Traffic chaos is being addressed
With the assistance of JRA, about two years ago we increased the timing of the turn signal from Swartgoud into Rifle Range.
DA ward 54 councillor Sergio dos Santos is pleased to inform Southern motorists that traffic chaos experienced at the intersection of Rifle Range and Shakespeare, in Ridgeway, could be a thing of the past.
He said since e-tolls went live at the end of 2013, there has been a definite increase in traffic along Rifle Range Road and this has resulted in chaos in the mornings and afternoons, and also several accidents.
“There is also a growing concern and complaints from residents that many motorists make illegal turns as they do not want to wait behind a long line of traffic. The other big problem is that taxis stop at the intersection to load or offload passengers and that causes a traffic build up,” said dos Santos.
According to the councillor, who is working with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), the timing of the turn signal from Swartgoud into Rifle Range was increased and this seemed to alleviate congestion in the morning, along Swartgoud, although it did not resolve the traffic congestion from all other directions.
“After another onsite meeting with the traffic engineer from the JRA, it was agreed that turn signals will be added to all traffic lights. This will hopefully alleviate traffic congestion by allowing more vehicles to turn sequentially from all directions. Plans also include a taxi stop along Swartgoud, roughly 50 metres from the intersection, as well as a dedicated turning lane from Rifle Range into Swartgoud, which will continue as two lanes and then go back into one lane after Stefanus Road,” said a proud Clr dos Santos.
Clr dos Santos believes there are other traffic and accident hotspots in his ward and says that with the help of various departments he hopes to resolve, or at least mitigate, traffic congestion and/or regular accidents.
“In the interim, I appeal to all motorists to abide by the rules of the road, have patience and not speed. A very big thank you to JRA for assisting with this matter. Keep up the good work,” he concluded.
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