Pinehaven crossing to become a breeze
New traffic lights were put up at the intersection, and a fourth lane was provided for commuters using the Pinehaven crossing.
Commuters using the Pinehaven crossing to and from Krugersdorp are being advised to be patient while developments in the area are under way.
After several new complaints about the faulty traffic light at this intersection the NEWS decided to investigate the issue once more.
New traffic lights were installed to regulate the flow of traffic on this road. An informant who wishes to remain anonymous says although the new idea seems to be working, many commuters still need to adapt to the new system.
While NEWS reporter Jacobus Myburgh took photographs of the changes, it was evident that some commuters were confused by the new system. A motorist started hooting impatiently at the motorist in front of him who stopped as the traffic light on the R28 to turn right into Hendrik Potgieter Road while the traffic light to Pretoria was green.
Motorists should note that the new traffic lights have signs on top that show when they can drive while in a specific lane.
Faded road markings might have contributed to the confusion, but most of the markings on the R28 have been repainted.
The informant also pointed out that instead of the normal three lanes on the N14 from the Pretoria there are four lanes.
Nkosana Zali, municipal spokesperson at Mogale City Local Municipality explained that the traffic congestion is temporary and soon will be a thing of the past.
“The Pinehaven intersection is affected by the R1,5 billion Cradlestone project currently under way. This is natural to projects of such magnitude, as was evidenced in the infrastructure upgrades that preceded the 2010 FIFA World Cup around Gauteng, especially the highways.”
He says they will continue to post their traffic officers to assist with the flow of traffic at the crossing.
“Meanwhile, we can only repeat our appeals to road users to be patient with the project and with each other and treat each other with courtesy, understanding that this is a temporary inconvenience that occurs as a result of a rapidly growing city.”
Tommy Laubscher, a Randfontein resident who has been using this road for the last twenty years but now takes an alternative route because traffic congestion at the intersection has become such a problem, says that he is glad that the problem is being attended to.
“However, if the traffic light at the intersection and the one at Silverstar Casino are not synchronised, the four lanes still will pose as problem.”
According to information the NEWS obtained, the traffic lights will be synchronised and traffic officers have been dispatched to the intersection to help if any problems arise with the new traffic lights and to direct motorists to prevent confusion.
