Roadworks underway around Cornubia development, Umhlanga

Construction of a bridge over the N2 motorway is progressing well. The bridge will connect Cornubia with the Umhlanga Ridge town centre.

“With key attractions such as the Cornubia Shopping Mall scheduled to open in September, MMI Cornubia contact centre opening in May, and over 1,600 residents having settled/taken occupation, it is necessary to improve access to the development,” says Mtura Matshini, development executive of Tongaat Hulett Developments.

“In conjunction with the eThekwini municipality, we have been involved in the construction of major roadworks to precede the anticipated increase in vehicle traffic as these amenities become operational to avoid any unnecessary congestion. Unfortunately, in the short term, this may result in some inconvenience for motorists and residents during construction.”

Bridge over N2 motorway

The roadworks include the construction of a bridge over the N2 motorway to connect Cornubia with the Umhlanga Ridge town centre, as well as upgrading the Flanders Drive interchange and the construction of the first portion of the Dube East arterial which will run parallel to the N2 and is identified as the strategic access requirement.

The N2 bridge will also contribute to the C9 corridor that feeds the City of Durban’s Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network, also known as the Go! Durban service. C9 refers to the Gateway route which runs from Gateway, through Cornubia and Phoenix to Bridge City. This transport network already plays an important role in improving access to Durban and Pinetown from areas north of the city, with many commuters residing in Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu.

Flanders Drive interchange

The Flanders Drive interchange will provide access to the south-east quadrant of the Cornubia Development that includes amenities such as the shopping mall, the business park and the town centre.

All the pieces of infrastructure currently under construction are due for completion by the end of August 2017.

“We aim to minimise disruptions to traffic during this construction phase, with certain road closures for defined periods to be expected. We will keep residents and commuters informed of any such closures to reduce inconvenience,” Matshini says.

[UPDATED: 30 March 2017]