Drysdale Road galvanised road barrier and fence installation to stop speedsters

Motorists and residents using Drysdale Road will be pleased to know that the fence and galvanised road barrier will be replaced this month.

Local community group Friends of Golden Harvest Park (FGHP) pleaded with City of Johannesburg’s Parks and Zoo as well as Johannesburg Roads Agency, to have fencing and road barriers replaced on the bend of Drysdale Road.

About two months ago, the fencing and a portion of the already damaged barrier, were broken after a serious car accident. Pippa Wepener from FGHP managed to get the agency to install reflective signage around the area to warn motorists to be wary of the sharp bend.

After much back and forth communication, the group managed to get City Parks and Zoo to replace the fence which will take place on 20 September. The group also organised for the removal of damaged trees in order to make way for the new portion of fence.

Roads agency’s marketing and communication officer Bertha Peters-Scheepers said, “The [galvanised road barrier] in Drysdale Road will be repaired at the end of September.”

Ward 134 councillor Wendy Alexander explained that the roads agency is experiencing huge backlogs with regards to potholes and guardrail repairs.

To tackle the issue, the Region received an additional budget as well as additional overtime so a contractor could be appointed to assist the team with the repair of guardrails around the city.

“One of the key issues pertaining to guardrails is the frequency of damage, more often on a weekly [basis] and in the same place. The Regional depot has begun scheduling the guardrail repairs and Drysdale Road has been placed on the Regions priorities list,” added Alexander.

Residents are encouraged to continue to log guardrail and pothole issues with one of the many City channels, including the Find&Fix app.

Peters-Scheepers explained that the main purpose of installing a galvanised road barrier is for safety. They play a vital role in protecting human life and buildings from damage which can be caused from an out of control vehicle, and have proven to minimise the loss of life and damage to property, she explained.

Wepener added, “We need to have the streets lights and electricity poles replaced that were also damaged during accidents on the bend. Motorists will hopefully slow down after the addition of extra signage, a proper fence and a lengthened barrier.”

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