Wild Coast toll road talks resume

East London - Durban traffic volumes have risen above national average NEW ROUTES have been proposed in a draft scoping report for a planned toll road linking East London more directly with southern KwaZulu Natal while providing better access to resorts along the Wild Coast. Earlier plans were scrapped in December 2004 on the grounds that the appointed environmental consultant did not meet the requirement for independence as contemplated in the EIA Regulations. The report, by CCA Environmental, was commissioned by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral). It recommends more in-depth studies into a route which takes account of objections by environmentalists and the community. The road is expected to boost the local economy through providing better access to markets for agricultural produce and making resorts along the Wild Coast more accessible to tourists. While the present route from Mthatha to KwaZulu/ Natal heads inland, the proposed road would go towards Port St Johns on the coast. Further studies are needed to determine the best route from there to Port Edward on the border between the Transkei and KwaZulu/Natal, according to the study. Of concern are sensitive areas, which include the Mkambati nature reserve. The proposed N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway will include seven toll plazas and 24 ramp/interchange toll plazas. According to the scoping report, traffic volumes between East London and Durban have risen above the national average since 2001. Its analysis is based on the expectation of an annual average growth rate of 3.5% for a 20-year design period.