Standard Bank will be constructing two raised pedestrian walkways across Baker Street in Rosebank.
The ramps will be constructed on two locations on Baker Street to enable pedestrians to walk freely and ensure they are safe from speeding vehicles.
Ashley George, project manager at Standard Bank said the construction of the ramps won’t be taking away vehicle capacity, but will better the street for pedestrians. “What the ramps will essentially do is two things,” said George.
“They will allow for pedestrian foot flow and also calm traffic.”
The project manager added that the process has been ongoing for a while. As Standard Bank, they took a holistic approach where residents, management, together with the statutory worked hand in hand. Through their transparent procurement process, Lephatswe and Roberts Construction was appointed for the job as they came highly recommended.
Nathi Manzana, head of professional and technical services at Standard Bank added that the construction of the walkways was part of an overall urban design framework that makes Rosebank more walkable and friendlier.
Tim Truluck, Ward 117 councillor, has welcomed the step taken by the financial giant to improve the safety of the roads for pedestrians. “It’s the first time in the node, probably in my ward, where we are getting a raised table crossing,” said an excited Truluck.
“To me, it’s the first bit of real modernisation of our roads in my ward, that’s why I think it’s really good.”
As part of their study when presenting to council, Standard Bank discovered that most people on Baker Street did not cross at the designated pedestrian crossings at traffic lights, instead, they walked right across the four lanes of traffic where the ramps will be constructed.
Truluck said there were many plans in the pipeline for Rosebank, and some will be carried out in the near future. He said the ramps were sure to make crossing Baker Street much safer and integrate the Standard Bank building more into the Rosebank node.