The eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) will be introducing traffic signals on Harry Gwala (Spine) Road in a bid to improve the movement of traffic onto the N3.

"The upgrade will introduce traffic signals at the intersection of Harry Gwala Road and the access entrance to Westway Park. This will allow us to introduce a more sophisticated form of signals to improve the movement of traffic through to the N3," said Carlos Esteves Deputy Head of Roads Management with ETA.

Esteves said that the construction would take between six to nine months with no alternative routes as this was the only intersection to the Pavilion Shopping Centre and Westway Park. "We would recommend that people travelling from the Cato Manor to consider diverting onto Vusi Mzimela (Bellair Road) then onto the M7, M13 or N3 depending whether they wish to get to Westville or Pinetown," he said.

Last year ETA also approved the extension of Sylvester Ntuli (Brickhill Road) and identified Suncoast Boulevard to alleviate traffic congestion on Snell Parade. "The extension of Sylvester Ntuli Road was one of the work areas within the upgrade of the Central Beachfront.

'Work commenced on 8 March 2011 and this section of the contract was completed at the end of November 2011," said Gary Kimber Project Manager, Strategic Projects Unit. Kimber said the project costs R7.3 million. Similar road improvements in and around the city are infrequent as most of the road network are fully established. ETA is continually exploring ways to improve traffic flows and safety.