The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) recently embarked on a road construction project in and around Linden.
The agency removed the traffic circle on the corner of West Street and Republic Road and replaced it with a four-way stop.
This intersection is, however, in the process of being changed to a traffic signal intersection.
Resident Jacci Babich said these constructions cause a lot of confusion.
“The ones removed in 2nd Avenue are a risk as the Joburg Roads Agency has done its usual half job. The circles may be gone and new stop signs erected but the old circle signs are still in place together with the relevant road markings,” she said.
According to Babich, recently pavements have been ripped up with bricks scattered all over the place.
“Non-working roots are the norm in Johannesburg. We spend our lives sitting in queues at such intersections. Does the Linden traffic warrant more traffic lights? Why not leave it at a simple four way stop?”
Babich, however, said this was not a bad idea because “circles are a pain as South African drivers have no idea how to use them properly.”
“A contractor was appointed to perform intersection improvements in Linden and work has been completed, in addition, traffic signals installation will be completed by 25 April, and we will ensure that obsolete signage is removed,” said JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers.
According to Peters-Scheepers, JRA is also in the process of implementing a road reconstruction project as 2nd Avenue has been identified as a street in need of road reconstruction.
“Implementation should start within the next few months.”
According to resident Maria Maree, there is an accident waiting to happen in Linden. Maree urged JRA to be more thorough in their work to ensure the safety of residents.
