City of uMhlathuze road project to ease rush hour congestion

THE City of uMhlathuze has finally set the wheels in motion to reduce the bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic on the North Central Arterial between Brackenham and Arboretum Extension in Richards Bay.

Environmental consultant Emvelo has been appointed to conduct the basic assessment process for the proposed doubling of the 3 920 metre stretch of road from the Brackenham traffic lights to Saligna street, adjacent to John Ross College.

The dual carriageway will comprise of 3.5 metre lane widths, separated from the existing road by a new kerbed median of between two and five metres.

‘This proposed expansion aims to alleviate traffic volumes for road users travelling from Meerensee and Aquadene to the Richards Bay central business district.

A public participation process will ensue, involving public meetings with affected communities, as well as consultations with the relevant government stakeholders and other interested and affected parties.

‘To undertake the public participation process, on-site notices were displayed along the proposed construction route and an advertisement was placed in the Zululand Observer newspaper,’ said Emvelo.

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‘A public participation meeting was held with the affected ward councils (ward 3 and ward 26). The ward 2 councillor was also notified and meetings held to elaborate on the purpose of the project.

‘Background Information Documents (BIDs) were distributed to relevant residents around Town Square Mall, Richards Bay Police Station, Ritchie Ford, UNISA, Netcare The Bay Hospital and John Ross College.’

Awareness sessions will be held with schools, local communities and local businesses to identify environmental concerns.

For more information, email to phumzile@emveloconsultants.co.za

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