Newcastle Municipality has embarked on an ambitious roadwork project along Allen Street, leading to several sections of this essential roadway being closed to motorists. This large-scale initiative reflects the Municipality’s commitment to revitalising the Central Business District (CBD) and improving road conditions for safer access for all road users.
On 7 October 2024, Newcastillian News reported that an extensive section of Allen Street was excavated, marking the beginning of the necessary works along this busy road.
As part of this initial phase, the roadway from the entrance to Taxi City up to the Kirkland Street intersection was closed to allow for construction, with one lane kept open to enable limited traffic flow.
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However, the project has since intensified, with additional portions of Allen Street now undergoing excavation. This escalation has led to the complete closure of the section between Kirkland Street and Allen Street, along with the closure of the road from the Kirkland Street intersection to the junction of Allen Street and Murchison Street on Wednesday, 30 October 2024. Currently, only Kirkland Street remains open, and traffic is unable to turn onto Allen Street at this time.
Talking to Newcastillian News, Newcastle Municipality Spokesperson Mthandeni Myende provided further details on the changes being implemented.
He explained, “We will be closing access to Allen Street from the traffic lights at the Memel Road intersection during the course of the day, and more traffic officers will be deployed to manage traffic and ensure there is no congestion. However, one lane will be reopened on Friday (1 November 2024) and will then be closed again on Monday (4 November 2024).
Myende also highlighted the substantial progress that the Municipality has made on the roadworks so far. “We are currently busy with the foundation of the road, and we will be receiving all the necessary asphalt during the course of next week. Once the foundation work is complete and we have the asphalt, it will take approximately two days to complete, and the road will be fully opened again for traffic,” he noted.
Providing context on the need for these works, Myende outlined the Municipality’s focus on the Newcastle CBD, with an emphasis on enhancing road safety and aesthetics for both motorists and pedestrians. “We are trying to address all roads, but this road is a priority at the moment, as we intend to revitalise the CBD. Also, with the upcoming festive season and an influx of traffic expected, we want to ensure the road does not only look better but is safer for the road users,” he explained.
With the roadworks expected to conclude in the coming weeks, Myende assured the public that construction teams will work around the clock, including night shifts, to complete the project promptly. Moreover, the Municipality has prioritised both worker and motorist safety throughout the construction phase.
To facilitate the continued progress, the Newcastle Municipality announced temporary closures of the following roads until further notice:
- Memel Road and Allen Street.
- Allen Street and Murchison Street.
Additionally, road users are encouraged to use the following alternative routes during this period:
- Murchison Street
- Hardwick Street
- Scott Street
- Sutherland Street
- Harding Street
- Voortrekker Street
With this extensive road improvement effort underway, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 1
That is good to see, but what about Impala street and Drakensberg roads? Also what about big holes all over town and residential areas. I hope our money is also safe and the jobs finished on time without stealing faster than the jobs proceed.