AFTER yet another major traffic jam on Pretoria Road this week as a result of a truck being stuck underneath the Elgin Road subway, there might be light at the end of the tunnel for frustrated motorists.
In a statement issued by the City of Ekurhuleni on Thursday afternoon, it was announced that the metro would appoint a group of engineers to investigate this 3m-high bridge.
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Over the years it has become notorious for trucks getting stuck underneath it. Different measures to warn truck drivers of the limited height had been implemented over the years, without any success. The only measure currently in place is warning signs about the height before entering the subway from both sides.
The appointed engineers will look at different options, costs and risks involved.
Some years ago plans were on the table to increase the height by digging away the road surface. However, this was discarded at the time as it was found too many shallow electricity cables were running underneath the road. These cables could be damaged during construction work, which would lead to major electricity blackouts in surrounding suburbs.
A final presentation for approval should be made to council by the end of the year.
