GEORGE NEWS - The gravel surface of Gwaiing Road is going to be tarred and upgraded to the tune of R67m, to the relief of many farmers and other regular users of the road.
This divisional road (DR1618) near Blanco connects to the R404 (between Blanco and Herold's Bay) and the R102 (old George Airport road).
According to a media release from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), improvements will also be made to the storm water drainage system.
Other works include the construction of concrete-lined side drains, installation of concrete storm water pipes, and the realignment of certain sections of the road to improve drainage and road safety. The project will last 18 months.
'300% improvement'
Leon van Rooyen, a farmer from the Geelhoutboom area, is delighted. "It will improve our family's travelling experiences by 300%. It will not only be faster and easier to get to places, but also much safer. People drive fairly fast on that road, no matter how poor the condition of the surface. In its current state it is especially dangerous. There are potholes beyond some of the turns and also on the short, tarred section where it connects to the R404 and at the speed some people drive, this is an accident waiting to happen.
"Also, whenever the road is graded, half of the traffic is redirected to the dangerous crossing at the airport. There are some farmers along the road who will also be happy to be rid of the dust from the road."
Business chamber chairman Dr Willie Cilliers says the road is an important link. "It is an absolutely essential road to connect businesses from the airport side to businesses on the Blanco side. For farmers wanting to get their product to the market, this is going to be a huge improvement."
The project was commissioned by the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works. It will be executed by GRDM as agency to the department.
GRDM says about 44 jobs will be created during the construction phase. Temporary road signs, flag operators and speed controls will ensure safe use during construction.
The Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, said road infrastructure is a critical connector to economic, education, health and social opportunities. He apologised for the inconvenience for road users during construction. "We would like to thank our road users for their patience during this time."
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