Frustrations mount as road works continue

With road works being carried out from the intersection at Mulburton and Uranium roads to Steyn City, the road is a single-lane time-waster for frustrated motorists.

Once completed the road will have additional lanes.
“It is like the joke is on us. I work in Sandton CBD and have few choices but to use William Nicol Drive to get to work every morning. It became a nightmare, and using other routes such as Fountain Road to miss the mess is just as bad,” said motorist Moira Strydom.

Steyn City is scheduled for completion in 2014, the upgrade will transform William Nicol Drive into a four lane dual carriageway from Mulbarton Street through to Erling Street. There is plans to extend it to the N14.

Raised sidewalks, and dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians are part of the current upgrades.

“The increasing demand on Johannesburg’s urban roads has not only resulted in traffic congestion, but also in an increase in the number of accidents, many of which involve pedestrians and cyclists,” said Giuseppe Plumari, chief executive officer of Steyn City Properties.

“As developers, we need to ensure that an improved and safer road infrastructure is in place for all road users before the anticipated surge in traffic, as a result of development in the area.”

Another motorist, Rubendra Naidoo said not enough was done to direct traffic during the upgrade.

“Road rage is high with motorists fighting with each other as taxis often cut you off and jump the queues. The developers and road contractors seem to have freedom to do as they please as they close and open lanes whenever they want and divert traffic dangerously.”

One of the on-site engineers who requested anonymity said they were not trying to make commuting difficult.

“Some of the workers have been spat on (by passing motorists). We are simply trying to meet our deadlines. It is unfortunate that people haven’t been seeing the bigger picture.”