Roadworks in Port Elizabeth worth the wait

The inconvenience of the Walmer roadworks on Port Elizabeth has paid off. Better traffic flow and transport links during the World Cup will hopefully ensure increased tourism in the future.

The roadworks in the Walmer district of Port Elizabeth fell between 1st Avenue and Plane Lane and ended on the 18th June 2010. The purpose of these construction works was to broaden Heugh Road so that the city may be able to accommodate more people in the future. The construction was linked to the broadening of the airport road (Allistair Miller) in order to accommodate the influx of cars during the World Cup.

The end of construction fell precisely a week after South Africa’s debut as the first African country to host the FIFA World Cup.

With a workforce of approximately fifty people, ageing sewers and cables were renewed and the road was broadened to accommodate double lanes in either direction. The Scribante team worked from 7am-5pm every day, excepting the occasional Sunday, to ensure a job well done.

One main problem: reckless drivers
A project foreman, Roelf Weideman, explained that the biggest problem faced in the project lay not in the construction, but in reckless commuters. People did not always adhere to the temporary road signs or road safety personnel. Reckless drivers endangered the lives of others. Fortunately, nobody was harmed as a result of the road and lane closures.

Weideman said that residents in the area often complained about the noise and dust produced by the heavy machinery. Also, occasional water and electricity cuts set the residents on edge. “It was unfortunate that we had to inconvenience the people, but in the end, the job had to be done.”

Special poles… gone with the wind
During the construction period, Weideman was witness to many changes along Heugh Road in preparation for the World Cup. “Closer to the time, there were flags everywhere: on the road lights, in shop windows and on the passing cars.”

Port Elizabeth lived up to its reputation as the windy city when a number of municipal poles erected specially for the displaying of flags snapped in two. Special FIFA banners had been attached to them. These banners caught the wind and the force proved too much for the poles.

The broadening of the Allistair Miller Road has definitely improved traffic flow in the area. It seems a pity that during the FIFA World Cup general commuters will not be allowed to use this road. It has been blocked off for the special use of VIP convoys traveling to and from the airport.

Although an inconvenience at first, the construction on these main roads has proven to be highly beneficial already in this short time. The endeavours were landmark changes for the small city of Port Elizabeth. Soon, Port Elizabeth could be on par with larger cities in terms of efficiency and transport.

“It’s about ensuring that the present situation gives way to a productive future,” said Weideman. “Hopefully all the work will help make PE a sought-after destination.”