According to the agency, the aging storm water drainage systems will also receive a new lease on life.
This was officially announced in a press briefing hosted by the agency on 16 November, where the agency’s acting managing director, Mpho Kau, gave a key briefing on bridge rehabilitation projects currently being implemented across the city.
“The rehabilitation of the City’s ageing roads infrastructure cannot be delayed any longer,” said Kau, referring to the 40-year-old M1 De Villiers Graaff highway constructed in 1975.
The project forms part of the City’s R365-million programme which was originally initiated in August to upgrade the M1 and M2 highways, and the Soweto Highway, in an attempt to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and enhance road safety and mobility. It is expected to take 15 months to complete.
Have you read: JRA ruffles feathers with proposed construction site
Those who frequently make use of these highways are urged to plan their commutes ahead as delays will most likely be prevalent during the extensive construction, as numerous lane reductions are planned.
According to the agency’s website this will include reduction in lane widths along the M1 highway between Killarney and St Andrews, along both carriageways, from 3.7m to 3.4m without any reduction in the number of lanes, thus three lanes per direction will remain as is. Work will take place in the median. Oxford and Federation roads will remain open, as well as all on- and off-ramps from the M1.
“The JRA will strive to keep disruptions to a minimum, improve traffic management and provide information that enables consideration of alternative routes while repair work is underway,” Kau continued.
He requested that all motorists be patient and courteous if delays occur due to the maintenance work and to obey all traffic signs.
“The long-term benefits of a world-class M1 freeway bridge network will far outweigh the temporary inconvenience during the rehabilitation phase,” added Kau.
Although the project was only now officially made public, rumours of the planned construction had already reached representatives of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation in September. The foundation represents many of the prestigious, blue-plaque status homes on The Valley Road which borders Oxford bridge.
These representatives teamed up with homeowners and the Forest Town Rate Payers’ Association, and demanded that due process is followed in project planning. A meeting between these stakeholders and the agency took place on 19 November.
Details: www.jra.org.za
Read more on this topic:
JRA ruffles feathers with proposed construction site
JRA responds to The Valley Road concerns
