Road and Rail Network

The primary road network shown below reflects the locational constraints resulting from the topography as well as the land use activity. The road network has a strong north-south orientation consisting of the N2 freeway (which is tolled throughout the study area), supported by the R102, and provides a regional distribution function. The east-west connection of the area is provided by lower order provincial and municipal road network of which the R74 and R614 are the main roads.

The balance of the road network consists of district and local roads built to various standards and generally carrying lower traffic volumes. The road network within the various towns such as Ballito and KwaDukuza itself is well developed with high connectivity.

Collectively, these roads form the network needed for an effective system of public transport routes and services which can provide access and mobility to and from the various communities and activity centres in the region. The map below shows the current road network within the area (KwaDukuza SDF 2017 Review).

The railway network that crosses the KwaDukuza study area has been an important determinant in the establishment of settlement patterns in the area over time. There are currently 11 railway stations within the study area, although not all of these stations cater for commuter traffic. The commuter network effectively stops at KwaDukuza, with the remaining stations to the north being utilised primarily for goods.

There is currently approximately 51 km of railway line within KwaDukuza, which in today’s economic terms would have a replacement value of approximately R600m. The rail infrastructure is thus a significant resource that exists, and the role of rail as a mass mover of people must be central to longer-term development strategies for the area. The map below shows the current rail network in the area (KwaDukuza SDF 2017 Review).