M13 – N3 Link Road

After KZN Provincial Department of Transport and eThekwini decided that the much-hyped MR 360, which would have linked the M13 with the N3, was a no-go for at least the next 20 years, if at all, because of costs, the baton has now been picked up by SANRAL.

What was once the MR 360 is now being referred to as the M13 Link Road and will be a 4 lane dual carriageway stretching from the M13/Gillitts interchange to the Mahogany Ridge interchange.

The proposed new works and upgrades to existing infrastructure include the following elements:

• Relocation of the existing Stockville/Westmead intersection and upgrading to a signalised intersection.
• Realignment of the crossroad to accommodate the new intersection.
• Construction of the new M13 Link Road, a four-lane dual carriageway, between the above-mentioned intersection and the M13 at Gillitts Interchange.
• Horizontal and vertical realignment of both carriageways of the M13 in the vicinity of the Gillitts Interchange to pass over the M13 Link Road.
• Construction of the M13 Link Road immediately adjacent to the M13 to tie into Old Main Road into Hillcrest via an elevated structure.
• Upgrading of the M13/Gillitts Interchange to enable access to and from the M13 Link Road from Old Main Road (R103) through Gillitts.

This is an extensive project and the date set for the EIA (phase 2) decision is June 2013.

Some important dates to be aware of:

• October/November 2012 – Public participation notification period
• October 2012 – Public meeting

“Residents should not panic, as this project may or may not go ahead dependent on the various studies, including EIA and cost. Some residents are going to be upset, as this project will require expropriation of land. I urge you to make your voices heard by attending the public meeting(s),” says Councillor Rick Crouch.

This Link Road is needed when you consider the amount of traffic on Fields Hill, and it is only going to get worse. However, some of the many questions that need to be asked are: How will it be paid for? Will it be tolled? Are trucks going to be forced to use it or will they continue to use Fields Hill?

An application for this proposed development is currently being submitted to the National Department of Environmental Affairs.

How can you get involved?

• By attending the meetings to be held during the course of the project. The meeting dates will be advertised in local newspapers and registered I and APs will be notified by mail as well.
• Contacting consultants in writing if you have a query, comment or require further project information. Write to Ms Sharleen Moodley PO Box 55, Pinetown, 3600 or e-mail novashnim@ssl.co.za.
• By reviewing and commenting on the draft Scoping and EIA Reports within the allowed 40-day review periods.

For more information and to contact Councillor Rick Crouch, visit www.ward10.co.za