Western Cape Transport MEC, minister Robin Carlisle said he has stopped the process as a new bypass is completely unnecessary and would be a waste of money. "There is an existing road, the R404, and contractors are currently investigating what upgrades are needed."
The bypass was proposed after the need for an additional road to relieve traffic congestion in the centre of town was identified. An alternative road was deemed necessary where George is not the final destination.
The bypass was met with fierce resistance from residents of Geelhoutboom and Blanco who claim a busy road would disrupt their tranquil tourist environment and farming activities.
Airport crossing
The upgrade of the R404, linking Blanco and Herold’s Bay, will include the very dangerous crossing at the George Airport where the R102 linking Great Brak River and George crosses the R404.
Carlisle said the available options include a traffic light, a circle or merely erecting extra signs. He said research has shown that a traffic light could actually increase the number of accidents on a high speed road and that he is in favour of a traffic circle. "It is almost impossible to be involved in a head-on collision in a traffic circle. However, building a circle is a very expensive exercise."
Carlisle said if no unforeseen damage or floods occur, the circle may be approved within the next six months. Construction will then commence as part of the R404 upgrade by the end of next year and hopefully be completed two years from now.
He said that extra warning signs would be erected as an interim measure.
George Airport manager Brenda Moses welcomed the news and said that since her appointment in 2008 she had consistently asked for better lighting at the intersection.
Welgelegen circle
Meanwhile, the construction of a brand new circle on the N2 at the Radermacher’s intersection is set to start early in the new year.
Reigate, the developer of the new lifestyle estate, Welgelegen, has to cough up the almost R2-million that the roundabout will cost. The national road agency, Sanral, still has to send the final letter of approval to the consulting engineers, ITS. Project engineer, Giliomee Matthee says a circle is Sanral’s preferred option due to a number of benefits. "Sanral prefers it to a traffic light as it will reduce speed along the N2 and improve the safety of all road users. The circle’s capacity will be able to accommodate peak hour demand and also improve access from the side roads. A circle also does not have the delaying factor of stopping cars at red signals."
The double lane circle will be built within the existing road reserve, making an environmental impact study unnecessary. It will be of the same red brick that was used for the other circles in George and Sanral wants it to be completed before the busy Easter holidays.
A meeting with the public and other role players was held yesterday at Gateway Lodge where Matthee clarified detailed design issues. The next open meeting will be held at 10:00 on 13 January at the sawmill site office to explain operations and answer questions. Comments or concerns re the proposed roundabout can be directed to mail@itse.co.za before or on 22 December 2010.
ARTICLE: ILSE SCHOONRAAD
