"We are going to drill until we reach bedrock to ensure there is a solid foundation to work on."
After a week the closure of the R404 has already affected residents and businesses in the area. Iando Minnie, of Carlu Trekkers in Montague Street, said his petrol and diesel sales were down by 40% in the first week. "Personally, I think the upgrade of the R404 is long overdue and I support it 100%. With the help of the locals who have supported us for many years we will be able to sustain the petrol station until the road re-opens in December." Caltex will be upgrading the outlet during this period.
"We will be putting in bigger petrol and diesel tanks and will improve the access to the filling station with a general upgrade of the retail section of the garage."
A guesthouse owner, who declined to give her name, said, "I don't want to sound as if I am complaining, but this is devastating for my business. Since the road closed last week Monday there is no passing trade that delivered the boost which made my establishment profitable."
Vira Cloete, who stays on a farm in the vicinity, says the dust is unbearable. "Motorists are taking a shortcut past the farm and I do not know what to do anymore."
Juan Prodehl, the district roads engineer for the Eden District, recommends that motorists do not take the shortcuts in the area. "The roads are not designed to take the volume of traffic and are not wide enough with a low water bridge that can flood after a cloudburst. Once a vehicle gets stuck the whole area will be cut-off until the scene has been cleared. The alternative recommended routes are clearly marked with new signage that went up over the weekend."
Motorists are advised to use alternative routes from the N12 (Outeniqua Pass) through George to the N2 or the R102 old airport road during the construction period. Access to Geelhoutboom will be from the R102 airport road.
Smith says the cooperation of the public is appreciated and every effort will be made to minimise the inconvenience and delays during the construction period. The current arrangement will be in place until 6 December when the contractor is expected to re-open the R404. The contract should be completed by May 2015. Baseline Civil Contractors can be contacted on 044 876 0036 should any problems be experienced.
New signage pertaining to the road closure has gone up to assist motorists.
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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