JRA sod turning: M2/ Main Reef and linked extensions
“A major contributing factor to congestion along Main Reef Road is the intense development between Production Road and Miriam Makeba Street.”
THE Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has embarked on a R30-million upgrade of the M2 West Highway/Main Reef Road and linked extensions to ease congestion and improve access on this key arterial route.
To mark the commencement of the construction, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, Clr Nonhlanhla Makhuba held a sod turning ceremony on May11 on the M2 Freeway.
Clr Makhuba announced, “Main Reef Road and its extensions play a critical role in Johannesburg’s road network, in that it links the M1, M2, M7, N1 and R24 which are some of the major freeways forming the backbone of the city’s road network.
“This construction project forms part of the City’s future network upgrades plan, the roads are an essential link for many businesses, as well as commuters on their way to and from work, and will help further our goals of achieving 5 per cent economic growth within Joburg, and ensuring a safe and reliable transport network for residents.”
The flagship project includes a combination of additional lanes and signal optimisation and is expected to be completed by December 15.
The upgrades entail road widening between Treu Road/Park Drive and Crownwood Road and a dedicated new lane from Church Street up to the M1/M2 Motorway.
The works include traffic signal optimisation from Production Road, Dorado Avenue intersections up to Treu Road/ Park Drive, in Region F, Selby Extensions and Crown City Extensions, Wards 58 and 124.
JRA managing director, Dr Sean Phillips said, “Johannesburg’s road network links to the provincial and national roads network.
“We have therefore undertaken a network study which re-evaluated key roads in the region, taking into account freight, public transport, improvements by authorities, the spatial development framework and other pertinent planning in the area.
“The study focused on potential upgrades to improve current levels of service along Main Reef Road, by addressing improvements to roads which are the highest contributors to congestion, the M2 West at the Main Reef Road intersection as well as on Main Reef Road between Treu and Production Roads.
“A major contributing factor to congestion along Main Reef Road is the intense development between Production Road and Miriam Makeba Street.”
In prioritising commuter safety, construction work will be carried out at night to fast-track planned upgrades with minimal impact on road users.
The project will also include traffic accommodation, relocation of services, stormwater, roadworks, road signs and markings, training and upgrade of traffic signals.
Traffic advisory and lane closures:
• Construction work will be undertaken at night to minimise traffic disturbances
• Lane closure will run from 7pm to 5am daily
• To ease congestion during the construction period, motorists are advised to use alternative routes and take into consideration increased travelling times.
The following upgrades will be implemented from Crownwood Road, Ormonde to Treu Road, Selby:
1 Main Reef/Church: Additional left lane from the northern approach on Church Street
2 Main Reef/Church: An additional left turn lane from the eastern approach on Main Reef Road
3 Main Reef Road: A continuous slip from Main Reef Road west into the M2 Ramp
4 Main Reef/Press: An additional left turn lane from the southern approach of Press Avenue into Main Reef Road
5 Main Reef/Press: An additional left turn lane from the eastern approach of Main Reef Road into Press Avenue
6 Main Reef/Press: An additional through lane from the western approach of Main Reef Road
7 Main Reef/M2 inbound: An additional right turn lane from the M2 into Main Reef Road
8 Main Reef/M2 inbound: An additional through lane form the eastern approach of Main Reef Road
9 Main Reef/Hanover: An additional through lane from the eastern approach of Main Reef Road.
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