www.peexpress.co.za Wednesday, October 31, 2012
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Editor: Bettie Giliomee
The The severely severely damaged damaged 3rd 3rd Avenue Avenue dip dip after after the the heavy heavy rains rains recently. recently. Photo: Photo: WERNER WERNER HILLS HILLS
Damaged dip indefinitely closed ZELDRÉ SWANEPOEL
T
RAFFIC congestion on the William Moffett Expressway and other surrounding roads due to the closure of the 3rd Avenue dip could continue until next year as the dip has been closed for an indefinite period due to extensive damage caused by the recent heavy rain. Marthie Nel, Nelson Mandela Bay
Municipality Acting Communications Head, said last week that work on the dip could not start immediately. “Work on repairing the 3rd Avenue dip cannot start now, because the bridge is still flooded by the Baakens River. Only when the water levels of the Baakens River have subsided, will the Municipality be able to undertake a proper assessment of the full extent of the damage to the bridge/road and begin repairs.” When questioned about the effects of the increased traffic volumes on
William Moffett Expressway, Nel added that the municipality is currently investigating contingency plans to alleviate traffic on surrounding roads. Nel could not give an estimate when the dip would be reopened, and reports that this might only happen some time next year, could very well be the case. “Repairs are dependent on the subsiding of the water levels and the extent of the damage. It is possible that the dip will only be ready next year, but at this stage the Municipality cannot give any further answer in this re-
gard,” Nel said. Ward 6 DA Councillor Retief Odendaal said plans to upgrade Glenhurd Drive have been on the cards for a number of years but could not be implemented due to a shortage of funds. “The closure of the road will no doubt lead to increased traffic congestion in the Western suburbs, especially as the William Moffett Expressway is already utilized optimally with an estimated 24 000 vehicles making use of the road on a daily basis.” Odendaal expressed his concern
about the fact that budgets are strained to the limit, and suggested that assistance should be called for from central government. “If we look at the Kragga Kamma Interchange and the Brickmakerskloof road and bridges and how long it took to reinstate the facilities, it bodes very ill for the 3rd Avenue Dip,” Odendaal said. “It is indeed a pity that once again residents will pay the price for what could no doubt be described as a lack of foresight by the current administration.” Odendaal said.
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