THE expansion of the Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre (URTC) and surrounding areas has seen an increase in commercial and residential developments, it has also seen an increase in traffic which has at times left uMhlanga gridlocked. Now the city has taken the decision to upgrade the road infrastructure by making a number of changes.
At a human settlements and infrastructure committee meeting this week, the city has taken the decision to upgrade the roads in and around uMhlanga, Prestondale and Cornubia.
uMhlanga ward councillor, Heinz de Boer, said as much as the changes were painful, they were needed.
“The first of the changes will see Umhlanga Rocks Drive be upgraded to six lanes, which will see the traffic circles currently on the busy road demolished, and converted into traffic lights between the M41 and Herrwood Drive.
“Umhlanga Rocks Drive will also be converted in a four dual lane carriageway between Herrwood Drive and the M4. There will also be changes in Prestondale, which will see a bridge, currently under construction over the N2 freeway, connecting the Cornubia development to Umhlanga Ridge Boulevard,” he said.
The bridge which connects to Umhlanga Ridge Boulevard will also include a lane for the Go Durban Bus Rapid Transport route.
“The Gateway precinct and the surrounds has seen unprecedented levels of economic growth and while there has been building development, the roads have never been upgraded to support the increase in traffic. Reckless driving and speeding remain a problem in and around uMhlanga and questions remain on how the city will police the upgrade of roads in the area,” de Boer said.
The city has not given any time frames with regards to the upgrades.
