R128m investment paves way for Durban roads facelift
From Umgeni Road to the M4, major transport corridors have received a facelift through eThekwini's road rehabilitation programme.
DURBAN motorists, commuters and businesses are set to benefit from smoother and safer journeys after eThekwini Municipality completed a R127.9m rehabilitation programme on some of the city’s busiest roads.
The project saw 13 strategic roads across the Durban CBD and surrounding areas upgraded during the 2025/26 financial year, with approximately 65 lane-kilometres resurfaced. Among the roads rehabilitated were Umgeni Road, Dr Pixley ka Seme Street, KE Masinga Road, Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Sandile Thusi Road, Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Soldiers Way, Smiso Nkwanyana Road and the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Freeway (M4).
Acting Deputy Director of Roads and Infrastructure Management Thanda Zulu said the upgrades form part of eThekwini’s broader Inner-City Regeneration Programme to improve traffic flow, enhance public safety and stimulate economic activity in the CBD and surrounding precincts.
“An investment of nearly R128m in our inner-city road network reflects the municipality’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure, improving the movement of people and goods, and creating an environment that supports economic growth, investment, and job creation,” said Zulu.
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“The success of the Inner-City Road Rehabilitation Programme is already delivering tangible benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors to Durban.”
He said the programme also showcased the growing capability of the municipality’s own roads teams.
“Out of the 13 roads rehabilitated during the 2025/26 financial year, four projects were completed entirely by municipal teams, while another project was delivered through a combination of internal and contracted resources.
“This demonstrates the growing capacity and expertise within the municipality to deliver quality infrastructure projects efficiently and cost-effectively.”
The municipality said the co-ordinated upgrades have strengthened key transport links across the CBD and Warwick precincts while supporting wider urban renewal efforts. It also commended its engineers, project managers, technical teams and contractors for completing the work despite challenges such as traffic management, utility relocations, high pedestrian volumes and adverse weather conditions.
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