The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) hopes to start implementing improvements to Second Street during the remainder of the 2019/20 financial year.
The improvements, first reported on, are intended to improve traffic flow and safety along the street.
CoE spokesperson Themba Gadebe explained the improvements were proposed to the public as a result of the high number of collisions and accidents on the street.
Also read: Changes to be made to Second Str
He said the proposals were well received at a February 26 public participation meeting.
The potential improvements include:
• Narrowing Second Street to two 3.5m-wide lanes and painting a 2m shoulder on either side.
• Localised widening at selected intersections to allow for three lanes for capacity reasons.
• Narrowing the street with physical islands on both sides upstream of the intersection with 15th Avenue.
• Synchronise the traffic lights for 55km/h and erecting signs to inform motorists.
• Remove the painted island in the trap lane on the approach to First Avenue.
• Paint a splitter island at the exit from the filling station to discourage wrong-way driving.
• Place warning signs at the start of the islands on both sides of First Avenue.
Gadebe said the improvements will assist the community by enhancing road safety.
Once implemented, they will reduce speed and calm traffic.
“Some motorists may not appreciate the reduced operating speed as their journey might be delayed, especially the passer-by traffic, but public safety is of greater value,” said Gadebe.
“Visibility of motorists stopping to enter their driveways or reversing out of them will be improved,” said Gadebe.
He said running lanes will also be less likely to be blocked by motorists entering or leaving their properties.
Also read: Roads a concern for residents
Motorists trying to cross Second Street should have improved line of sight of the traffic as they will be able to pull out further and be less likely of being struck by a passing car.
Additionally, they will have less traffic to cross.
“Since the three lanes on Second Street are relatively narrow, any disturbance in the outer lanes has an impact on the middle lane.”
The improvements are expected to be completed in two phases.
Phase one will see work conducted between First Avenue and Van Riebeeck Avenue in the remainder of the current financial year, while phase two between Van Riebeeck Avenue and Seventeenth Avenue should be conducted during future financial years.
Gadebe said the listed improvements are subject to available funding.
