Bay road under construction

MOTORISTS using the R619 road (North Central Arterial) linking Richards Bay to the N2 past Brackenham, can expect major traffic congestion the next few months as construction continues on the 2km stretch.

The road between Wildenweide and Aquadene, which has been in a poor condition, is receiving a major upgrade to the tune of R16.5-million.

City of uMhlathuze Head of Transport, Roads and Coastal Development, Jogie Naidoo told Eastern Watch that construction work was on schedule after it bega in May and is expected be completed within four months.

‘Traffic congestion is a problem, especially at Brackenham, because of the abnormal and heavy loads, but we are trying to accommodate the traffic.

‘Residents are fully aware of the road works and we hope motorists will exercise caution and obey the rules of the road.

‘Weather plays a pivotal role in the construction process, and excessive winds and inclement weather caused work to be halted last week.

‘We cannot give an exact completion date because in rainy or windy conditions, work cannot take place. Hopefully we will continue to have good weather and the process will continue as planned,’ he said.

Residents can expect heavy construction in the area and contractors will work through the night to repair the road as traffic flow should be minimal during these hours.

Use alternate routes where possible and drive cautiously near the Veldenvlei and Brackenham robots.

The major rehabilitation of the section of the R619 between the Richards Bay Cemetery and Bullion Boulevard comes after months of complaints from frustrated motorists who travel that road every day.

Meanwhile, the newspaper has been inundated with calls from residents who are irate over some motorists’ blatant disregard for road signs.

‘Vehicles are using roads next to the main road and causing more congestion at the intersections,’ said one motorist.