Although Johannesburg Roads Agency hasn’t officially announced the completion date of Drysdale Road in Sundowner, Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp confirmed that they are hoping to finish in the last week of October.

Read more: Drysdale Road in Sundowner is reopened

Over a month ago, JRA initiated a temporary full road closure. The road was heavily damaged after it was hit by severe floods earlier in the year. The floods pushed over a fence on the side of the road, as well as opening a gaping hole, which was a danger to road users. Contractors have since been busy with the repairs on site.
Steenkamp visited the site to look at the progress. The hole has been closed, the retaining wall has been built, and guardrails have been installed. “I’m doing a follow-up inspection on the road. It’s been closed since September 1, and JRA is still doing work. They have rebuilt the wall that collapsed, and are doing some reinforcing of gabions to protect the soil when it rains, so the soil doesn’t erode, and we don’t have more damage. There’s still quite a bit of work to be done and we’ll keep monitoring the process.”

Despite the road signs and barricades that shows the road is closed, some motorist and delivery bike drivers move them to access the road.

He urged motorists and residents to not use the road until it is reopened. “Drysdale is closed. Please don’t remove the barriers. That may cause danger and delay the work, with any further damage that may occur trying to use the road. Please avoid this route until there’s an official announcement that it has been reopened.”

While work is being done Steenkamp feels it should be moving faster. “I feel the progress has been slow. If they really just put the manpower and the political will to it, they could have finished this job way sooner.

Also read: There is progress with Drysdale Road repairs

“JRA also has a culture of not cleaning up after themselves, so once the work is done, they’re going to clean up, because it’s a real disaster at the moment. I’m now concerned about how it’s going to look like, as currently it’s like a bomb has hit, with deep debris and rocks everywhere.”

The road being closed is also affecting businesses that are along the road, as well as in the area. The ward councillor said that some have confirmed that their turnover has decreased by 40%. “They’re really pleading for this road to be reopened, because it is quite a main route and their customers are getting frustrated that there’s no easy access to get to these businesses.

“We’ve got a doctor’s rooms up the road, SPAR, and the Shell garage that’s also being affected.”

Questions were sent to JRA regarding the updates and estimated time of completion. They have not replied by the time of print. Their response will be published once made available.

JRA’s traffic management plan:
To manage traffic flow during this period, the following diversion routes are advised:
• For local traffic (requiring access to the areas surrounding the road closure): Motorists are encouraged to use the local network, including Taurus Road, Keurboom Street, Hardekool Street, and Denne Street.
• For regional/through-traffic (not requiring direct access to the area): Motorists are strongly requested to avoid the area entirely.

Use the following regional alternative routes:
• Beyers Naudé Drive,
• Northumberland Avenue,
• Olievenhout Avenue, or
• Malibongwe Drive.

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