Ground broken on R3.3-billion corridor road
The proposed road, which has been on the cards since the 1980’s, will create an alternative to the R34
CONSTRUCTION of the long awaited P700 corridor road that will link Richards Bay to Ulundi via Empangeni, has begun in earnest.
Last week, contractors descended on Heatonville where they are now based for the foreseeable future.
The proposed road, which has been on the cards since the 1980’s, will create an alternative to the R34 at a cost of R3.3-billion.
The road, 55km of single carriageway with a speed limit of 100km/h, will run from the R102 near Canefields north of Empangeni, through Heatonville and Ntambanana before rejoining the R34 at Mthonjaneni north of Melmoth.
This has been named by the KZN Department of Transport as the ‘D-H’ section of the road, with another portion called the ‘H-I’ portion or Empangeni Northern Bypass which will eventually link the P700 to the R102 also planned.
Pending environmental impact studies have delayed funding commitment by the department for the ‘H-I’ section.
Deputy Chairman of the SA Roads Federation Zululand, Mike Patterson has welcomed the start of construction.
‘The P700 is a vital link in our road network that will allow easier and safer access to tourist destinations,’ he said.
‘This road will also make it easier for the rural people to access the City of uMhlathuze for administrative and other services as well as to market their products.
‘It makes economic sense and we welcome the completion.’
