You can still comment on N2 upgrade
Athird public information session on the proposed upgrade of the N2 through Wilderness was held at Wilderness Hotel last week.
There are still concerns about the final assessment report on the project which was issued by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral). Some of the concerns that residents expressed again is that the several roundabouts being proposed will be "hazardous" instead of improving the safety of the road.
There were also concerns about the instability of sections of dunes along the road, noise impacts, as well as the impact the four-year construction period will have on local businesses. Two commentators said their submissions were not considered by Sanral during the previous commenting periods, but the road agency has now been made aware of this. The public has till 23 October to submit comments.
Sanral's upgrading proposal pertains to 15 kilometres of the N2 between Kraaibosch and Die Vleie intersection.
Mark Bosman, owner of Kleinkrantz Superette, was sceptical about the safety of the filling station at the George
Road intersection once a roundabout is constructed there.
He said numerous accidents have occurred at the circle at Garden Estate since it was built. Bosman is also opposed to the proposal to move the current Kleinkrantz entrance from Gousblom Crescent to the proposed roundabout at Die Vleie intersection. He believes this will negatively affect his superette that has been in trade for several years.
"Traffic into Kleinkrantz pass by my shop and with 30% of the trade being on impulse, I am going to lose a lot of business," he said.
Some residents said Die Vleie roundabout will create a hazard for fast moving traffic travelling down the hill from the east. They believe the noise impact from vehicles will also be greater.
Emile du Preez, project manager from Sanral, said these concerns will be addressed by the use of a sound reducing road surface.
Furthermore, the whole stretch of the N2 from Wilderness to Die Vleie will be lit at night. "Die Vleie road can not be relayed westwards to create a circle at the existing Gousblom Crescent entrance, because Die Vleie road would have to be extended over Sanparks land, and it is a divisional road."
He said zero inclination LED lights with motion detectors will be installed so that they will light downwards only and will dim when there is no movement.
"Sanral needs to improve mobility on the N2 and consolidate entrances to make the route safer. It is a national road that runs through an urban area, which makes it very
Sanral needs to improve mobility on the N2 and consolidate entrances to make the route safer.
challenging."
He said a speed limit of between 60km/h and 80km/h will be instituted along this stretch.
Zade Corie, a resident of Roland Krynauw Drive (a private road in Die Duin), was worried that the dune on which their private street was built will become more unstable during construction activities on the N2. It has already started to give way. Sanral promised to do an on-site inspection.
According to Maurits Lammers, the George Deep Sea Angling Club made submissions regarding the reinstatement of a double-track road leading from the parking area at Kaaimans bridge to the river beach, like it was many years ago. "Our submission has not received any attention up till now, but Sanral has promised to have a look at it. We see a great tourism, economic and recreation opportunity for the general public here."
Martin Grotepass, owner of Wilderness Pharmacy, said business will be negatively impacted during the four-year construction period when access to the village is expected to be difficult.
Ward Councillor Marlene Barnardt said the public has had ample opportunity for participation in the process.
"This is the third public session and it is encouraging that proposals made by the public at the two previous open days have been implemented, and explanations are given as to why others could not be implemented."
Comment can be sent to The Environmental Partnership, PO Box 945, Cape Town, 8000 or comments@enviropart. co.za, or per fax to 021 422 0998. Phone them on 021 422 0999 for more information.
The final assessment report is available at www.enviropart.co.za and at the George Library in Caledon Street, George.