#HarambeeBRT: Concerns about pedestrian safety on RTJ Namane Road grow
"There's a high number of accidents on RTJ Namane Road. It is difficult for pedestrians to cross the road, especially the elderly people."
The new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system known as Harambee has brought about the refurbishment of Tembisa’s congested roads.
And despite the extended time of construction work required and the frustrating traffic backlogs, many residents were optimistic about the new facade envisaged for Tembisa.
For some families, however, the development is not all good news, but a threat to community safety – as pedestrians are not considered by speeding motorists.
In December, children from the community of Moriting section took to the streets to voice their concerns and demand the installation of speed humps.
“There’s a high number of accidents on RTJ Namane Road. It is difficult for pedestrians to cross the road, especially the elderly people,” said a community member who wished to remain anonymous.
Following the December protest, The Tembisan asked for comment from the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) about the possibility of speed humps being installed.
CoE then commented, “We have received a petition related to road safety concerns emanating from the recent doubling of the RTJ Namane Drive as part of the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRPTN) Project (specific section between Brian Mazibuko West and Moriting Primary School).
Ekurhuleni Metro senior media manager Mr Themba Gadebe, said, “The complaint was assessed and the following can be concluded: In terms of the functional road classification and road hierarchy, RTJ Namane is an Arterial (Class 3) and in line with national guidelines for traffic calming any form of vertical obstruction (e.g. speed humps) should not be considered on such roads,” said Mr Gadebe.
He said the IRPTN Section has indicated that the road is demarcated as a BRT route, accommodating buses with a lower base which would be hampered by the speed humps.
“As a short-term solution two of the current problematic intersections, being the intersection of RTJ Namane Drive / Evaton Street and RTJ Namane Drive / Peace Street, will be temporarily converted from the current two-way stop controlled [intersections] into all-way stop controlled intersections with provision for pedestrian crossings at all approaches and additional advance warning signs for pedestrians just to enhance awareness,” said Mr Gadebe.
He emphasised that that would be a temporary solution which would be implemented in the interim.
The Tembisan went back to check this year to follow up on whether the said measures were implemented and we made an inquiry as to whether the community was satisfied.
We established that one set of stop signs has been put up at the corner of RTJ Namane Drive and Evaton Street, but the community said there is still a need for speed humps.
“Our lives are still in danger regardless of the installed traffic signs. Motorists don’t observe the road signs. They don’t stop at the stop signs. This is dangerous for schoolchildren crossing the road,” said one of the community leaders, who wished to remain anonymous.
On February 21 and February 27, The Tembisan made further inquiries and asked for comment from the CoE on residents’ concerns regarding pedestrian safety.
No comment has been received.
Also read:
https://tembisan.co.za/49257/harambee-brt-creates-jobs-for-artists/
https://tembisan.co.za/57126/successful-launch-of-ekurhulenis-brt-system/
