BRT lanes leave no access to 6th Avenue

It has been noted by Joseph that the turning arrow has been taken away for motorists that cross over Louis Botha and 6th avenues.

This change is causing tensions to run high as vehicles desperately need to cross or turn, causing a build-up of traffic along the avenues. Dina Joseph is desperate for a solution to this problem.

Ward 74 councillor Jack Cooper said he has received a number of complaints about the robots on Louis Botha Avenue that changed over the last two weeks.

According to Cooper, he has referred the issue to BRT Rea Vaya who have said to him that they will look into it. BRT responded to Mr Cooper saying a survey will be done to assess this matter.

“BRT has responded saying that they are looking into the matter, however, no plans for a solution have been communicated to me.” Benny Makgoga, director service promotions has said the robots are not controlled by Rea Vaya.

“Louis Botha is under construction as BRT is being implemented here, this will not be for long though.” Makgoga has said the road works are temporary.

Bertha Peters-Scheepers, ops manager for Johannesburg Roads Agency has said in order to improve the BRT bus travel times, the design of the system had to make provisions for reductions in the number of intersections and stops that the buses will incur. “The right turn movements have been limited to key intersections.” Johannesburg Roads Agency has said where there previously was a separate right turn phase, this has now been completely removed on the avenues. “No vehicle will be allowed to turn right and cross the BRT lanes in order to access 6th Avenue.” Johannesburg Roads Agency has said this has been done to prevent BRT buses from being further delayed. Motorists wishing to turn right will have to turn left into 5th Avenue, proceed along Meyer Street, turn right into 6th Avenue and cross Louis Botha Avenue.

Details: 011889 0694.