Phoenix residents express anger as R102 bridge construction exacerbates traffic woes

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01-07-2026
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The construction of an overhead pedestrian bridge on the R102 between the  Cornubia housing scheme and Phoenix, which is causing major traffic congestion, could be completed in November 2026.

The busy four-lane R102 thoroughfare links Phoenix, Verulam, Ottawa, and northern suburbs with uMhlanga and Durban. It has now been reduced to one lane on either side, leaving motorists fuming. 

eThekwini Ward 50 Councillor Lyndal Singh said she was disappointed with the manner in which the project on the R102 is being implemented.

Singh said the bridge construction has unfortunately worsened an already critical traffic situation, resulting in severe gridlock throughout Phoenix. 

“Residents are now experiencing delays of between one and two hours simply to exit the area. Parents are struggling to get their children to school on time, and many residents are unable to reach work despite leaving home much earlier than usual,” Singh said. 

She added that since 2018, she has consistently engaged with municipal officials regarding the urgent need to widen the entrance and exit roads into Phoenix to improve traffic flow and address severe congestion during peak hours. 

“This has remained a longstanding issue affecting residents daily. While I acknowledge the presence of metro police pointsmen at the intersection of J.G. Champion Drive and the R102 traffic signals, these measures have provided limited relief.” 

She added that relevant departments and officials should have undertaken greater consideration and planning.

“There needs to be urgent engagement with the implementing authorities to explore alternative construction arrangements, such as removing structures before peak-hour traffic and conducting work during off-peak periods, to minimise further inconvenience to residents,” Singh added. 

Rory Macpherson, Ward 102 councillor, said he has spoken with the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, and eThekwini officials to find a solution to the problem. 

“From my onsite visit and observation, with a little bit of innovation, contractors could quite easily prepare an additional lane on either side to ease the congestion,” Macpherson said. 

He said motorists cannot bear the congestion until November 2026, the project's expected completion date. 

“The traffic is unbearable, both going in and out, east to west, and west to east. They should be working 24 hours in my view to get this completed earlier, and on time. I asked for an onsite meeting to try to resolve this. All inconveniences have to be addressed,” he said. 

Correspondence seen between contractors and city officials to Singh outlined that the fast lane closures on both carriageways are required for working space and to accommodate safe access, as well as safe working space for construction plant.

Officials stated that construction of the pedestrian bridge has progressed into the centre median and that excavations are under way for the foundation of the centre pier. Officials explained that the 2-meter-deep excavation is right up against the fast lane road edge.

Officials added that the deep excavation will pose a serious risk to the travelling public, especially at night. The concrete barriers are being used for the safety of the construction team and the public. 

“We must consider the dangers of the traffic loading on the excavation should the fast lanes be opened. While the compacted road layers are expected to provide some stability to the excavation, traffic vibrations can cause the excavation to destabilise and collapse,” stated an official.

In February 2018, the KZN Department of Transport stated that it acknowledged the outcry for the overhead pedestrian bridge and sidewalks to accommodate pedestrians crossing over to the Cornubia housing settlement.

In previous reports, several children had been struck by vehicles and a few had died since the Cornubia housing settlement was built.