Phoenix residents are urged to take note of road closures that have been taking place since 2 November and will continue until 16 November as construction continues on the Northern Aqueduct Augmentation (NAA).
Eastbury intersection will be closed for rectification works, as well as the re-tarring of the intersection during these two weeks. There will be detailed signage of all detours available on site.
Motorists will be able to turn left onto Phoenix Highway, then perform a U-turn at Grove End intersection to continue down Phoenix Highway to the R102. Phoenix Highway heading towards Eastbury will be open with motorists asked to perform a U-turn at R102 and back up Phoenix Highway. Alternatively, motorists can turn onto Longbury Drive.
The road closures are connected to the laying of a final section of pipe towards Phoenix Reservoir near Phoenix Highway.
This forms part of the second phase of the project which includes a 6km section of pipeline that begins at Duffs Road and ends at Phoenix 2 Reservoir and a 16km segment of pipeline that extends from this reservoir to Waterloo and uMhlanga, with a feed planned to the new Blackburn Reservoir.
The R250 million NAA forms part of eThekwini Municipality’s long-term plans implemented to alleviate water shortages being experienced in areas north of Durban. The current Northern Aqueduct has reached capacity because of the growth in these areas and the construction of the NAA will provide sufficient network capacity to deliver to areas that need it most.
The construction of the bulk water infrastructure is making steady progress, however, delays have been experienced because of rectification works which will certify all quality standards are met. A project of this magnitude means a number of safety and quality specifications must be adhered to, ensuring the pipe integrity is not comprised.
Head of eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS), Ednick Msweli, said the construction of the NAA, which comprises seven individual projects, is extremely complex and the inconvenience was an unfortunate necessity which would provide residents with water supply.
“We urge residents to take note of the traffic diversions and sincerely thank them for their ongoing patience during the finalisation of this project,” said Msweli.
