Metro finally fixes Madeley Road

At long last, the crumbling, pothole-riddled Madeley Road is finally getting the attention it deserves.

The Boksburg Advertiser previously published several articles highlighting the deteriorating state of the road between Rietfontein and Pretoria roads.
Since 2017, residents have been trying to get the metro to implement a long-term solution to mitigate the recurring plethora of potholes and fractured tarmac which makes driving on the stretch of road dangerous.
While the metro has not yet responded to our request for more information on the new development, this publication spotted workmen busy fixing a section of the road, near Dayan Road, on April 11.

Information gathered on site suggested that a contractor has been appointed to resurface the section of road towards the East Rand Mall.
It is unclear how long it will take to finish the project and how much money it will cost to get the road back to a ‘reasonable, steady state’.
Neglect
Many years of neglect have seen Madeley Road, which may be Hughes’ worst road, developing dozens of potholes that are so bad that motorists are forced to swerve or encroach on the right-hand side of the road, into oncoming traffic, to avoid the craters.

While the local authority is now at least carrying out more lasting improvements on Madeley Road, locals, who are so frustrated by the state of the city’s roads, have hit out at the metro’s shoddy upkeep of the road network, particularly roads that are already in need of repairs.
Others said their many complaints are met with inaction from the roads department.

Motorists in different suburbs in Boksburg complained that they, during their day-to-day lives, encounter hazards along the bumpy, pothole-ridden roads, risking damaged suspension, cracked rims and burst tyres.
Budget
In last month’s adjusted budget, the city announced R300m to the department. The Advertiser has requested the metro to share its plans for how it intends to spend the money earmarked for repairs and upgrades to several key roads.
The metro has been contacted for comment but has not responded so far.
Do you live or drive on worse road? Email information including pictures and name of street and suburb to: faniem@caxton.co.za