End in sight for long-delayed Pretoria Avenue and Katherine Street intersection upgrade

The long-awaited reopening of the Pretoria Avenue and Katherine Street intersection in Sandown is now in sight, as Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) moves into the final phase of reinstatement works following major underground water repairs.

Surface layers have been completed, with the JRA team currently focused on final tarring, road markings, and pedestrian paving. Weather permitting, JRA expects the intersection to be ready for handover this year, restoring one of Sandton’s most important traffic links.

In the article published by Sandton Chronicle on October 23, 2025, JRA regional operations manager Khayalethu Gqibitole said the work forms part of a planned reinstatement process after Johannesburg Water carried out urgent pipeline repairs last year. “This was not a road collapse. Johannesburg Water required access to underground infrastructure for essential repairs, and JRA is now reinstating the road to standard.”

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He explained that the reinstatement also addressed longstanding ground stability challenges in the area. “Engineers introduced a rock fill pioneer layer, which stabilises the subgrade and doubles as a drainage system. It is protected by a geotextile membrane that traps fine particles and contaminants, meaning it should not require maintenance during its design lifespan.”

According to Gqibitole, high groundwater levels had previously weakened the road structure, but the new design is intended to perform under Sandown’s soil conditions and heavy traffic volumes.

Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackelford said the reopening would feel like a major turning point for residents, commuters, and businesses. “The reopening of the Katherine Street and Pretoria Avenue intersection will feel like a gateway opening again. This route has historically been a major thoroughfare for residents travelling between Sandown, Sandton, Atholl, and Melrose.”

She said, once fully operational, the intersection would significantly reduce the need for lengthy detours, easing pressure on surrounding roads and restoring a critical traffic corridor.

Also read: Councillor Chris Santana slams JRA over short-term road repairs in Khyber Rock

However, Shackelford acknowledged that the project has tested the patience of the community. “JRA has been sharing feedback with councillors, but there were periods during delays where we had to push for clearer communication and revised completion dates. Residents and businesses were understandably frustrated when timelines shifted. They want the job finished.”

While she observed the installation of multiple layers of dump rock and sand during construction, Shackelford said the long-term success of the project remains to be seen. “The original failure was largely due to ongoing pipe bursts in the area, which caused extensive damage over time. The durability of this repair will depend, not only on the road structure, but also on the stability of the underlying services.”

She extended a special note of thanks to those most affected by the prolonged closure. “I would like to sincerely thank residents, commuters, and businesses for their patience during what has been an extremely frustrating period. The Shell garage, in particular, has been heavily impacted. This road was a major traffic route bringing customers past their business, and they have endured significant disruption and financial loss.”

Shackelford added that while progress is welcome, the project remains behind schedule. “The job is nearly two months late, and with everyone returning to work next week, we had hoped it would already be complete. We still need the work finished, and it will be important to see how this intersection performs once reopened, especially given the accident history linked to the Rea Vaya concrete wall.”

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