Bridge battles
To reduce the financial impact on regular commuters, Sanral has introduced a 100% frequent user rebate from now to September 30.
The closure of the Mzimkhulu River bridge has been a source of frustration for many motorists due to delayed decisions and ongoing debates on the start date of repairs.
Also, motorists have had to endue traffic jams as well as the cost of toll fees since March.
At a stakeholder engagement meeting held at Ray Nkonyeni Municipality last Wednesday, the Department of Transport (DoT) and the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) gave a progress report.
Toll fee waiver
Motorists can acquire e-tags from mobile trucks at Hibberdene Pick n Pay rooftop parking and at Port Shepstone Library (Civic Centre). Operating times are from 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 12:00 on Saturday and Sunday. There were some signal issues at Hibberdene last Wednesday. At Port Shepstone, motorists had to wait hours to process their applications.
Motorists can also go to the Oribi Toll Plaza office, from Monday to Friday between 08:00 to 16.30. By this week, a further five kiosks (self-service) will be placed around Port Shepstone and Umtentweni. Sanral teams are on the ground to help motorists get registered. Forms can also be filled online and a tag costs R50. Your tag will allow you to commute between Marburg and Umtentweni free of charge from now until September 30, 2025. DoT is hopeful that the repair works will be completed by then.
“The 100% rebate is a temporary measure and will expire on completion of the bridge repairs or at the end of the stated period. “We encourage all frequent users in the region to ensure their accounts are current and their vehicles are correctly tagged to fully benefit from the initiative,” said Dudley Mbambo, Sanral’s provincial head.
Bridge works
At the meeting it was reported that construction on the bridge will commence this week and it’s expected to be complete within four to five months.
Repairs on P464
The P464 Sugar Mill Road, between the mill and the low-level bridge, has been closed for the past three weeks and has caused traffic build-up to Port Shepstone CBD.
DoT’s chief director of the eThekweni Region, Muzi Sithole, said geotechnical studies on the P464 have been completed, designs have started and a variation order is scheduled for submission for approval.
“The work will include slope protection, drainage and pavement layer works. As soon as the variation order is approved, the contractor will start work.”
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