Drivers on Winnie Mandela Drive can now literally stay in their lane, thanks to freshly painted road markings that make navigating the busy road a lot clearer.
After months of faded and often invisible lines, the stretch has finally received a proper coat of paint, giving motorists a much-needed guide on where to drive. The simple upgrade may seem minor, but it’s already having a noticeable impact on road safety and traffic flow.
Ward 94 councillor David Foley, who visited the area to provide feedback on progress, revealed the importance of the repainting. “Previously, in the evenings or when it rained, the lanes weren’t clear. Now they are.” He described the work as just started, but noted that the visible difference is already a major improvement for both drivers and the community.
This follow-up comes after Foley had requested Johannesburg Roads Agency to repaint the lanes last year, and called them out over the quality of their paint. At the time, he warned that the markings faded too quickly, leaving drivers confused and increasing the risk of accidents.
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“You can put it on this week. Next week, it’s a bit faded, then, in three or four weeks’ time, it doesn’t look like it was even put on. JRA needs to look at the quality of paint and where they’re sourcing it from, because it’s not working.”
The roads agency dismissed the claims, saying there is nothing wrong with their quality of paint. Seeing the lines properly restored now has given Foley reassurance that action is being taken.
The fresh lanes are part of a wider series of road safety and traffic improvements Foley has requested from provincial and metropolitan agencies. Among other initiatives, he is working on synchronising traffic lights along Winnie Mandela Drive and Cedar Road, installing concrete barriers to protect cyclists and pedestrians, and addressing hazards, like a sinkhole on the R55 near the Kyalami Corner Shopping Centre.
“These improvements aren’t just cosmetic. People can’t just chop and change lanes anymore. The protection of pedestrians and cyclists is also key. It may seem small, but it makes a huge difference.”
He credited the collaboration of his inspector, the Region A team, and the roads agency crew for turning community concerns into tangible results
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