Court case could delay N14 roadworks
The R295 million project might not be completed as originally planned.
In July last year the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport notified motorists to expect delays on the east and the west-bound carriages of the N14 between Diepsloot and the Hendrik Potgieter Road intersection for the next 18 months. But road users are becoming increasingly frustrated with the nearly hour-long delays.
Read initial article here: N14 delays a massive headache
Now an alleged court case between the Department of Roads and Transport (DRT) and a contractor could mean the project’s completion date could be further away than initially planned.
The project involves reconstructing the road base in the slow and fast lanes, new concrete-lined side drains, new road markings, new bridge parapets, and reinstating fences and guardrails where required.
The DA Shadow MEC for the DRT, Dr Neil Campbell, told the News that completing depends on how long the court case drags on.
“I think chances are slim that the planned completion date will be met,” he said.
The court case concerns the road works toward Krugersdorp, Campbell said.
A fly-over is expected to be built at the Pinehaven intersection, which has seen multiple fatal car accidents.
“The fly-over will be built to stop the many accidents that occur there,” Campbell added.
Councillor Barry Friedman, Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Engineering Services said the R295 million project “is an important project for both Mogale City and road users because the upgrade will ease traffic congestion; but most importantly, increase road longevity for the next 20 years”.
During his 2016 State of the Province Address, Premier David Makhuru said the province is spending R7,2 billion to upgrade and expand all major roads, including the N14.
The DRT Chief Director of Communications, Octavia Mamabolo, was approached for comment on the court case but none was received by the time of going to print.
The reconstruction is still expected to be completed by October this year when the project duration reaches its 18-month mark.
Also read:
• Major economic boost and upgrade near Lanseria
• Pinehaven fly-over still a possibility?
