Edenvale residents demand R24 safety barriers

A petition calling for urgent safety measures between the R24 and St Margaret Road was recently handed over to the Gauteng Legislature on behalf of Edenvale residents.

The petition, initiated by Ward 18 Ald Heather Hart, was first submitted to Member of the Provincial Legislature Michael Waters in May, who then passed it on to the Gauteng Legislature.

For years, the absence of barrier fencing on either side of the R24 has been a problem for residents and businesses alike.

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The situation has worsened over the years, as fencing is often damaged and not replaced, and in some instances, it is stolen.

Hart noted that although the issue has persisted for nearly a decade, the barrier fencing along St Margaret Road was only stolen about six months ago.

There is also no Armco barriers between the R24 and St Margaret Road.

Along the R24’s east- and westbound lanes between the Edenvale and Barbara Road bridges, several sections—particularly where Minuach Road and Herman Street run parallel to the highway—also lack fencing.

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Hart previously stated that after she informed Gautrans in 2022 about the lack of Armco barricades along the R24 eastbound, a section was installed, which now protects some residential properties from vehicles that may veer off the highway.

Hart called for additional Armco barriers and fencing along St Margaret Road, where some properties remain unprotected from R24 traffic.

Because of the lack of fencing:

• Taxis and transport vehicles frequently stop along the highway to pick up or drop off commuters.
• Community members can freely cross the R24 from either side.
• Properties are vulnerable to criminals who may use the gap in fencing as a quick escape route.

It is estimated that rehabilitating the section between the Barbara and Edenvale Road bridges would cost several million rand.