Gauteng Premier David Makhura and MEC for Roads and Transport Dr Ishmail Vadi officially opened the completed William Nicol Drive Phase 1 project in Steyn City on 25 August.
The road was upgraded at a cost of R422 million and forms part of the Public Private Partnership with Steyn City Development (SCD).
One third of the multi-million rand project was funded by the developer SCD while the remainder has been part of the budget of the Gauteng Department Roads and Transport.
The road connects Bryanston, Sandton, Hyde Park, Rosebank and Johannesburg via Jan Smuts Avenue. It also improves access to the Diepsloot area and Fourways toward Randburg.
Premier Makhura explained that the project was part of the key developments in the north of Johannesburg.
“The north western part of Johannesburg is a place of great transformation in the next years,” said Makhura.
He added that the means of transport must also help the government to promote a healthy lifestyle.
“These roads are not toll roads. We are going to build more secondary roads to ensure that there are more alternatives for motorists,” he said.
MEC Vadi said that the upgrading of William Nicol Drive from a single carriageway to a triple carriageway aimed to improve access to Diepsloot, Fourways, Randburg and Tshwane.
“This is a high-traffic volume road that needed to be upgraded to facilitate ease of mobility in an area that is the focal point of extensive human settlement developments,” explained Vadi.
He indicated that the newly constructed road reflects a government policy shift towards complete streets which allows for cycling and pedestrian walkways.
“This reflects the provincial government’s commitment to promote safe, non-motorised transport on a popular route for cyclists,” concluded Vadi.
The old Jukskei River Bridge has been replaced with two new bridges and a new interchange has been built near Erling Street.
The Fourways Boulevard has also been upgraded.
According to Roads and Transport Department, Phase 2 upgrade of William Nicol Drive, linking it to the N14, will be launched during this financial year.
Details: Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport 011 355 7028.
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