As construction of another dedicated bus lane for the GO!Durban integrated public transport network starts this month (October 2018) on the M21 from the intersection with the MR577 in Newlands to Springfield Park, businesses, residents and schools are asked to take note of the areas under construction, and any traffic accommodation and deviations that may come into effect as a result.

This route, called Corridor 1 (C1) is part of the overall network that eThekwini Municipality is rolling out over a number of years to improve public transport for all. At present the first route, called C3, is nearing completion from Pinetown to Bridge City via the MR577 and this C1 route will eventually connect the MR577 to the CBD via Springfield Park. The C1 construction will be divided into two phases: C1A from the MR577 to Springfield and C1B from Springfield to the CBD. Construction will only begin this month on the C1A section, as is expected to take 24 months.

“We are asking people who live, work and visit this area to be mindful of the construction for their own safety and the safety of those working on the roads,” says Thami Manyathi, Head of the eThekwini Transport Authority. “Of course, we know that any construction on an existing roadway creates delays, and is often inconvenient and frustrating for those who use the roads, and live or work alongside. We ask for people’s patience, and understanding as we strive to improve public transport for all, and ultimately upgrade the existing roadway, which will undoubtedly have positive outcomes for all living and working here. We recommend that during this construction phase that people make plans to start their journey earlier, and to possibly look at alternate routes. We also recommend that all valuables are kept out of sight of opportunistic criminals, who often take advantage of the slow moving traffic to target unsuspecting commuters.”

Members of the public using the M21 between the MR577 and Springfield Park are advised that traffic will be slower than usual, roadways will be narrowed to allow for construction, and to be mindful that there are heavy construction vehicles in operation.

The eThekwini Transport Authority has already been engaging with affected wards to explain the plans, and will host two further community engagements. These take place on Sunday, 21 October from 2 to 4pm at the David Landau Hall, Asherville for Ward 25 and on Monday, 22 October from 10am to 12 noon at the Greenwood Park Hall, 726 Chris Hani Road, Greenwood Park for Ward 34.

For more information or to keep up to date on construction and road deviation/ accommodation plans go to godurban.local:8890 or follow us on Twitter/ Facebook and Instagram.