Navigating the dangers of Summit Road

Concerned residents are appealing to the provincial government for help in curbing the carnage on Summit Road and surrounds, which they say has become an unreasonably dangerous situation.

“The increasing trouble [on the roads] has come on gradually, but it became a big issue when renovations of the N14 started and forced a lot more traffic into our area,” explained resident Elke Hass.

“I’ve lived here for about 17 years, and it’s become a major problem recently,” said resident Christine Paulet.

“Something needs to be done. Installing robots would be first prize, but even just stop streets or pointsmen would help.”

Hass and Paulet were among the 28 or so people who attended a public meeting to discuss the issue, organised by the Greater Kyalami Conservancy (Gecko) and hosted at the offices of the South African Nursery Association on Summit Road itself on 23 January.

Among the attendees were Ward 94 councillor David Foley, Ward 112 councillor Madeline Hecklin, members of surrounding residents associations and representatives from the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT).

“Serious accidents often happen on Summit Road and surrounding roads, particularly on the corner of Summit and Mnandi [Roads],” Gecko’s Anton van Niekerk said as he opened the meeting. “The best thing is for us to work together as a team to try and resolve the issues.”

As the two-hour long meeting continued, residents heard that at three intersections in the area – the junction of the R511 and the N14, the junction of R511 and R114, and at the intersection of Summit and Mnandi Roads) – there is at least one accident every single day.

“All of us have had more than one incident just driving in the area,” added another resident, Lauren Gander.

Two representatives from the GDRT also addressed the gathering. They explained that the road problems were a large and complex issue that could not be resolved right away.

“The results that we will achieve will not be immediately visible,” explained Kobus Labuschagne, an experienced engineer who works for the GDRT and was tasked with assessing the situation.

“At the Mnandi and Summit intersections, traffic signals are warranted, but they may not work due to [negative] driver habits.”

Labuschagne added that the department’s response in the area was limited by a number of factors including a lack of data from the area in question, budgetary considerations, cable theft in the area (which would result in traffic lights not working) and drivers’ actions amongst others.

“As we look for solutions, we are implementing some actions in the interim, including additional warning signs, rumble strips and [we are also] considering adjusting the speed limits,” he concluded.

The Summit Road issue is an ongoing concern, and Fourways Review will keep you updated as more happens.

You can email our journalist, Robyn Kirk, at robynk@caxton.co.za