Motorists cautioned on revamped Katherine Street and Pretoria Avenue
The Johannesburg Roads Agency says motorists should not rely on familiar driving patterns and must instead follow the new signage, lane directions and traffic signals along Katherine Street and Pretoria Avenue.
The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) is urging motorists to exercise caution when approaching and travelling through the intersection of Katherine Street and Pretoria Avenue in Sandton, following a number of road incidents in the vicinity.
JDA spokesperson Elias Nkabinde said Katherine Street has undergone significant changes as part of the rollout of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase 1C trunk route, including the introduction of dedicated BRT infrastructure, upgraded roadways, new road markings and associated traffic management interventions.
Read more: Katherine Street reinstatement complete
“As motorists become accustomed to the revised road configuration, the JDA appeals to all road users to approach the intersection with heightened awareness, reduce speed and carefully observe all road markings, lane directions and traffic signals,” Nkabinde said.
“The introduction of BRT infrastructure changes how different road users interact with the corridor.”
He encouraged motorists who have used Katherine Street for many years, particularly not to rely on previous driving patterns, but to respond to the current signage, road markings and lane configuration.
Motorists are advised to:
Reduce speed when approaching Katherine Street and Pretoria Avenue, allowing sufficient time to assess the intersection and respond to the revised road layout.
- Select the correct lane early and avoid sudden or last-minute lane changes when approaching intersections.
- Pay close attention to road markings, directional arrows and traffic signage, particularly where general traffic operates alongside dedicated BRT infrastructure.
- Do not enter or cross dedicated BRT lanes unless permitted by the applicable road markings and traffic signals.
- Observe traffic signals and avoid assuming that movements through the intersection operate in the same manner as they did before the BRT upgrades.
- Maintain a safe following distance, particularly when approaching intersections and areas where traffic movements converge.
- Remain alert for Rea Vaya buses, pedestrians and other road users, particularly around stations, pedestrian crossings and intersections.
- Avoid distracted driving and give the changed road environment your full attention.
- New infrastructure requires renewed attention
- The Phase 1C roadway interventions have been designed to accommodate BRT operations while improving the overall movement of public transport, motorists and pedestrians along the corridor.
“However, the JDA recognises that any significant change to a familiar road environment requires motorists to adjust their driving behaviour and become accustomed to new traffic movements.”
Road users are therefore encouraged to treat the intersection of Katherine Street and Pretoria Avenue as a changed road environment, even if it forms part of their regular daily journey.
Also read: Katherine Street and Pybus Road intersection
“The JDA will continue to work with the relevant City of Johannesburg entities and stakeholders to support the safe operation of the corridor. Safety is a shared responsibility. Slow down, read the road, follow the markings and arrive safely.”
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