Road upgrade crucial to alleviate N2 traffic congestion at Umhlali River bridge

Motorists frustrated with long delays on the N2 northbound route at the damaged Umhlali River bridge, may soon have an alternative route if plans to upgrade the P228 Flag Farm road are brought forward.

Forming part of a roads master plan previously reported on, the P228 is one of several approved for upgrading, but only at a later stage.

The Democratic Alliance, along with farmers and local developers, are seeking to bring these plans for the P228 forward with funding to be provided by local developers.

Both the P228 and N2 were damaged during the recent floods, but it is hoped that by upgrading the P228 earlier than planned, traffic congestion at the Umhlali River bridge section could be alleviated and allow for swift repair.

Plans for the P228 include an interchange at the N2.

The road connects Sheffield to Shakaskraal, Palm Lakes and Tinley Manor, and also reconnects with the N2 further north.

At a site meeting last Wednesday, Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial leader Francois Rodgers was briefed on the situation.

He was accompanied by fellow DA councillors from the region as well as a number of stakeholders from surrounding developments and Flag Animal Farm.

“This is a golden road,” Flag Farm’s Genevieve Chisholm said, explaining that it served as a major alternative route often easing traffic during peak travel times.

Motorists have reported long delays at the N2 Umhlali River bridge section, where a concrete diversion has since been placed.

It was noted at the meeting that local councillors had made progress with transport department authorities to speed up plans to have the P228 road tarred.

Rodgers said he would this week meet with the provincial transport MEC to emphasise the urgency of the upgrade.

“This road could be used as an alternative route while the N2 bridge is being repaired,” he said, noting that funding for the tarring and surfacing had already been secured through local developers.

Should the go-ahead be given, work could start within a week.

The upgrade of the P228 forms part of a larger master roads plan of R4-billion.

The project will see major roadways between Ballito and Sheffield upgraded and some work is expected to start later this year.

The master roads plan was adopted by the KwaDukuza council last year.