AT an additional cost to the project of almost R2-million, the ‘theft proof’ robots at the eSikhaleni intersection on the John Ross Parkway were switched on at 11am on Monday.

This will hopefully bring some sanity back to the intersection, where fatalities have occurred due to drivers shooting through the four-way stop, sometimes without even slowing down.

Although satisfied that the traffic signals are now in operation, road engineers bemoaned the fact that they had to go to extravagant lengths to secure the intersection.

Cables have had to be run through metal ducts and covered in concrete, to prevent cable thieves from gaining access.

‘In one instance the cost of repair ran into thousands after a robot control box was stripped for just 10cm of copper cable,’ said City Senior Technical Assistant, Andrew Payton.

The control box at the intersection is now housed inside electrified steel palisade fencing, a practice widely used by Eskom, Vodacom and others who suffer similar losses.

Anyone trying to force their way over or through the fence will receive a shock that will immobilise them for an hour.

Some cable trenches still need to be filled with concrete and until that is completed a permanent security guard will be stationed at the junction.

On a humorous note: scores of drivers arriving at the newly signalised intersection still went through the red lights, while others stopped at the green – something that may give road planners food for thought in future.

View a video of the traffic light switch on here https://youtu.be/VYH-ElxCmfw

7 OCTOBER 

Traffic lights up and working

THERE was plenty of activity at the eSikhaleni intersection on the John Ross Parkway this morning as technicians completed the installation of traffic signals.

At exactly 11am the robots began operating and the stop signs were removed – hopefully restoring an element of safety to this fatal intersection.