THE closure of Dinkelman Road in New Germany has infuriated many residents and motorists using the route.
Residents claim they were not informed about the closure and, to make matters worse, there is never a Metro official to direct the traffic.
A statement was sent out in February by the municipality informing that the road was expected to be closed in February, Wednesday, 27 February to Wednesday, 6 March, due to construction of the Go Durban project.
ALSO READ: Be aware of New Germany and Wyebank road closures
“The work on the road was postponed as there were a few minor contractual issues that need to be considered,” said eThekwini municipality spokesman, Msawakhe Mayisela, responding to Highway Mail’s questions.
He said the road closures will be in effect from Wednesday, 5 June to Wednesday, 12 June. “Flyers were distributed to surrounding communities. The information is also available on the GO!Durban website and social media platforms,” said Mayisela.
Pinetown CPF chairman and New Germany resident, Tony Da Canha, said his problem is that he does not know if the New Germany residents, councillors and Metro Police were informed regarding the closure of the freeway.
He said since the closure of Dinkelman Road, he has received several complaints from residents regarding the speed in the residential area where small children are playing in the streets. Large trucks and the taxis are now using these narrow roads.
“The vehicles are travelling along Cumnor Gardens Road, then into Berkshire Drive, Sander Road and onto Shepstone Road (Qashana Khuzwayo). I actually witnessed the speed at which the taxi drivers are travelling along this route. It is just a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed,” said Da Canha.
“I have reported this to the Metro Police who promised me they will check and investigate. I was informed that mini speed-humps and signs should have been placed on the route they are now travelling so as to slow down the speed of the drivers, especially in the residential area,” added Da Canha.
According to Mayisela, the road was closed for the demolition of the bridge at 11th Avenue and for further construction of the new 11th Avenue interchange.
For easy access to GO!Durban
“This 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,” said Mayisela.
The roads affected include: Dinkleman Road (MR577) north bound from the Qashana Khuzwayo (Shepstone)/ Otto Volek and Posselt Road to Wyebank Road, and south bound from Dumisani Makhaye Road (MR577) Umgeni River to Qashana Khuzwayo (Shepstone)/ Otto Volek and Posselt Road.
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.
There is no north access from the Qashana Khuzwayo (Shepstone)/Otto Volek and Posselt Road. 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, after 1.2km, will access Dumisani Makhaye Drive (MR577 North).
Vehicles joining Dinkelman Road from Cumnor Gardens will only be able to turn left onto the north bound carriage way 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 5 and 12 June 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 has advised commuters and motorists to leave a little earlier than usual for their destinations to avoid congestion.
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