iSimangaliso road upgrades nearly complete
Visiting iSimangaliso? Note these road works
OVER the past few months the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority has been improving the road surfaces as part of its current infrastructure and road upgrades.
Visitors are advised to note the weekly road closures and delays, either on the website (www.iSimangaliso.com) or on the notices placed at the entrance gates.
This is done to assist visitors in planning routes that optimise their experience with the least possible interference by construction activity.
iSimangaliso CEO Andrew Zaloumis said, ‘A total of 115km of resurfaced tar and gravel roads in iSimangaliso’s uMkhuze is now complete.
‘Construction of the final phase of the uMkhuze hides and the new eMshophi gate in uMkhuze is well underway.
‘The 114km of road works in the Eastern and Western Shores are largely done and should be completed in the first quarter of this year.’
Four-hour closure of Vidal pass
Key areas currently under construction in the Eastern Shores and the Lake St Lucia Estuary sections of the park are the 4km Cape Vidal ‘pass’ from the north side of the fishing cabins to the Cape Vidal resort camp buffalo grid, which is being re-tarred.
Owing to the fact that this narrow road (less than 4m wide in places) is bordered by very sensitive coastal climax dune forest on either side and steep inclines, it is not conducive to a one way stop/go system.
As a result, this section of the road will be closed for four hours per day, from 10.30am to 2.30pm, commencing today (Thursday) for a period of no more than three weeks, weather permitting.
During this daily four-hour period no vehicles will be allowed to use this section of the road.
Overnight and day visitors should plan their arrival and departure from the resort and beach accordingly.
Other roads
The second upgrade is of the tar road from north of St Lucia town to Cape Vidal (32km) which is already underway and will continue for a period of three months.
Work is being done in 2km sections in half-widths and traffic controlled by means of a stop/go system.
The Mission Rocks and kuMfazana hide roads is currently closed and are expected to be closed for a further three weeks.
Zaloumis appealed to the public to bear with them as they strive to maintain the park to the highest standard.
Dates of road closures may be altered owing to inclement weather and the best advice is to keep checking the park’s website for updates.
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