The bottle-necked intersection of this stretch of road with Jan Smuts Avenue, could easily be labelled as the bane of their existence.
Fortunately for these motorists, project planning that will see the easing of traffic congestion at the intersection is well underway.
Following a petition submitted to the City of Johannesburg by former Ward 90 councillor, Gordon Mackay, and current councillor David Potter in 2010, the City of Johannesburg announced that they have allocated a budget of R20 million for the 2015/2016 financial year to reconstruct and widen the bridge which runs over Braamfontein Spruit. The project will also aim to achieve an increase in the stormwater capacity of the spruit.
“Over the past five years, I have been in regular contact with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) who at intervals have provided updates on the project,” said Potter.
“The most recent large development started in June 2015 when the [agency] appointed a consultant to conduct a basic assessment and water use licence (for use of the spruit) related to the widening of the bridge.”
Potter further stated that this was a large project and the completion could run into the 2016/2017 financial year.
“Provided that the JRA considers all the knock-on effects of the widening such as the intersection of Jan Smuts and Conrad Drive, and the synchronisation of the traffic signals along the entire stretch of Jan Smuts, this project could be successful,” Potter added.
Spokesperson for the agency, Bertha Peters-Scheepers, wanted users of the intersection to know that the agency was committed to ensuring the city’s roads infrastructure was safe, accessible and liveable for residents and, as such, due attention was being given to the upgrading of infrastructure and traffic management along Conrad Drive.
Peters-Scheepers stated that the agency was busy finalising a feasibility study for the project, which will include traffic analyses and improved intersection layouts. “Once all approvals have been granted, a consultant for the detailed design and a contractor for the works will be appointed,” said Peters-Scheepers in conclusion.
“Construction is expected to commence in the 2016/17 financial year budget permitting.”
Details: Johannesburg Roads Agency 011 298 5001.
