AZ Berman Drive ‘traffic’ headache as MyCiTi construction enters next phase

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22-08-2024
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Mitchells Plain residents say it’s going to be a long nine months for motorists as construction gets under way for the next phase of the MyCiTi bus service.

Phase 2A of the MyCiTi expansion will link residents of Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain with the hubs of Claremont and Wynberg.

The City said the roadwork along AZ Berman Drive formed part of Phase 2A and will affect traffic flow along Stock Road/AZ Berman Drive between the Nduli Street and Petunia Road intersections.

According to Alex Lawrence, transport convenor of the Mitchells Plain United Residents Association (Mura), there isn’t much space to pull over in case of an accident or a car breakdown due to the lanes’ closures.

He said any obstruction in those lanes caused massive congestion.

South of Wespoort Drive and from Nduli Street, the two lanes that serve traffic heading toward the R300 will be closed.

Two lanes serving traffic in the opposite direction toward Mitchells Plain Central will accommodate traffic in both directions.

Denver van Aarde, chairperson of the Mitchells Plain Scholar Transport, described the construction as challenging for drivers.

“They are struggling with time factors to get the children to school on time. In the afternoon it is not so hectic but in the morning, we are still struggling,” he said.

Van Aarde said despite the construction, traffic officials were still persistent with their roadblocks along AZ Berman Drive.

“That makes it difficult, we are also experiencing smash and grab as guys are always lurking. It is a big problem and a concern on AZ Berman for us,” Van Aarde said.

Lawrence added: “We sorely need uniformed officers to be on duty at these construction sites. They can clear traffic congestion much quicker and faster than construction workers.”

According to a construction update on the MyCiTi website, temporary public transport stops will be placed along the reconfigured road for passengers to use during construction.

People will be able to safely travel on foot and avoid the work area, according to the notification, with the help of temporary sidewalks and pedestrian crossings with signalised traffic signals.

Marshall Nelson, a Mitchells Plain Business Forum member, said the City did not check on how the project would impact traffic.

“They have not done a proper assessment yet to look at the transport congestion for this project,” he said.

Ward 76 councillor Avron Plaatjies said he had been in communication with the project manager.

He said to address the current traffic congestion issues they increased the number of flag personnel on site and adjusted the traffic light signal timings during peak hours to improve the flow of traffic.

Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, said the City had to strike a balance between the accommodation of traffic during construction and investing in road infrastructure.

“This project will ultimately deliver safe, affordable, direct public transport services that will eventually also reduce traffic congestion; uplift surrounding areas and keep Mitchells Plain moving well into the future,” said Quintas.