Illegal R24 off-ramp in Meadowdale sparks renewed safety concerns
“We cannot have motorists using informal off-ramps onto Herman Street; it is a danger to everyone.”
A blatant disregard for the rules of the road and a lack of barrier fencing continue to raise concerns for the business community of Meadowdale.
Last year, the lack of barrier fencing along the R24 was brought into the spotlight after several informal off-ramps were created along the R24 westbound.
The issue has again reared its head with the creation of another informal off-ramp near the intersection of Herman and Corobrik streets.
ALSO READ: Drunk driver arrested on R24 during EMPD highway operation
According to Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro, the informal off-ramp was created by an unknown taxi association operating in the area.
He believes that it is the same association which created the three informal off-ramps last year.
To prevent motorists from using the illegal off-ramps, local businesses joined forces and erected poles to block the path.
Guerreiro said the informal off-ramps not only cause congestion but also pose a significant safety risk.
“Imagine you are travelling at 120km/h down the freeway, and you have to brake suddenly because another vehicle is trying to exit where they shouldn’t be.”
Guerreiro said one of the biggest challenges is that there are no Armco barriers separating Herman Street and the R24, especially as one gets closer to the Edenvale Road ramp.
He said another issue is that much of the barrier fencing between the R24 westbound and Herman Street is damaged and in some places has been stolen.
ALSO READ: Long-awaited fencing project begins along R24–Minuach Road stretch
“We cannot have motorists using informal off-ramps onto Herman Street; it is a danger to everyone. “By allowing this behaviour to continue, it is an accident waiting to happen.”
When asked which authority was responsible for maintaining the barrier fencing along Herman Street, Guerreiro said it was the City of Ekurhuleni.
However, he highlighted that there had been a lack of maintenance along Herman Street for some time.
Guerreiro said Herman Street itself is not in the best condition and needs additional lighting.
ALSO READ: Illegal off-ramps on R24 spark safety concerns in Bedfordview
He explained that the road surface is uneven and in many places, potholes line the road.
A request for comment was sent to the CoE requesting comment by July 22 at 10:30. At the time of going to print, no comment was received.
