In a statement, MMC of Transport Funzi Ngobeni apologised to motorists using the M2 highway, for the daily frustrations caused by lane closures.
The lanes have been closed to continue extensive road resurfacing work being undertaken by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). This project is expected to cost R42 million.
“As a statement of confidence in the quality of JRA’s work, engineers have assured me that the resurfacing of the M2 motorway is intended to curb any possibility of potholes developing along the highway for the next 15 years. A total of R42 million has been budgeted for the resurfacing of the M2 motorway – taking place in two phases,” said Ngobeni.
Work on the extensive project is scheduled for completion in December this year.
In the 2021/22 financial year, R12 million was budgeted for the project. Completed work included the resurfacing of the M2 motorway eastbound, Cleveland off-ramp and onramp and M2 motorway westbound from New Goch Road to Maritzburg off-ramp south of the CBD.
In the current financial year, a total of R30 million has been made available to complete the remaining section of the highway.
The rehabilitation of the M2 motorway will include milling out 120mm of surfacing on sections deemed to be in poor condition followed by 40mm asphalt overlay to restore the road surface to pristine condition. Once the surface is sufficiently dry and has hardened, road markings will be applied.
Ngobeni added that in order to make future projects less onerous and disruptive to motorists, businesses, and the economy, a shift policy will be introduced.
This would see the JRA undertake crucial road repair work on roads such as the M2, at night when there is less traffic.
Road works begin from 09:00 to 15:00 weekdays. Several lanes will be closed to make way for the repairs.
Related Article: