The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has called for tenders for the development of the R250-million Redhouse-Chelsea interchange road network, intended to alleviate traffic congestion in Port Elizabeth’s western suburbs and improve access to the city’s planned R1.7-billion Bay West regional mall.

The network would connect Walker drive with Old Cape road through an interchange over the N2, which would allow mall visitors access from the highway, while a bridge over the Baakens river would also be constructed as part of the development.

The provincial Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism earlier this month approved construction of the network, the completion of which would coincide with the opening of the mall in early 2015.

“The awarding of the contract to the successful tenderer will follow Sanral board approval in mid-August, which will enable the contractor to start development in the second half of the year,” commented Sanral southern regions construction manager Maichael Kaiser.

Aecom project engineer Gerrie Albertyn added that the road design had been diverted around an ecologically sensitive rocky outcrop, which hosted a rare species of frog and plant, and that construction of the road network was specifically designed to protect these environmentally sensitive areas. 

As a result, two environmental control officers would oversee development of the project.

“A bridge to the southern side of the N2 will be built to protect the environmentally sensitive cyclopia plant species, which is located in a wetland area, while another structure will be built to elevate the road to protect the rare frog species,” said Albertyn.

The search and rescue of sensitive plants and animals in the road reserve would be completed before any work started, while the most sensitive areas would be entirely fenced off to prevent any encroachment.

The routes would also be pedestrian-friendly and offer cycle paths throughout to accommodate non motorised transport, while provision to accommodate the city’s integrated public transport system had also been made.

“The Redhouse-Chelsea road has been on the cards since 2004 to alleviate congestion in the area. It is anticipated that a large volume of traffic will use the route and the N2 interchange as a result of the envisaged mall, which is central to the development of the greater Bay West City project,” Albertyn said.

Mall developers Abacus Asset Management and the Billion Group have earmarked 300 ha for development of the 87 500 m² shopping centre, and expect to create 10 000 jobs during the construction phase and a further 1 500 permanent jobs.

Bay West City MD Gavin Blows added that the road network would also be a boost to employment in the region.

“The new road network will accelerate the residential and commercial growth of this part of the metro. We are privileged to be attracting much-needed employment to the region and are pleased be a part of the city’s 2020 vision for growth,” he said.