The planned F46 Pipeline project that will run from the Waterval Reservoir to the Weltevreden Reservoir has left many residents worried about its impact on traffic flow as well as the environment.
According to Ward 126 Councillor, Mike Tonkin, a meeting was held on 13 June to discuss the 18-month planned pipe project. He gave a brief account of a meeting held a few years ago and said that a different route had been proposed to avoid a bottle neck on 9th Avenue. Members of various residents associations attended the meeting. Councillor Tonkin were very concerned about the crossing of pipes and how this would be accomplished.
According to Tonkin, various members asked for detailed maps of the project so that advanced notification could be provided for any possible disruption to traffic or temporary closures of streets due to trenching.
The steel pipe has a diameter of 1.4m. The project will cover two sections namely section A from the Waterval Reservoir to the Western Bypass and section B from Western Bypass to the Weltevreden Park Reservoir. “March 2018 is currently the envisaged completion date of the project,” said Tonkin.
The pipe is not expected to run under the bridge of the bypass, but will detour by jacking under the building on the corner of Rugby Road and 9th Avenue and under the bypass, explained Tonkin. “There is a traffic management plan for 9th Avenue during the construction. Work will start after 8.30am and will cease before 4pm,” said Tonkin.
Major roads like Jim Fouche Road, JG Strydom and possibly Cornelius and Rugby roads will be affected. “Minor roads will be trenched over the weekends causing only minor inconvenience for residents,” said Tonkin. He added that maps of the pipeline through ward 89 and 126 will be made available for distribution.
Details: Councilor Mike Tonkin, 082 564 0160.
