Riley Road needs signage
The installation of the circle started on April 23 and it is expected that construction would be completed by October 29.
Ward 20 councillor Jill Humphreys has called on the City of Ekurhuleni to instal better warning signage for the new traffic circle on Riley Road.
She said contractors also need to return to the area to repair and reinstate pavements and verges which were dug up for the construction.
The installation of the circle started on April 23 and it is expected that construction would be completed by October 29.
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It is one of three circles planned for Riley Road.
Humphreys said that without adequate signage, the circle was a traffic hazard.
She pointed out that a lack of signage and traffic-calming measures leading up to the circle meant large articulated trucks had no warning of the circle.
“Drivers of these trucks face great difficulty negotiating their way around the circle.”
Additionally, before Thursday last week, the unlit circle was the cause of several crashes, especially at night.
“Residents living near the circle spend most nights waiting for something to happen. One resident said trucks approaching the circle could not stop in time and end up driving over a section of the circle, which causes great disturbances,” she said.
One resident also told Humphreys motorists frustrated by the installation often wheel spin away after having to abruptly slow down.
While Humphreys is not opposed to the installation, she did warn that without proper signage, the Riley Road circle was a nightmare for motorists and residents alike.
“Residents have witnessed at least four severe crashes at this circle, and there are two more circles planned for Riley Road,” Humphreys said.
She suggested the city instal bold illuminated signage leading up to the circle, as well as several speed bumps, to slow motorists down before they approach the installation.
“There is also a need for signage to prevent articulated trucks from entering Riley Road at all.”
Humphreys pointed out the mess left by contractors needed to be cleared away.
“The dreadful mess on the pavement needs to urgently not only be cleaned up but reinstated to its original condition and as per the contract.
“This must include the paved pathway, lawn and bollards on the edge to prevent vehicles from parking on the pavement.
“Motorists are, unfortunately, used to speeding on that road and are unable to control their vehicle when they suddenly come across the new circle,” Humphreys said.
Spokesperson for the city Zweli Dlamini said the three planned circles on Riley Road were approved to ease traffic.
“Various businesses experienced substantial delays in joining the traffic stream on Riley Road.”
He added that the city investigated different measures to allow for better traffic flow, including speed bumps and traffic signals.
“Service providers concluded that the traffic circles would be the optimum solution for Riley Road.
He added that warning signs and road markings are to be included in the process of completion.
“All rubble generated during the construction process will be removed once completed.”
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