MBOMBELA – Motorists can now heave a sigh of relief as the extremely busy intersection of Samora Machel and Madiba Drive is currently undergoing improvements. This is as a result of the continuous increase in traffic, especially at rush hour. This project will hopefully be completed by the end of September.
Mbombela Local Municipality (MLM) required the improvement of various road safety aspects at this intersection. In this regard, a change in the traffic-signal settings for the Samora Machel Drive approaches, are being implemented to reduce conflicting movements at the intersection and reduce the risk of accidents, especially involving vehicles turning right into oncoming traffic.
Motorists who will be most affected by the proposed changes will be those from the city centre turning right towards White River, as well as those from the Kaapsehoop Road turning right towards Barberton.
The right-turning vehicles on Samora Machel Drive will now be afforded a protected right-turn-only phase, unopposed by oncoming vehicles travelling through the intersection.
The planned future provision of overhead gantry signage on the Samora Machel Drive eastern approach will assist road users to make early and informed lane choices and limit the risk of late lane changes and queue jumping, as is currently and commonly experienced.
Furthermore, improvement of the guidance road paint markings will delineate the turning paths through the intersection. All this is implemented in addition to the right-turn lanes and through-lanes that will improve the capacity and efficiency of the intersection.
Mbombela Local Municipality has thoroughly researched road safety improvements and has consulted industry experts to determine the suitability and feasibility of its application.
Safety depends on road users acting in accordance with traffic signals and signage, and complying with traffic rules. The general public is urged to exercise caution at this intersection and to extend patience and consideration towards fellow road users.
