Carnation Street hazard cut down
Motorists forced into oncoming traffic can expect relief as long-problematic tree roots in Gallo Manor are removed.
Relief is in sight for motorists and residents of Gallo Manor as the long-standing safety hazard caused by invasive tree roots on Carnation Street is finally being addressed.
Read more: Dangerous invasive tree roots on Carnation Street finally cut
Teams from the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) commenced work on March 20, following multiple postponements due to persistent rainfall and the unavailability of JRA’s TLB.
The project, which has raised community concern for months, involves removing tree roots that have pushed up sections of the tarred road surface, creating a hazardous driving environment.
In some sections of Carnation Street, the damage had become severe enough that motorists were forced to swerve into the opposite lane to avoid raised sections and a pothole.
In a previous article, Raised pothole to get treatment from City Parks, [Week ending March 6], spokesperson Jenny Moodley confirmed that a preliminary assessment found tree roots had extended beneath the road surface. This caused the asphalt to uplift and led to subsequent damage from passing vehicles.
“Public safety remains a priority, and JCPZ is working collaboratively with JRA to address the matter in a coordinated manner, given that it involves both arboricultural and road infrastructure components,” she said.
Also read: City plans to remove Carnation Streets invasive tree roots
At the time, Moodley said root pruning was scheduled for March 3 and was going to be conducted jointly with JRA. But JRA postponed due to the unavailability of their TLB required to carry out the operation.
On March 10, both entities returned on site to assess how deep JRA could excavate to remove the roots and were supposed to be back on site the following day to cut the roots, but rain forced another postponement.
JRA Region E manager Khumo Diphoko said, “We sincerely apologise for the delays due to the current rainy weather and maintenance schedules. The teams have commenced with the work and will be back on Monday [March 23] to proceed. Once all the roots have been removed, we will commence with the road tar reinstatement.”
Speaking on site after JRA had completed the work, Ward 109 councillor Lori Coogan said, “I think the residents are going to be very happy that these roots have been taken out. Because we often saw them when we were on site last time, driving onto the opposite side of the road to avoid the roots. Of course, as you know, that’s a traffic hazard. So I’m very pleased that this work has been done.”
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