Update
KNYSNA NEWS - Following a host of unexpected delays to the Gray Street upgrade project, Knysna Municipality has announced a revised works schedule for the first four blocks of the street that will see the first block reopened later this week.
The revised works schedule aims to have completed blocks one to four of the Gray Street Project before the December season kicks off.
“Work on block five, from Nelson Street to Main Road, will only commence in the new year,” said Acting Municipal Manager Dr Louis Scheepers. “This means that all of Gray Street will be open during our peak traffic season.”
Scheepers explained further that if the contractor is unable to guarantee that surfacing of the section between Rawson- and Nelson Streets will be completed by 1 December, work on this block will also only start in 2021 to ensure that Gray Street remains open to traffic during one of the busiest seasons.
The municipality stated that it had consulted with affected businesses and it was agreed that reconstruction of block three, would begin almost a month in advance. “This effectively buys us more time to complete scheduled works before the December break,” Dr Scheepers explained.
“This also allows for catching up on any time lost to inclement weather conditions or other unforeseen factors that may delay the project.”
To facilitate the flow of traffic, portions of the road will be opened while works on the sidewalks and other areas continue. The project does not only concern the rebuilding of the road, but also that of the intersections, sidewalks and parking bays, the replacement of the old water pipeline, and a general ‘sprucing up’ of Gray Street according to the municipality.
The newly revised programme will see the completion of Block 1 between Waterfront Drive and Gordon Street (excluding the Gordon intersection) during the week and the reopening of the section on 14 August.
Block 2 between Gordon- and Trotter Street is expected to be completed by 16 September, while Block 3 between Trotter- and Rawson Street will be closed from tomorrow onwards (12 August) with work to be completed and the road opened by 13 October.
The fourth section, which stretches between Rawson- and Nelson Street is intended to be closed on 31 August for excavation to be done with work expected to be concluded and the road reopened by 16 November.
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