Construction of a traffic calming circle on Laurie Road has begun.
With completion only expected in July, residents have been asked to take note of route changes which will be in effect.
Motorists travelling on Laurie Road towards Modderfontein Road will be re-routed via a temporary road.
Other detours include the use of Alpine and Terrace roads.
As a result of the construction on Laurie Road, there will be no stop streets or no road markings and at some times, there will also be no street lighting.
Residents travelling on Laurie or Aitken roads are asked to be cautious, especially when travelling at night.
According to the ward 18 councillor for Edenvale, Clr Heather Hart, a resident who recently travelled down Aitken Road from Karen Road drove straight over the intersection without even realising it was there.
“This could have resulted in a major accident,” she said.
Councillors have called for hazard signs to be placed on all feeder roads to Laurie Road to caution motorists of the construction.
“I have fought on behalf of residents since taking office to alleviate the traffic congestion and speeding on Aitken and Laurie roads. It is commendable that council has responded favourably in this instance,” said Clr Heather Hart.
“I hope the circle will go a long way towards reducing the speed at which motorists travel on these roads, while at the same time improving traffic flow,” she added.
Councillors are still in discussions with the roads planning department for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality with regards to the problems created by the ever-increasing traffic on Laurie Road.
“Particularly the problem of heavy duty vehicles and taxis which travel from the Greenstone area,” said Clr Hart.
She added that the increased traffic has created noise and safety problems for residents.
“Rat-running has now become the order of the day to avoid traffic congestion on Modderfontein Road at the Laurie Road intersection,” said Clr Hart.
As in the case of Terrace Road, the road classification on Laurie Road prevents the use of traffic calming measures such as speed humps.
“Our options are limited to traffic lights, which as we know, do not necessarily stop speeding,” she said.
