Expect traffic delays on William Nicol
JOBURG – Over the next four weeks there will be roadworks on William Nicol Drive which might cause traffic delays.
Suburban roads in the north-western parts of Johannesburg are under reconstruction to upgrade surfaces and improve drainage systems prior to the start of the rainy season.
Most of the roadworks will not have a material impact on traffic patterns in the city – with the exception of a section of William Nicol Drive where roadworks will start on 10 June and continue over the next few weeks.
Managing director of the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), Dr Sean Phillips said it is important that the rehabilitation of the roads and storm water drains take place at this time.
The work primarily consists of new asphalt surfaces as well as road rehabilitation and repairs to kerbs. “Many of the established roads in suburbs are being given a new lease on life,” he said.
“New surfaces, better drainage and improved road safety measures will benefit the local communities and facilitate access to homes, community facilities and shopping areas in the region.”
The R16.3-million projects form part of the agency’s larger 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 agency had deteriorated due to insufficient maintenance, increased traffic and ageing.
A 10-year city-wide Roads Development Programme was then launched to repair pavement layers, strengthen the road structures and upgrade the storm water system. Work has already started in suburbs such as Bryanston, Fourways and Norscot.
Phillips said the roadworks undertaken follow consultation with communities and ward councillors in the affected suburbs. Traffic management plans are in place and will be communicated to local residents soon.
The majority of the roads are located in residential areas and will cause only minimal disturbances to local traffic patterns. However, the work done on William Nicol Drive, between Sloane Street and the N1 highway, will result in inevitable disruptions. The bulk of construction will take place over the weekends to minimise traffic delays.
Commuters are, however, advised to always be aware of the work that is being done, to keep safety in mind and to plan for additional time on journeys on and around William Nicol Drive.
Work on the right lanes in both directions will be done over weekends and start at 8pm on 10 June and will be completed by 14 June. The left lanes will be affected on the following weekends including 17 to 20 June and construction of the middle lanes will be done during the last weekend of the month.
The other roads that are being rehabilitated are:
- Ward 106 – Struben and Hobard streets in Bryanston; and Herbert Road in Peterville
- Ward 115 – Albatros Drive, Arend and Flamingo avenues and Plover Street in Fourways; and Penguin, Jacana and Turaco streets in Norscot
- Ward 32 – Milkway Avenue in Frankenwalt.
