Johannesburg - Motorists can expect delays along the already-congested William Nicol Drive for the next month.
The Joburg Roads Agency (JRA) has announced that sections of the road were being reconstructed and upgraded and improved drainage systems installed prior to the start of the rainy season.
Managing director of the JRA, Sean Phillips, says it is important that the rehabilitation of the roads and stormwater is carried out.
The work primarily consists of new asphalt surfaces, as well as road rehabilitation and repairs to kerbs.
The work on William Nicol, which takes place between Sloane Street and the N1 freeway, would result in inevitable disruptions, he said.
However, the bulk of the construction will happen on weekends in order to minimise traffic delays.
Commuters are advised to always be aware of the work that is being done, to keep safety in mind and plan for additional time on journeys on and around William Nicol.
Work on the right lanes in both directions started on Friday and will be completed by Monday. The left lanes will be affected next weekend, June 17 to 20, and construction of the middle lanes will be done during the last weekend of the month.
Catching up on maintenance backlog
The R16.3 million roads rehabilitation project forms part of the JRA’s greater programme to rehabilitate, reconstruct and resurface the city’s suburban roads.
An assessment undertaken by the JRA in 2013 indicated that more than 25 percent of the 13 428km road network managed by the JRA had deteriorated due to insufficient maintenance, increased traffic and ageing.
A 10-year city-wide roads development programme was launched to repair pavement layers, strengthen the road structures and upgrade the stormwater system. Traffic management plans are in place and will be communicated to local residents.
The majority of the roads were located in residential areas and would cause only minimal disturbances to local traffic patterns, he said.
Other roads that are being rehabilitated are:
- Ward 106: Struben and Hobard streets in Bryanston and Herbert Road in Peterville.
- Ward 115: Albatross Drive, Arend and Flamingo avenues and Plover Street in Fourways as well as Penguin, Jacana and Turaco streets in Norscot.
- Ward 32: Milkyway Avenue in Frankenwald.
The Star
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