GEORGE NEWS - Frustration and safety concerns have been aired by road users about an apparent lack of proper traffic regulation on the N2 at Kraaibosch. 

The hotspot is at the intersection where the traffic circle was removed for major roadworks that are underway.

This is one of the busiest and fastest moving intersections in George, especially during peak hours. Motorists have expressed exasperation at pointsmen doing the job of traffic officials, who are apparently rarely seen.

There have been instances where traffic piled up from this intersection down into Kaaimans Pass. 

Trying to access the N2 at the intersection from the north or south during peak hour is a nightmare, according to a motorist who has to negotiate her way into the vehicle flow daily. 

She said provincial traffic vehicles are often parked on the side of the road, but she has never seen the officials get out to regulate the traffic.

Road user Trevor Howell said he almost got killed at this junction on Sunday 7 July. He tried contacting the mayor and the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) to air his concern and put in a request that the junction be made safer.

Sanral's project manager, David le Cordeur, has responded to these concerns with an appeal to road users to be patient and strictly adhere to speed restrictions in the construction zone. "Road users should always be on the lookout for construction workers and assist in prioritising their safety.

"We have heard the frustration of local residents and road users about congestion and delays and have made a commitment to as far as possible always maintain two-way traffic, instead of using the more common Stop/Go method for traffic accommodation."

He said provincial traffic "continues to assist the contractor's pointsmen with traffic regulation" during peak times.

"We see how the presence of traffic officers, whether through visible policing or them actively assisting with directing traffic, improves road user behaviour."

The roadworks will bring about major improvements to the route. These include new traffic circles at the Victoria Bay and George Road turn-offs and widening the N2 to a dual carriageway over the full length. Frontage roads will also be created, according to Le Cordeur.

The project will cost R700m. "It has in the first few months already created 80 local labour opportunities, with seven subcontracting packages successfully awarded.

"While the economic impact of the project is a welcome injection to the regional economy, the main objective is to improve mobility and road safety."

‘Ons bring jou die nuutste Tuinroete, Hessequa, Karoo nuus’