Some traffic relief at last
Two major upgrades to Bakwena controlled roads in the north of the city promise to bring significant relief to current congestion levels at the N1/Sefako Makghato Interchange and at Doornpoort Plaza
The frustrating congestion and bottle-necking at the N1/Sefako Makghato Interchange will soon be alleviated with the construction of an innovative traffic solution at a cost of R29 million.
Bakwena on Monday started with the upgrade that will see the troublesome intersection being converted into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) that will enhance traffic capacity, alleviate congestion and provide free flow of traffic for motorists.
The project – only the second of its kind in the southern hemisphere – is being funded by Bakwena at no additional toll costs to road users and began on 23 March. Completion is expected in early November this year.
In addition, in another part of its concession, Bakwena will soon also bring relief to traffic congestion at the Doornpoort Plaza with the construction of four (two per direction) reversible lanes to help with traffic flow.
The functionality upgrade of the lanes, which starts later this month and is expected to be completed by the end of May 2015, will contribute 28% more capacity for enhanced movement on the N4 routes.
“While the construction of these additional lanes will have an impact on the normal flow of traffic during the construction period, we assure our road users that we will have measures in place to manage the process in the best way possible,” said Bakwena spokesperson Liam Clarke.
He said traffic would be closely monitored during the Doornpoort plaza construction period and mitigation measures would be implemented during peak periods to ease any congestion.
“These measures include lifting of the booms that will be managed when queues exceeds a pre-determined length.”
About the DDI at the Sefako Makghato Interchange, Bakwena said that Sanral had introduced the first DDI in the southern hemisphere on a left hand driving system in KwaMashu in Durban last year, reflecting similar designs introduced in countries such as France and the United States of America.
In addition to improving the capacity and safety of these interchanges, traffic and pedestrian conflict points were greatly reduced with a consequent overall reduction in accidents and a complete elimination of right turn accidents.
A DDI is a type of interchange in which the two directions of traffic on the non-freeway road cross to the opposite side on both of the bridge. Vehicles cross over the lanes at a two-phased signalised intersection to drive on the “wrong” side of the road, allowing free and unopposed right and left turns onto and off the freeway.
Commenting on Bakwena’s introduction of the innovative interchange, Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa welcomed the partnership with Bakwena, saying it would not only improve traffic flow and ensure world-class roads, but would also herald a significant reduction in road accidents and fatalities.
Ramokgopa was referring to Bakwena‘s road safety record over the 2014/15 holiday period in which no major accidents occurred.
The mayor said the proper maintenance of roads in the area also ensured improved trade between Tshwane and the provinces of Limpopo and North West, which boded well for economic growth in the region.
Clarke said Bakwena complied with international engineering standards during road construction and maintenance, including the road design standards, which determined the number of lanes and lane widths to ensure sufficient capacity to handle safely the volume of anticipated traffic.
“During this construction period, we urge motorists to exercise particular caution and to bear with Bakwena during the improvement operations,” Clarke concluded.
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