Eco Junction traffic lights ‘not warranted’ – DOT engineer

AN engineer working for the KZN Department of Transport believes the installation of traffic lights at the John Ross Eco Junction intersection is ‘not warranted at present’.

In correspondence seen by the Zululand Observer between the engineer and concerned parties, City of uMhlathuze officials urge him to reconsider his decision to not install traffic lights that were approved during the construction of the site.

‘One must take the risks into consideration and clearly, from a risk evaluation, there is a need for signalisation,’ read an e-mail from a city transport official.

‘There have been near misses reported already, so let it not be on our conscience when some fatal incidents occur at this intersection. I urge you to revisit the site and make your recommendation.’

Despite these dire warnings, no progress has been made on making this route safer for Zululand motorists.

Red tape

Deputy Chairperson of the SA Roads Federation Zululand, Mike Patterson, addressed a letter to the same engineer urging him to take action shortly after the sod turning event of the new Melomed hospital at the site.

‘I was a VIP guest at the function along with the senior officials from the developers of the hospital, where we met with the City of uMhlathuze Mayor Mdu Mhlongo and other dignitaries, including the Premier Senzo Mchunu and the Chairman of Eskom, Dr Ben Ngubane,’ read the letter, which was sent in September.

‘Discussion centered around the importance of this new development to the local economy and the need for easy and safe vehicle access. The present situation was considered by all to be unacceptable and dangerous.’

According to Patterson, the Premier told him of an incident that very afternoon where he had witnesses a minor collision between two vehicles who were trying to avoid high speed traffic on the John Ross while entering the site.

‘I was asked directly why we had not ensured that this intersection had the necessary traffic signals installed, and agreed to report back to the Premier.

‘I must query whether you are aware of the danger that exists at this intersection.’

Sources confirmed that the traffic signals designated for this intersection have been already been acquired by the city, but lay in storage waiting for the green light from the engineer.

At the time of going to print, the ZO has not received a reply from the engineer.