WATCH: Gauteng department silent as Alberton R59 traffic lights stay broken for months
Residents say the Nelson Mandela Avenue intersection has been without working traffic lights for about six and a half months, raising concerns over congestion and road safety.
Residents using the intersection of the R59 South off-ramp and Nelson Mandela Avenue in Alberton continue to face traffic disruption and safety concerns as the traffic lights remain non-functional.
Ward 106 Councillor Tim Denny said the traffic lights have been out of operation for about six and a half months.
Denny said the issue has been escalated to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport twice, but the lights have not yet been repaired.
@albertonrecord Ward 106 Councillor Tim Denny said the traffic lights have been out of operation for about six and a half months. Denny said the issue has been escalated to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport twice, but the lights have not yet been repaired. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
According to Denny, the malfunction has contributed to traffic congestion during peak hours, with motorists experiencing delays in the mornings and afternoons.
He also raised concerns about road safety, saying three accidents have occurred at the intersection in the past three months.
“Six and a half months. Absolute chaos every morning, every evening,” Denny said, adding that residents have been affected by delays when travelling to appointments and collecting children. At the same time, the intersection’s condition has raised safety concerns.
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Denny called on the provincial government to intervene and repair the traffic lights.
The intersection falls under provincial jurisdiction, and Denny said the responsibility for maintaining the traffic lights should not prevent residents from receiving the necessary service.
The Alberton Record sent an enquiry to Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport spokesperson Lesiba Mpya on September 15.
On September 21, the Alberton Record followed up by phone, but he did not answer.
At the time of publication, we had not received a response.
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