Two ramps opened at Umgeni Road
It was a momentous occasion when the first vehicles began using the southbound and northbound ramps leading onto the N2 at the Umgeni Road Interchange in Durban on Thursday.
MOTORISTS using the Southbound and Northbound ramps leading onto the N2 at the Umgeni Road can now experience an even flow of traffic as two ramps have been opened.
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) announced the opening of Ramps D1 and D2 at the N2/M19 Umgeni Road Interchange.
The agency confirmed that both ramps leading onto the N2 southbound and northbound carriageways have now been opened.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution as they familiarise themselves with the newly opened roads, travel within the speed limit and remain observant of the road signage at all times.
Ramp D1 allows for the movement of vehicles from the Springfield end of the M19 to the north along national route 2 towards Stanger. Ramp D2 allows for the movement of vehicles from the Springfield end of the M19 to the south along national route 2 towards Port Shepstone.
The bridge leading off the service road onto the N2 southbound carriageway was opened on Monday, 23 March.
Logashri Sewnarain, SANRAL Eastern region manager said they have reached the beginning of the end.
“As with any other project, challenges are inevitable and it is most satisfying that these were overcome successfully.
“This strategic interchange will allow free flow traffic in all directions except the west to south movement, which will have an on demand signal controlled intersection.
“It will substantially relieve the current delays experienced in all directions accessing the interchange.
“The interchange has also been planned taking into account the future widening of the N2.”
The Umgeni Road Interchange improvement project with an estimated cost of R512m is scheduled for completion in July 2015 but will largely depend on the contractor’s progress on the site.
Sewnarain added that the opening of these ramps in early June shows the commitment from the contractor to complete the project to ensure all directions of traffic accessing the interchange by July 2015.
“As we approach the tail end of the construction, we wish to thank motorists for their continued patience and trust that they will enjoy the long-term benefits that this spectacular interchange has to offer,” he said.
SANRAL has a distinct mandate from the government to finance, improve, manage and maintain the national road network.
The project includes the construction of two incrementally launched, “free flow” directional ramp bridges, a free flow loop ramp and three cast in-situ bridges, two pedestrian bridges and pedestrian facilities around the interchange.
This link allows traffic to flow directly onto the N2 south bound carriageway as well as allows traffic to link to the loop ramp for traffic travelling towards Pinetown on the M19.
Traffic travelling towards the M19 east into the CBD will temporarily also be making use of the loop ramp.
Sewnarain said certain of the bridges could be opened before July should all the outstanding work be completed.
