Relief in sight as Pretoria Avenue and Katherine Street intersection nears reopening
Motorists and businesses may soon breathe easier as work at the busy Pretoria Avenue and Katherine Street intersection moves closer to completion, with contractors racing against the weather to finish the final touches.
Motorists, residents, and businesses affected by the long-running roadworks at the Pretoria Avenue and Katherine Street intersection may soon see the light at the end of the tunnel.
According to Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), the project is expected to reach practical completion by February 6, provided weather conditions remain favourable.
Several deadlines for the project have been revised in the past, causing frustration among road users and nearby businesses. However, JRA said the project is now in its final stages. Outstanding work still to be completed includes road surfacing, the installation of a manhole cover, kerb inlet slabs, road markings, and the removal of construction equipment from the site.
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“The biggest risk to completing the project on time is bad weather,” said head of department: regional operations manager Khayalethu Gqibitole, adding that remaining work cannot be done during rainy or wet conditions, so they had to wait for dry weather to meet the planned completion date.
Once the intersection is reopened, it is expected to be fully operational, including road markings and traffic safety measures. However, Gqibitole confirmed that the contractor will continue addressing any minor issues, known as snags, after practical completion. “These snags will be resolved after reopening, and once they are fixed, the project will officially be completed.”
On February 3, construction teams were seen working at pace on site, signalling a push to wrap up the remaining tasks as quickly as possible.
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Gqibitole said that any further changes to the completion date will be communicated through the office of the regional operations manager, who will inform councillors, residents, and affected businesses.
For now, motorists passing through the area can expect relief to be just days away, as what has felt like a long period of disruption appears to be nearing its end.
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