Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) commented on the proposed K113 road following the April 25 public information session held in Edenvale.
Some of the concerns raised by the community at the meeting included:
- Safety of pedestrians, schools/scholars and cyclists.
- What impact the route would have on traffic.
- What the impact on local business would be and whether there will be a loss of business and possible expropriation of properties.
“The planned road is an integral part of the wider proposed road network in Edenvale, Ekurhuleni and the Gauteng Province. The K113 road is classified as a major arterial (class 2 road) and will therefore be classified as such a route. It should be noted the current initiative from Province is only a review of the existing plan,” said Mr Themba Gadebe, spokesperson of EMM.
He said higher order routes must provide mobility and deal with the demand, whilst the lower order routes will focus on access and accessibility.
“The planned future land-use patterns are considered when the demand for roads are defined. Planned roads are therefore the end-result of development patterns thus responding to these new development challenges,” said Mr Gadebe. He said that this road will address the existing congested traffic experienced along Van Riebeeck Road between Terrace Road and the R25.
“The project is expected to have positive results on travelling time and traffic flow. Operating speeds will increase as a result of the project. This will result in the need for access management principles to be applied to alleviate and manage improved mobility and road safety,” said Mr Gadebe.
In reply to how the businesses will be affected, Mr Gadebe said that access arrangements along this road will be challenging as the road needs to be retrofitted within an existing environment.
“Current approved and legal accesses will be honoured until changes in land-use applications have been received or when the road is actually implemented,” he said. “The aim of this planning initiative by Province is to obtain the relevant inputs from affected parties and be mindful to the issues raised.”
