THE access road to Virginia Beach will be closed for over a month as it undergoes construction and maintenance. The road situated between Virginia Airport and the Beachwood Mangroves is used often by anglers and beach-goers.

It’s all part of the eThekwini’s municipality’s decision to redevelop the beachfront. The R12-million project, started last year with the extension of the Virginia Beach culvert, is just the first phase of development set for the area.

A new pier, the re-tarring of roads and the possibility of restaurants straddling the shore are all in the pipeline. Bradley Harburn from the municipality’s coastal engineering department said the road is expected to be closed from 13 October to 30 November.

“We are undertaking some maintenance to the existing asphalt surface of the road and the drainage. We are also rehabilitating the coastal dunes along Virginia’s Beach.

“Local fishermen and beachgoers are asked to use the alternative beach accesses at Glenashley and Beachwood beaches. The eThekwini Municipality would like to apologize for any inconvenience during this time,” Harburn said.

Durban North ward councillor Shaun Ryley, welcomed the move saying it would benefit the Durban North community.

“Such a development is key for Durban North and will allow residents to once again freely use the beach as well as being an attraction for tourists. The project also has an environmentally friendly approach which will also be of benefit,” Ryley said.