Maintenance to be addressed at Zwartkop school crossing
Grass along the R101 will be cut short and includes the alley in the field area connecting Frederik Street with the crossing. The overgrown vegetation enhances the crime element in the area.
Residents of Eldoraigne are making progress in safeguarding the notoriously “dangerous crossing” in front of Hoërskool Zwartkop as well as the alley connecting the suburb with the crossing.
The alley connects Frederik Avenue and the crossing of Mopani and the R101 Old Johannesburg Road.
According to local ward councillor Cindy Bilson, the provincial department of roads and transport agreed to a gate being installed in the alley to curb crime in the area. Access to and from the neighbourhood will be regulated by opening and closing the gate at certain times.
“Role players will meet this week with the principal of the school to discuss the school’s input in this regard.”
The area being overgrown was a contributing factor to crime elements and grass cutting along the R101 Old Johannesburg Road resumed and will continue until 12 March.
Bilson also met with members from Nevhutalu Consulting Engineers recently. The company was appointed by the provincial Department of Roads and Transport to supervise the maintenance contractor in the area.
She said around 300 children cross the R101 Old Johannesburg and Mopani roads crossing twice a day to reach Hoërskool Zwartkop and Laerskool Hennopspark further down the road.
Nevhutalu Consulting Engineers investigated the crossing two weeks ago and will check the contractor’s programme in order to pay the soonest attention to residents’ requests, namely:
– The installation of a safety barrier on Old Johannesburg Road.
– Painting of road markings.
– Installation of traffic signs to indicate schools ahead and pedestrian crossings.
– Complete the paving section of the alley.
Bilson met with stakeholders in October last year to discuss the safety of the crossing.
The community members signed a petition after a learner from Hoërskool Zwartkop was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident at the crossing in September. The learner was the fourth child to be involved in pedestrian accidents at the crossing in two consecutive years.
Bilson said a slipway at the crossing was suggested previously to ease the flow of traffic in front of the school. Even erecting a bridge was considered.
“We find that taxis and SUVs drive on the shoulder of the road. The previous accident occurred when a taxi drove on the shoulder of the Old Johannesburg Road to skip the red traffic light when the child was run over.
“Curbing on the shoulder of the road along with barriers on the pavement will prevent vehicles from driving there.”
Theo Nkonki, spokesperson for the provincial Department of Roads and Transport, said the department will look into the possibility of creating a slipway once it receives all the relevant information.
Bilson said she approached a pointsman agency recently to assist with children crossing the street, however, was advised that the crossing “was too dangerous” to appoint pointsmen.
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