Thousands of Tsakani residents who rely on the R23 as a major route out of the area can now expect a safer and more predictable commute after the traffic signal system at the Heidelberg and Elsburg roads intersection in Dalpark was restored and upgraded.

The project was recently completed through a collaborative private partnership between Carnival City, the City of Ekurhuleni and City Power Johannesburg.

For an extended period prior to this intervention, the intersection had been operating without functional traffic lights, following repeated incidents of cable theft, vandalism and storm-related damage.

As a result, the robotic signals had not been operational for some time, leaving motorists to navigate an uncontrolled and potentially hazardous junction.

The absence of functioning infrastructure led to congestion, near misses and a growing concern for road user safety.

While the route falls under the responsibility of the Gauteng Department of Roads, ongoing challenges linked to funding constraints and operational capacity made immediate public-sector repairs difficult.

---

ALSO READ: Kwatzaduza commuters feel pain of latest fuel hike

---

In response, Carnival City stepped in to support a solution that prioritises public safety and traffic flow at this critical access point.

Johan Oosthuizen, the newly appointed general manager at Carnival City, describes the project as a meaningful first milestone in his new role.

“The safety of our guests, our staff and the broader motoring public is extremely important to us,” he said. “For some time, there simply were no functioning traffic light systems at this intersection due to ongoing theft and damage.

“Restoring and modernising the signals was essential to creating a safer, more controlled environment for everyone who uses these roads. We are pleased to see this project completed and fully operational.”

Carnival City has a long-standing history of supporting local transport infrastructure, having invested in similar interventions for more than a decade.

This latest project forms part of an ongoing commitment to the sustainability of the area’s road network, including the continued support and maintenance of systems near the iconic Carnival City Arch.

---

ALSO READ: VOXPOP: Price hikes hit hard as residents struggle to cope

---

The scope of work extended well beyond routine repairs. Given the history of theft at the site, additional security measures were implemented to improve long-term resilience and reliability.

Control boxes were relocated and reinforced to reduce the risk of further tampering, while upgraded power solutions and real-time alert technology were installed to allow for immediate fault detection and response.

Further enhancements were introduced, including:

• Improved camera coverage for enhanced monitoring
• Strengthened power systems to improve reliability
• Real-time notification technology for rapid technical response

The result is improved traffic flow during peak periods, reduced congestion and a significantly lower risk of collisions at what was previously a high-risk junction.

By restoring critical infrastructure that had been non-functional for an extended period, the partners involved aim to create a safer road environment.

The project highlights the value of public-private collaboration in addressing infrastructure challenges and ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods across the city.

Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any future traffic signal faults via @citypowerjhb on social media or through the official website at citypower.mobi.