most roads may still look untidy because the overlaying of asphalt hasn’t been done yet, but the intersection of St John’s and Beviss Roads will be surfaced on the weekend of 6 February.
Esteves promised that by August this year, most roads will be clear and work will be done out of the motorists’ way. By June, Crompton Street should be running normally, all roads in New Germany should be done and the first station should be built.
“The first bus is expected to run before March 2017,” he said.
Other good news about the project is that there will be ‘park and ride’ systems, where commuters can park their cars and ride the bus to work or wherever they need to be.
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