28 January 2008

CONSTRUCTION of the coastal route between East London and Port Elizabeth has begun in a R142 million project which will see development increase in the Eastern Cape.

The R72 route will provide a vital arterial to the area, said MEC for Safety, Liaison, Roads and Transport, Thobile Mhlahlo.

Mhlahlo said the venture was critical in providing not only access to the Eastern Cape during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but tourism to the two cities and Coega.

The coastal road will run through the Ncanarha interchange on the N2 to the Nahoon interchange on the N2 in East London, covering a 30km stretch from the East London Airport to Lilyvale.

The small villages along the route are also expected to benefit from the venture in terms of development.

He said the route would be favoured above the N2 through Grahamstown, because it has fewer gradients and traffic volumes on the R72 have increased significantly over the past three years.

The project will also include extending the two bridges at Bushman's River and the bridge over Kasouga River to be completed by January 2009.

"The East London Airport, Lilyvale Road is the start of our major rehabilitation programme, an amount of R5 million has been budgeted for the current financial year.

"The rehabilitation of Ncanarha in Fonteinskloof is planned to start in 2008 and completed early in 2010," said Mhlahlo.

Other sections which would see renovations include the Loverstwist and Peddie intersection and the Keiskamma River, where there is a problem with the underlying road foundation causing severe potholes.

A 10km section of the R345 between Peddie and Loverstwist, where it intersects with the R72 will be reconstructed to ensure a safe link between R72 and N2.

Maintenance along this section of road will at the same time intensify as well as on the R67 between Port Alfred and Grahamstown.

Mhlahlo said routine maintenance along sections of R72 which does not form part of the rehabilitation programme will include surface and pothole repairs, bush clearing within the road reserve, gravel shoulder repairs, repainting of road markings, installation of road studs, replacement and erection of road signs and repairs to fences

As part of the turnaround strategy, the department has mandated the South African National Roads Agency Limited to conduct a feasibility study on the possibility of tolling certain strategic routes with the R72 being a priority.

This study will include economic, funding, traffic and operational viability.

As part of the procedure, the department will consult communities that reside along the R72, said Mhlahlo.

Thereafter he will convene a broader session with all relevant stakeholders and provide a way forward.

Source: BuaNews