Lane closure frustrates motorists

One irate motorist who wished to remain anonymous, explained that the lane has been closed for a few weeks due to construction, and questioned how the construction of the new offices could affect the road to this extent.

“It’s frustrating because the closure has caused massive congestion, especially during peak hours, and my issue is whether they have permission to do this from the council,” he said.

Ward 90 councillor Anthony Still confirmed that the company, Trencon Construction, did indeed obtain a wayleave to close off the lane temporarily. He also explained the reason for the closure, saying it was due to the need to link the stormwater pipes to the main water drain.

This was corroborated by John Allison, contracts manager at Trencon Construction, who explained that the company received permission to install an 80m stormwater line.

“[This was done in order] to accommodate the water run-off from the new offices currently under construction on the corner of Ferguson Road,” he explained.

Allison gave further clarity behind the installation, saying that during excavations, they encountered significant volumes of water seeping into the trenches which emanated from a nearby leaking main water pipe and this caused the sides of the trenches to collapse, which made it impossible to execute the work as planned.

“This [then] necessitated an encroachment onto Melville Road by our… personnel [and] in the interest of safety… we were left with little option but to immediately install traffic calming humps and close the southbound lane during off-peak hours,” he said.

He said a wayleave had been obtained from the various service providers, including the Johannesburg Roads Agency before work commenced.

Bertha Peters-Scheepers, marketing and communications operations manager at the agency, however, refuted this, saying that permission to close off Melville Road had not been given to Trencon.

“An inspection was undertaken by the JRA Wayleaves Unit… and it was discovered that the construction work undertaken at this specific location was undertaken without approval and, therefore, contravenes the bylaws,” she said.

“The construction company has been issued with a notice to immediately cease all activity until a wayleave application has been completed and approval granted.”

When approached for further comment, Allison reiterated his stance and added that documentation was available to confirm the permission received to close the lane and establish a stop and go.

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