Traffic jam for Christmas

The light at the end of the Ballito N2 interchange construction tunnel has been slightly dimmed.
The project, which has already experienced several delays, will not be completed before the festive period as promised.
In June SANRAL projected an October finish (‘Major changes ahead for N2 entrance road’, Courier, June 21) but now says February 2014 is the expected date for completion.
The entrance to Ballito changed significantly in recent weeks, with the portion of the MR445 (Ballito Drive) nearest to the off ramp now closed.
A new lane adjacent to the old MR445 has now been opened to traffic, which continues until the first traffic circle.
SANRAL project manager Zandile Nene said the new route into Ballito was opened so contractors could remove parts of the old road, where necessary.
A portion of the new MR445 (Ballito Drive) will be widened where it overlaps with the old road.
“It is also necessary to construct a six metre high piled retaining wall in the vicinity of the intersection of the N2 southbound off ramp and the new Ballito Drive. This retaining wall crosses the existing Ballito Drive, which will become redundant.”
In the coming months contractors will continue to mesh the old MR445 with the new, starting with the area near the eBandla Hotel access road.
“This will require a short temporary detour for traffic accessing the eBandla hotel access road.”
Nene admitted the construction of the new bridge is “substantially” behind.
Once it is completed the old bridge over the N2 freeway will be demolished and removed.
“Unfortunately the tie-ins to the existing roads do affect traffic flow, and the public is requested to be patient and obey the temporary traffic signs. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenienced caused.”