Better late than never
The interchange, which attracts 20 000 vehicles during weekdays and 14 000 on weekends, was completed in July 2014 after three years of construction.
Two years after being completed, the P455 and the third major interchange in KZN were officially opened on Friday, July 1 on the N2 at Ballito by Transport Minister, Dipuo Peters accompanied by KZN Premier, Willies Mchunu and Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, MEC, Mxolisi Kaunda.
The R186 million investment is one of the South African National Roads Agency Limited’s (SANRAL) major projects initiated to expand capacity for traffic where the MR 445 crosses the N2, in order to eliminate traffic congestion, long delays and accidents.
The interchange, which attracts 20 000 vehicles during weekdays and 14 000 on weekends was completed in July 2014 after three years of construction. The project took into consideration the expected traffic growth on the N2 due to the development of the King Shaka International airport.
KwaDukuza municipality co-funded the main road P455, connecting the interchange – to the N2 to Ballito town and M4 – with the provincial Transport department for a combined R67 million.
Minister Peters said reducing roadside accidents was a top priority for the department.
Wreaths were placed in remembrance of the people who lost their lives in two major accidents that took place at near the interchange last year.
The first wreath was for Uthungulu district municipality deputy mayor, Thulani Mashaba who died in an accident on July 9.
On August 17 a taxi crashed down an embankment at the Shaka’s Head off-ramp and landed on railway tracks – before being hit by an oncoming passenger train. Sixteen people were killed.
Peters said South Africa’s road death toll of 23.5 per 100 000 of the population, was way above the global average.
“Most fatal crashes involve young men and speed and alcohol are largely to blame,” said Peters.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
