IN response to months of community frustration over heavy truck traffic invading residential areas on The Bluff, the eThekwini Municipality has taken decisive action.
Also read: Truck congestion on The Bluff hampers emergency response and puts residents at risk
During a recent council meeting held at Durban City Hall, officials approved plans for a new road aimed at alleviating congestion en route to Durban Harbour.
The R50-million project includes an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study, which paves the way for the construction of a second access road to the harbor. This significant development was confirmed following the tabling of the EIA report at the Executive Committee (Exco) meeting on July 23.
Truck congestion has been a persistent issue, causing major inconvenience for motorists and significantly impacting local residents. Reports by The SUN earlier this month highlighted concerns from emergency services regarding the disruption caused by heavy vehicles on residential roads in The Bluff.
The approval of this new access road marks a crucial step forward in addressing these challenges. It is expected to redirect truck traffic away from residential areas, thereby reducing traffic build-up and mitigating the negative impact on local communities.
Speaking about the decision, municipal officials emphasised the importance of balancing economic needs with community well-being.
Ward 66 councillor Zoë Solomon said, “There are two decongestion ideas aimed at easing congestion at the harbour which start from Cato Ridge and form part of the overall decongestion plan. Whichever road they choose to decongest the harbour, or whichever path they take in the name of decongestion, it will prevent trucks from entering The Bluff solely due to harbour congestion. With proper roads in place for trucks to access the harbour, there will be no need for them to come to The Bluff,” said Solomon.
This new road is a critical infrastructure investment that will enhance traffic flow efficiency while respecting the quality of life for residents in The Bluff.
Construction timelines and further details regarding the implementation of the project are set to be announced after subsequent planning and procurement processes. The municipality has assured residents that transparency and community engagement will be prioritised throughout the project’s development stages.
Local residents and businesses are hopeful that the new access road will bring tangible relief from the challenges posed by heavy truck traffic and contribute to a safer, more livable environment on The Bluff.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.
