MOTORISTS swung onto the new flying ramp at the N2’s Mt Edgecombe Interchange for the first time yesterday morning.
The one-kilometre long bridge – one of the longest structures ever built in South Africa over one of the busiest intersections in KZN – connecting Phoenix and uMhlanga with Durban and the North Coast.
Due to the expansion of the uMhlanga and La Lucia Ridge areas, the existing interchange had been operating at capacity with vehicles backing up on the M41 and onto the N2 in peak hours.
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The new interchange is more than a masterpiece of award-winning architecture – it is a vital artery of the greater eThekwini metropolitan highway system for easing traffic, relieving congestion and is also a significant business enabler.
The new four-level interchange facility provides at least two lanes on each of the major movements.
The upgrade includes the implementation of directional ramps, eliminating the need for controlled signalisation, thus ensuring free flow of traffic in all directions.
Two incrementally launched bridges are part of the interchange upgrade.
One bridge which is 948m long – the longest incrementally launched bridge in South Africa – joins the Mt Edgecombe side of the M41 with the N2 South.
The other bridge is 440m long and joins the uMhlanga side of the M41 with the N2 North.
To provide for the safety of pedestrians, a pedestrian bridge has been constructed over the N2 and will connect to new footways.
In addition, lighting will be installed to ensure the whole interchange is lit at night for increased safety.
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