John Ross Parkway reopens to two-way traffic
KZN Department of transport announces re-opening to traffic on Main Road P496 in Richards Bay
THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, after a thorough assessment by a high specialist team of engineers, has announced the re-opening of main road P496 (known as John Ross Highway), which has been opened to traffic as of this afternoon.
The announcement follows a visit today by MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Mxolisi Kaunda, together with the Mayor of uMhlathuze, Cllr. Mdu Mhlongo.
They were earlier briefed by the team of senior engineers of the Department, who assured them that two lanes will be opened on the west bound, to allow traffic flow following the occurrence of sinkhole, which forced the road to be closed since Friday.
Kaunda also visited the site of the sinkhole to conduct an inspection. Structural engineers pointed the MEC and the Mayor to the damaged and the following facts were concluded:
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Work begins on John Ross sinkhole
The sinkhole is approximately five metres wide. The possible cause of the sinkhole is water pressure from the pipes, which went through the sand underneath the structure, resulting in the blockage and ultimately the collapse of the road structure.
No injuries were recorded during the incident. Engineers have completed the road markings on the two lanes on the west bound with visible signage onto the two on the westbound. Contractors will be onsite and start with the actual repairs on Wednesday (30 August 2017).
Construction of the road will take approximately 10 weeks. A joint celebration between the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and uMhlathuze Traffic police will continuously manage the traffic flow.
Departmental senior engineers will monitor the progress on the construction on a regular basis, and while the road is open, motorists are also advised to continue using alternatives routes to ease pressure.
Kaunda highlighted the need for the project to be completed speedily but with a proper workmanship.
‘The damage caused on this road will impact on the economy of the province and that of uMhlathuze municipality, temporarily due to traffic disturbance. But the department has taken extraordinary, but proper measures towards repairing the road with speed.
It is also important for us as the department to undertake a thorough assessment of all road networks in the province, which may experience a similar challenge to avert a repeat of a similar experience. The engineering team has assured us that the section of the road to be used temporarily is safe.
We are once again appealing for cooperation, patience and tolerance among motorists during the road repairs.’ said Thomas, Kaunda and Mduduzi.
