WITH almost a year of the Go!Durban project grinding to a halt, it seems work has resumed along some of the routes, but there are still many unresolved issues among stakeholders none of whom have responded to the Highway Mail’s ongoing requests for official comment.
A reliable source (who spoke on condition of anonymity) told the Highway Mail there are still many issues needing to be resolved regarding this project and it is frustrating because the public is not being informed about the progress and the reason for the delays.
“In one of the meetings held in Durban recently, we learnt that the buses which were suppose to be commuting people already, have not yet been ordered. The other issue was that the taxi owners are the cause for these delays,” he said.
ALSO READ: Going nowhere Durban project a disgrace
Chairperson of Pinetown Taxi Association, Bheki Mbambo, said in the various meetings they have attended, talks have been going smoothly from the side of the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA).
“We are currently on good terms and regarding the construction, a decision was made that 30 per cent of this project should benefit the community and the taxi industry, so 15 per cent will go towards the taxi industry and the other 15 per cent to the community so that people can get jobs and be able to feed their families,” explained Mbambo.
He said the taxi industry has submitted names for their proposed construction companies which are now being assessed to see if they will be able to carry out this job and then everything hopefully will go back to normal.
“The problem is that just one greedy construction company wants to handle this entire project,” Mbambo said.
Road closure – New Germany/Wyebank – alternate routes
Motorists, commuters, pedestrians, public transport operators and residents in the Pinetown, New Germany, Wyebank, KwaDabeka, Clermont and Newlands areas are advised of the closure of Dinkelman Road (MR577) between Qashana Khuzwayo Road (Shepstone) and Wyebank Road from Wednesday, 27 February to Wednesday, 6 March, 7am to 5pm.
ALSO READ: Billions allocated for the Go!Durban project
The bridge at 11th Avenue is to be demolished for further construction of the new 11th Avenue interchange that will allow surrounding communities ease of access to the GO!Durban bus rapid transit system, once operational, and to Dumisani Makhaye Road which links to the North. Traffic lanes in both directions along Dumisani Makhaye and Dinkelman Roads will be affected.
The roads affected are:
Dinkleman Road (MR577) North bound from the Qashana Khuzwayo (Shepstone)/ Otto Volek and Posselt Road intersection to Wyebank Road, and South Bound from Dumisani Makhaye Road (MR577) Umgeni river to Qashana Khuzwayo (Shepstone)/ Otto Volek and Posselt Road intersection.
Traffic accommodation plans have been put in place and motorists are advised to familiarise themselves with these, and proceed with caution on these alternate routes. Drivers are advised that this alternate route is through a residential area with schools, and should proceed carefully. Residents and pedestrians in the alternate route areas are advised to be mindful of the increase in traffic over this week.
Vehicles travelling from the North to Pinetown will be diverted as follows:
From the Wyebank Bridge turn left into Wyebank Road, then right onto Khululeka Drive, then immediately right into Zazi Road. After 1.2km turn right into 11th Avenue and join Dinkelman Road.
Vehicles travelling from Pinetown to Wyebank /Kwadebeka/ Newlands and onwards will be diverted as follows:
There is no North access from the Qashana Khuzwayo (Shepstone)/ Otto Volek and Posselt Road intersection. North access will be 850m west of this intersection from Berkshire Road. Traffic will be diverted here and will be routed right into Cumnor Gardens Road, and then after 1.2km will access Dumisani Makhaye Drive (MR577 North).
ALSO READ: Opening of first Go!Durban route delayed
Vehicles joining Dinkelman Road from Cumnor Gardens will only be able to turn left onto the north bound carriageway and barriers will be placed in the median to prevent cars from turning right.
Motorists are also advised that the 11th Ave bridge is being demolished between 1 and 5 March, for the construction of the new interchange, and that they will need to use alternate routes until the new bridge is opened to traffic.
The eThekwini Transport Authority recommends that commuters aim to leave a little earlier than usual for their destinations to avoid congestion.
For more information regarding GO!Durban go to www.godurban.co.za.
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