Two route options under review for key North Coast M4 extension

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01-04-2026
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North Coast Courier
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Plans are in place for an extension of the key arterial past Ballito Hills, Simbithi and Mount Richmore.

The future of a key transport link hangs in the balance as the municipality considers two competing routes for a proposed extension of the M4.

KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) is weighing options for a section of the proposed link between Zimbali and Sheffield, a decision set to shape regional traffic flow. This follows a formal submission by property developer Devmco on March 13, proposing an alternative alignment through the Mt Richmore corridor (aka Salt Rock City). The matter was discussed at last Thursday’s council meeting.

The project forms part of the Ballito to Sheffield Strategic Transport Masterplan, introduced in 2021 to address growing traffic congestion and support ongoing development along the North Coast. The long-term plan, which runs to 2039, focuses on improving key routes such as the M4, Ballito Drive, R102 and the Salt Rock interchange to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with rapid growth.

The first option for the proposed M4 extension, already adopted by council in the KDM Roads Master Plan, would run from Ballito west of Ballito Hills and Simbithi along the western boundary of Salt Rock City towards the traffic lights at All Souls Anglican Church, at the intersection of the P330 (Salt Rock Main Road) and P228. Although the land is currently vacant, it is earmarked for single residential development, meaning this option would require the expropriation of privately owned land.

Devmco’s alternative proposes repurposing the existing, partially built New Salt Rock Drive rather than constructing a new route.

In its submission, Devmco’s Schalk Theunissen said a key advantage is lower capital costs, as parts of the road and corridor already exist and can be upgraded, making the option preferable on planning, engineering, implementation and economic grounds.

He added the proposal does not undermine the Roads Master Plan but refines the alignment in an area where further studies and design work are already required. The submission included a letter of support from the KZN Department of Transport.

However, council papers show the alternative was previously rejected, as it was said it would compromise the functional integrity and strategic role of the M4 extension.

The alternative would require an intersection with the P330 at the Salt Rock Shopping Centre/Dunkirk Estate junction, which is considered undesirable as a signalised intersection would likely increase congestion and reduce travel speeds, particularly during peak periods.

As KDM does not employ an engineer, it will likely need to appoint a consulting engineer to assess the options.