It is a long-awaited sigh of relief for motorists travelling through Paulshof after the traffic lights at the busy Witkoppen and Main roads (M71) intersection were successfully restored.
For more than two years, drivers navigated the intersection without functioning signals, often facing gridlock during peak hours and heightened safety risks. Now, the steady sequence of red, amber and green has restored order, reducing delays and creating a calmer commute for thousands of daily road users.
Read more: Eskom says it’s ready, JRA says it’s Eskom’s fault as Witkoppen–Main traffic lights remain off
Commuters said the impact was immediate. “I drove through this morning, and it was such a relief,” said Paulshof motorist Karen Naidoo. “Traffic is flowing properly again. It feels safer and far less stressful.”
The restoration was made possible through collaboration between Eskom, local stakeholders, and a nearby business owner who stepped forward to assist with securing critical infrastructure.
Dean (who preferred to give only his first name), owner of Soil to Soul Nursery located just metres from the intersection, allowed Eskom and JRA to relocate key infrastructure onto his private property to safeguard cables and the control box needed to power the lights. For Dean, the decision was simple.
“I witnessed a horrific accident here not so long ago. Seeing that made it an easy yes for me. If allowing infrastructure on my property could help prevent something like that from happening again, then it was the right thing to do. I am also community-driven.”
Also read: Traffic ‘laaitie’ causes confusion at Peltier and Waterfall intersection
Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi welcomed the cooperation that ultimately enabled the work to be completed.
“The property owner stepped forward to assist, and that benefits all residents, road users, and the wider community,” she said, encouraging continued partnerships with other businesses to protect public infrastructure.
Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy and Ward 94 councillor David Foley welcomed the restoration following ongoing concerns raised by residents.
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