GEORGE NEWS - The Department of Environmental Affairs has granted environmental approval for phase B of the proposed upgrading of the N2 between the Touw River and Die Vleie turn-off.
Sanral requested in March that the environmental affairs department make a split decision on the application and the project was split into two phases. Phase A has yet to be approved.
Phase B is part of the SA National Roads Agency's proposed upgrade that comprises a total of 15km from Kraaibosch in George to Die Vleie.
As part of phase B, roundabouts at Zundorf Lane/Southside Lane, Pirate's Creek/Die Duin, Buxton Close/Dumbleton Crescent, the Hoekwil Road intersection, and Die Vleie intersection will be created. An underpass will be built to link the Grant's Place/Eighth Avenue intersection and North Street (near Island Lake).
The road will be widened and sidewalks constructed from the Touw River to Die Vleie turnoff, and the stretch between the Touw River bridge and Die Vleie turnoff will be resurfaced.
Sanral also intends to create some pedestrian, cycling and bus infrastructure (for the future municipal bus service) as well as street lighting. This infrastructure will be built as part of both phase A and B.
Phase A will include closure of the Victoria Heights access road and creating an alternative access via a new frontage road on the south side of the N2.
Proposals also include a new roundabout at the Victoria Bay Road intersection and widening of the road between the Victoria Bay Road intersection and truck stop lane.
From the Victoria Bay Road roundabout a new frontage road is proposed on the north side of the N2 that will give access to Far Hills Hotel and other properties.
The existing access roads on that side of the N2 will be closed.
Appeals against the environmental approval for phase B must be submitted no later than 30 July to the Director of Appeals and Legal Review by e-mail: appealsdirectorate@environment.gov.za, or by post to Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001.
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