KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna municipal manager Grant Easton has indicated that the partially collapsed slope along the N2 (Knysna Main Road section), on the Western side of the provincial hospital, should not interfere with high seasonal traffic.
On Tuesday, November 3, Easton said: "If the weather holds and there is no further slippage, we will proceed to remove some of the debris in order to open both lanes. We are confident that we will be able to stabilise and monitor the slope, ensuring that both lanes of this section remain open for traffic during the busy summer season."
The slope first collapsed at the end of June due to persistent heavy rain and strong wind. "A contractor had been appointed to make the area safe and a geotechnical engineer had been appointed to investigate potential recourse," explained Easton.
"While preliminary discussions had been held with provincial government, the situation worsened in the middle of September when the slope shifted further."
He said the Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) of the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCPG) is responsible for repairs to the N2. "With our busiest time of the year looming, I have escalated this matter as a priority to the provincial government, who has reviewed possible courses of action to repair this important section of road."
"The DTPW have indicated that they are considering three options to repair the slope and that they are in the process of procuring a surveyor to survey the site," Easton continued. "They estimate the projected costs to be approximately R5-million, of which our municipality will be liable for 20%. They have also indicated that they estimate works to commence in the new year. In the meantime, we will keep a keen eye on the situation to ensure that both lanes stay open to traffic. Hopefully the weather will play along."
"While this remains the responsibility of the WCPG, we will do what we can to ensure that neither our residents, nor our visitors are negatively affected by the expected heavy flow of traffic. Not only will we endeavour to ensure an easy flow of traffic in this area, but we will once again appoint temporary pointsmen at strategic locations in town to direct traffic, making your commute a bit easier," Easton said.
"We all know that more cars on our roads can lead to frustration, but please remember that those extra cars represent visitors to our town, who contribute to our local economy. By remaining patient on our roads and courteous to other motorists and pedestrians, you are helping us to create a town where people and nature prosper."
He concluded that the municipality will give regular updates and feedback on progress on its website and other social media platforms.
Click here for previous articles
- Slope should not affect seasonal traffic
- N2 slope urgently reviewed
- Lane still closed after collapsed slope
- Collapsed slope causes road closure
ARTICLE AND PHOTO: CHRISTO VERMAAK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD - NEWS EDITOR
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