Residents left frustrated over Allandale Road upgrade
KYALAMI – Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe said she understood the resident's frustrations, adding, however, that they could have opposed the decision for a left turn only lane during public participation meetings.
Kyalami residents have raised concerns over the K73 road upgrade claiming that they were not consulted before construction began that Maple Drive would have a left turn only lane.
Resident Amish Chana said that once the road is constructed, residents would have to drive an additional 2.6 km to get to the racetrack or areas north or west of it.
He said the new road would not enable residents living on Maple Drive to turn right, adding that the road was congested as well.
“The EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment), does not indicate that congestion and we were not consulted of this change before construction,” said Chana
After years of grappling with traffic congestion in the peak hours when parents drive to the school, Kyalami Preparatory School’s headmaster David Hala said he also did not agree with the left turn only lane. “I prefer to have it going the other way as well.
“If they could have looked at it differently and considered other alternatives that would have made a difference.
“We opposed this decision right in the beginning and put our argument forward, however, we were told that it cannot happen because it was the decision of provincial roads and that it is too dangerous to have an intersection within that distance from the R55 provincial road, which we accepted.”
After receiving many complaints about the road, Ward 132 councilor Annette Deppe said she advised residents to rather write to the Provincial Roads Department.
“After reaching out to the department, I spoke to the chief engineer for the province and he said I should refer the residents to him.
“I also suggested that if they want to draw up a petition I would gladly hand it over to the province. I understand why people are upset. But they had an opportunity to make comments years ago.”
Gauteng Department of Transport spokesperson Theo Nkonki said that the department continuously engaged with stakeholders to ensure that the construction of the road continued, without delays. “Our main focus is delivering transport infrastructure cost-effectively, at the right quality and the requisite quality.
Details: If anyone has a question for the Gauteng Department of Roads they can contact Dr Louw du Plessis, chief engineer Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport Design Services on 066 4766 494 or email Louw.duPlessis@gauteng.gov.za.
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