Minister of Transport Joe Maswanganyi recently unveiled two strategic projects aimed at improving road safety on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

The Eteza Traffic Control Centre and the Kwabhoboza Interchange were constructed by the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) at a total cost of almost R500 million.

The Eteza Traffic Control Centre will help curb extensive overloading of trucks which has resulted in a marked deterioration in the condition of the province’s road network.

Heavy vehicles of more than five tons gross mass will be weighed at the centre and drivers will be issued a fine if the vehicle exceeds the permissible mass on gross mass and/or axle unit mass.

The overload control facility will also be used to inspect the roadworthiness of vehicles on a 24-hour basis.

The Kwabhoboza intersection was upgraded to include improved, safer walkways for pedestrians.  In addition, taxi laybys and pedestrian facilities were provided within the interchange precinct. A new pedestrian fence on the road reserve within the KwaMsane community was also installed.

The launch of the Eteza Traffic Control Centre and the Kwabhoboza Interchange coincided with the drawing to a close of October Transport Month 2017 during which the Department of Transport advanced the country’s road safety initiatives whilst also creating awareness of the economic benefits of the sector.