Johannesburg Roads Agency confirms Nanyuki Road safety measures under review
JRA says a traffic engineering assessment has been completed for Nanyuki Road, and that speed humps can be supported. However, they warn that funding constraints could delay the implementation of traffic-calming measures sought by residents.
Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has now confirmed that it has received the petition, submitted by the Sunninghill Community Ratepayers Association, and that a traffic engineering assessment has already been conducted.
This is after residents pushed for urgent traffic-calming measures on Nanyuki Road as concerns grow over speeding, congestion, and increasing safety risks for motorists and pedestrians.
Nanyuki Road, a busy single-lane route linking Barbeque Downs and Sandton, has become heavily congested in recent years as surrounding developments, particularly Waterfall City, continue to funnel traffic into Sunninghill’s residential roads.
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Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about speeding vehicles, reckless driving, and the growing danger posed to pedestrians, including schoolchildren, dog walkers, and elderly residents from nearby retirement facilities.
In response, head of department: Pubic relations and stakeholder engagement Ayanda Ntshingila acknowledged that traffic-calming interventions could be introduced along sections of the road where conditions are suitable.
“A JRA traffic engineering assessment revealed that traffic calming interventions in the form of low-profile speed humps on Nanyuki Road, where the road classification, gradient, and sight distance are suitable, can be supported. ”
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However, the agency also warned that certain interventions could create additional challenges for surrounding roads and motorists. According to Ntshingila, excessive traffic calming could divert vehicles onto neighbouring roads, potentially creating additional network problems.
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She further noted that harsh speed-calming measures can increase wear and tear on vehicles, contribute to higher maintenance costs, and create additional noise due to repeated acceleration and deceleration.
She also cautioned that speed humps may negatively affect emergency response vehicles, increasing response times by up to 10 seconds per hump.
Despite concerns, Ntshingila said enforcement and road safety awareness remain critical parts of the solution.
“Enforcement is an important tool, and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department will be requested to continue with targeted enforcement along the route. Road safety and education outreach programmes to address road user behaviour and improve the safety of all road users are also recommended.”
The agency further confirmed that a limited capital budget has been set aside for traffic-calming measures identified through petitions. Priority is generally given to roads surrounding schools and community facilities.
She said the agency will only be able to implement the recommendation once the budget is available.
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