The Go Durban! Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network’s (IRPTN) phase 1 is reported to be running smoothly, despite facing numerous complaints from the public.
Since onstruction commenced months ago , several residents have complained of traffic delays, unnecessary detours and excavations that were an eyesore.
Environmentalists also raised concerns regarding the destruction of fig trees. Thirteen trees were originally tagged to be removed, however, revision of the project enabled the eThekwnini Transport Authority to save 11 trees.
Two of the Natal fig trees in front of the Library on Josiah Gumede Road will still be removed.
Taxi owners also took to the streets recently to protest the project, claiming they hadn’t been consulted.
Carlos Esteves, the deputy head of road system management, explained that the project has been divided into a series of phases and each phase involves a series of public transport corridors.
Phase 1 comprises of three Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes and one rail.
The corridor construction that will affect Pinetown commuters is the C3 corridor, which stretches from the Pinetown CBD to Bridge city.
Approximately 62kms of road will be constructed, 45 stations and two terminal stations will be built.
Roads that will be effected include, the north side Umgeni River, M25 and MR577 south side, Dinkelmann Road, Qashana Khuzwayo Road, Beviss Road, Josiah Gumede Road and Anderson Road, as well as associated intersections along that route.
Construction is expected to continue along these routes for the next 20 months. It is expected that the entire phase 1 section of the project will be completed by 2018.
Municipal spokesman, Thabo Mofokeng said, through Go Durban! the city hopes to ensure that 85 per cent of all residents will have access to safe, affordable and quality scheduled public transport.
