Upgrades for Cedar road continue

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Pretoria - Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi on Thursday launched Phase 2 of the Cedar Road upgrading project, in Johannesburg, valued at R87 million.

“The project involves the rehabilitation and widening of Cedar road on both sides to a dual carriageway and is expected to run over 11 months,” said MEC Vadi.

Cedar road forms part of the provincial road network and acts as an inter-urban collector of traffic for surrounding townships.

According to the provincial department, the road currently experiences a mix of light traffic as well as significant heavy vehicle traffic.

“The area has seen significant residential development over the past 15 years such as the Steyn City development and further residential and business growth is expected to continue over the next few years,” said MEC Vadi. 

He said the greater economic benefit for the area is the development opportunities that the upgrading of Cedar Road will generate.

There are six main signalised intersections along the route. Two of the traffic signal sets will be reconstructed to allow for the widening of the carriageways. Also, pedestrian walkways with wheel chair ramps and storm water systems will be upgraded.

“The project is envisioned to improve the traffic capacity, pavement integrity and promote black owned economic enterprise during the construction period.

“Sub-contracting and Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMME) procurement is targeted at 40 percent of the contract price and R1 million has been set aside for skills training of local labour,” the department said.

MEC Vadi also announced that the department is planning Phase 3 of Cedar Road rehabilitation between Runnymead road and R114.

Condolences for families of R82 victims

The MEC has also expressed his deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones during an accident which happened on the R82, near Walkerville.

The taxi accident claimed the lives of nine people, while five others were seriously injured. The taxi driver sustained minor injuries.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased during this time of grief and speedy recovery to the injured. We would like to once again urge drivers to always exercise caution and patience on the roads,” MEC Vadi said.

The MEC has wished those who were injured a speedy recovery.

The cause of the accident is still being investigated. – SAnews.gov.za