WATCH: Stapleton Road construction causes heavy traffic delays

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07-03-2025
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Highway Mail
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Motorists air their frustration as traffic intensifies on Stapleton road with the ongoing construction.

MOTORISTS are facing severe traffic congestion on Stapleton Road in Pinetown, which has once again become a bottleneck due to ongoing construction. A section of the road in front of Sandy’s Centre has been reduced to two lanes, leaving only a single lane open in each direction. This has led to congestion, particularly as traffic flows from Otto Volek Road and Josiah Gumede Road intersect with Stapleton Road.

Ward Councillor Melanie Brauteseth confirmed that the repairs are part of the larger Otto Volek project, aimed at upgrading and improving road infrastructure in New Germany’s industrial area. “The Stapleton Road project involves a complete substructure removal, rebuilding of the road platform, and resurfacing,” she said.

The road has long suffered from persistent potholes, which have been repeatedly patched but continue to resurface. Last year, heavy rains led to its temporary closure for several weeks. Brauteseth expressed optimism that the current construction, expected to last six months, will offer a lasting solution. “We will monitor the project closely to ensure it is completed on time and within budget,” she added.

Motorists have voiced their frustration over the unexpected delays. Linda Naaik, who commutes to work daily, said the sudden changes have disrupted her schedule. “I travel from Motala Pinetown to Sanderson Road which passes through Stapleton. It would normally take me 10 to 15 minutes to get to work, but now I sit at least 15 minutes in traffic making me 20 minutes late,” she said.

Londiwe Mkhize, who travels from Durban Central to Pinetown by taxi, said the past few weeks have been a nightmare for her.

“I have to leave my house  at least an hour before my normal time to make time for the traffic. What makes it worse for me is that I travel by taxi, on top of all the stops the taxi makes to drop off people, we are stuck in traffic for 15 to 20 minutes. I hope the project ends soon.”

Durban Metro Police spokesperson Boysie Zungu assured motorists that officers would be deployed as needed to assist with traffic control. “Our officers will be visible from time to time to monitor and manage traffic flow,” he said. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.

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