Airport crossing: no more talking in circles
Following years of appeals and a long war of words about the lethal intersection at the George Airport, George Municipality is going to ask that a traffic circle be erected at the infamous crossing. This follows the death of yet another accident victim - an accident in which councillor Liza Stroebel escaped with her life.
George Mayor Leon van Wyk confirmed this week that the municipality will request a circle to be built at the crossing of the R404 and the R102.
On Sunday 6 September, a woman died and a number of people were injured. In the past many calls were made to secure the crossing, one of the busiest in the Southern Cape, but to no avail. Van Wyk told George Herald that people should keep in mind that the crossing is on a provincial road, but that he realises the gravity of the situation. Over the years the crossing has claimed numerous lives. He said speed is a problem and that it is difficult to cross the R102. He himself has experienced this.
Van Wyk said Province is addressing the matter. A consultant will soon be appointed to do an environmental impact study and a public participation process will follow. If a circle is approved, construction will only begin 18 months from now, in the 2022/23 financial year.
The mayor said lots of planning has taken place and that a second circle may be built at the entrance to the airport. Bonginkosi Madikizela, Western Cape Minister of Transport, visits George today, Thursday 10 September and the crossing will also be discussed. A short-term solution to improve safety will also be on the agenda. Prinsloo Botes, a representative of a landowner in the vicinity of the airport, said they are keen to start developments in the area and will welcome a circle at the crossing.