Repairs to Bluff Road resume

DESPITE some delays, work got underway to replace and repair infrastructure which has caused massive potholes on Bluff Road.

In February, the Sun reported that repairs were expected to be completed, (WATCH: Relief for motorists as repairs to Bluff Road underway) however, it came to a standstill last month.

At the time, Zoe Solomon, the ward 66 councillor, said there were various contributing factors that resulted in the potholes being formed on the road, one of which was due to the continuous flow of natural water. The water was bubbling up and causing a massive swamp on the side of the road, as there was no canal or proper place for water to go.

She said due to the constant wetness on the road together with the weight of heavy trucks that use the road and constant traffic, the road became very unstable, which in turn resulted in large and unavoidable potholes.

ALSO READ: Potholes and punctures: A guide for SA motorists

Last month, the delay was due to the ingress of water from the east side(upper portion) of Bluff road.

This week, Solomon said the Coastal and Catchment Department have been onsite and that a new stormwater line is being installed.
“I have been informed that this construction will sort out the water issue that is contributing to the road damage. Once the pipes are in place the road will start to dry up and then permanent surface repairs will be undertaken.

“According to the main contractor that I met on site, the pipe is laid on the inside of the JBH Warehousing boundary wall, and that repairs should take a month. In the interim the department will be controlling the water flow on the road and repairing the road in order to provide access to the public,” she said.

ALSO READ: Bluff residents make a plan to temporarily fix pothole

Sharon Numan, the ward 66 committee chairperson for roads, transport and stormwater, said motorists are urged to drive with caution or use alternate routes.

“It has previously been requested that the road be closed, however, this is a business area and it would also result in an influx of trucks on the residential roads. We just ask that motorists drive with caution and be courteous to fellow motorists.

“While it has been a long journey to have the road repaired, there is some progress and we are hopeful that the repairs will be completed soon,” she said.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.