KNYSNA NEWS - The two blocks of the Gray Street project in Knysna that have been under construction for just over two months have finally been handed a completion date, and are expected to be finalised by the end of next month.
In early August, when Block 1 was yet to be completed, Knysna Municipality released a revised schedule following the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown.
In this revised schedule, Block 1 was due to be completed and opened by 14 August, and though it was indeed opened in August, it only received its final layer of tar in mid-September. Block 2 was to be finished by 16 September, and Block 3 by 13 October, but as the ever-present construction machinery in these sections testify, they are yet to see completion - largely because of a wet road surface, according to the municipality.
However, there is now reason for cautious optimism as Acting Municipal Manager Dr Louis Scheepers has revealed that the new date for completion of the two blocks is 30 November. "Construction of the sub-base between Gordon and Trotter streets (Block 2) is ahead of schedule, but the in situ stage between Trotter and Rawson streets (Block 3) is behind schedule," he explained. "This is simply because this section, Block 3, is too wet at the moment. Mitigating measures will be taken to ensure adherence to this deadline."
Block 2 of Gray Street has seen significant progress, while Block 3 lags behind in the distance. Photo: Blake Linder
According to the August revised schedule, Block 4 (between Rawson and Nelson streets) was to be closed on
31 August for excavation, with work expected to be concluded and the road reopened by 16 November - depending on progress on the first three blocks.
"The delay on Block 3 is having a ripple effect on the rest of the works," said Scheepers. "This means work on Blocks
4 and 5 - the section between Rawson Street and Main Road - will only start in the new year."
The municipality has however assured residents that Gray Street would be open to all thoroughfare for the upcoming holiday season.
Block 2 of Gray Street has seen significant progress, while Block 3 lags behind in the distance. Photo: Blake Linder
Block 3 has seen significant delays due to wet surfaces. Photo: Blake Linder
Block 3 has seen significant delays due to wet surfaces. Photo: Blake Linder
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