R1.1-billion Mount Edgecombe interchange launched

MOTORISTS can breath easy as the Mount Edgecombe interchange was officially opened by the Minister of Transport, Blade Nzimande, on Tuesday.

Working with various government sectors the department of transport has officially launched the state-of-the-art bridge.

The launch comes as the country closes Transport Month, which was aimed at raising awareness about the importance of road safety.

Read also – Mt Edgecombe Interchange bags a construction excellence award

The flyover is aimed at ensuring the flow of traffic is controlled in the constantly growing uMhlanga CBD.

The one-kilometre long bridge which cost just over R1-billion is one of the longest structures ever built in the country and which at the peak of its design phase engaged 80 designers.

What’s more its one of the longest bridge viaducts ever constructed in South Africa. This viaduct, referred to as B0215, has a deck length of 947 meters, which also makes it one of the longest incrementally launched bridges in the Southern Hemisphere.

Transport Minister Blade Nzimande described the interchange as, “a veritable civil engineering work of art” and said it was a fine example of infrastructure development that has multifarious spin-offs: it is contributing greatly to easing traffic congestion, promoting road safety and is also a significant business enabler.

Read also – Mt Edgecombe N2 interchange flyover opens

The upgrade of the bridge also includes the implementation of directional ramps, eliminating the need for controlled signalisation, thus ensuring free flow of traffic in all directions.

The project created opportunities for various construction companies including those owned by women, and previously disadvantaged black people.

Sanral CEO Skhumbuzo Macozoma said, “It is a great opportunity for us to conclude the transport month with a project that demonstrates the importance of mobility.”

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