The R300-million upgrade project of the often bottle-necked Solomon Mahlangu Drive is finally underway.
This as the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport officially kicked off its rehabilitation and upgrading project of Road K69 (Solomon Mahlangu Drive – phase 1) last week.
“Once completed, this project will have a great impact on the economy of the east of Pretoria,” said Gauteng public transport and roads infrastructure MEC Jacob Mamabolo at the project’s official launch.
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“It will make the movement of people and goods much easier and will drastically reduce congestion.”
The road has been experiencing high volumes of traffic, especially during peak morning and afternoon traffic.
The project was expected to reduce congestion and travel times between Mamelodi and the N4.
Mamabolo said the project will, amongst others, provide an improved dual carriageway resulting in traffic congestion and fewer accidents.
Road K69 stretches almost 12 kilometres in the north-easterly direction from Lynnwood to Mamelodi, linking Lynnwood Road to K54 in Mamelodi.
The first phase of the project will cover approximately nine kilometres, stretching from Road R104 (Bronkhorstspruit Road) to K54 in Mamelodi.
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The project would involve expanding the number of lanes of the existing carriageway to increase its capacity, improve safety and accessibility for existing and future developments along the K69.
The project was expected to be completed by August 2021.
“During construction, local businesses will benefit 30 percent of the contract value; the community will also benefit in skills transfer and training programmes,” Mamabolo said.
The upgrade project includes the construction of a bridge over the Pienaars River, upgrading of intersections along the route, upgrading of stormwater management infrastructure, as well as cleaning the road reserve and grass cutting.
The project will also see the construction of bus or taxi bays at selected intersections to support public transport and passenger convenience.
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Chairperson of roads and transport, councillor Elmarie Linde said the metro was relieved that the provincial government was now finally committed to upgrading the Solomon Mahlangu.
“It will definitely alleviate traffic and allow for safer traveling.”
“We urge motorists and residents to please exercise patience during the construction phase as it will cause disruptions, please allow for extra travel time.”
“The better the linkages, the more our economy will improve; we also want people to use public transport more to alleviate traffic,” said Linde.
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