The notorious stretch of the R55 between the N14 on-and-off ramp and Lochner Road has become one of the most congested and dangerous roads in Centurion.
“For nearly two years I have been fighting to have a traffic light installed on the corner of the R55 and Lochner Road. Crossing into the R55 from Lochner Road is like playing Russian roulette,” said DA ward councillor Marika Kruger-Muller.
Irate residents have also said they have had enough. “We are experiencing extremely high traffic volumes in the morning. We need an added 35 to 40 minutes to get onto the N14 via the R55 in all directions and this is from Heuweloord, which is about three kilometres from the intersection,” said Suraj Chaithram.
Kruger-Muller added that new developments, including a new estate in the area, are going to add to the residents’ misery. “The new development between Silver Stone Country Estate and Lochner Road will only make the traffic worse. The infrastructure cannot cope with the influx and growth.”
Although recent road-surface upgrades on the R55, between Sandton and Erasmia have helped with the flow of traffic on sections of the road, there are still problems, especially at the N14 onramp.
Kruger-Muller emphasized the growth and regular traffic accidents made it essential for a traffic light at the intersection of the R55 and Lochner Road.
Irate residents now plan on protesting on Friday 13 March about the lack of traffic lights. Councillor Muller has urged residents who are tired of poor service delivery to join the protest next to the R55.
Also read:
R55 road-renovations completed
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