New route connects key Pretoria roads

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22-06-2026
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Pretoria Rekord
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A new dual carriageway linking Atterbury and Garsfontein roads has opened to traffic, improving connectivity and supporting planned growth in eastern Pretoria.

Thousands of residents in the east of Pretoria are set to benefit from improved mobility and reduced congestion following the completion of the K147/Zwavelpoort Road.

The new 2km dual carriageway, which connects Atterbury and Garsfontein roads through the rapidly developing Mooikloof area, has officially been opened to the public and handed over to the Tshwane metro as part of the developer’s bulk infrastructure commitments.

The road creates a direct link between two major arterial routes and is expected to reduce pressure on existing roads, including Solomon Mahlangu and De Villebois Mareuil drives, which are heavily used by commuters travelling towards the N1 and R21 highways.

The infrastructure investment is also expected to enhance the efficiency of public transport services operating in the eastern suburbs by providing improved access between key residential and commercial areas.

Residents of several estates and communities in the Mooikloof area will benefit from the new road. These suburbs include The Hills, Mooikloof Equestrian Estate, Mooikloof Heights, Mooikloof Ridge, Mooikloof Glen, Mooikloof Eco Estate, Greenkloof, De Vallei, Woodlands Place and Heron Hills.

Surrounding communities in Grootfontein and Zwavelpoort, as well as motorists travelling from Moreleta Park and Olympus, are also expected to experience improved connectivity.

This road is set to support the Mooikloof Mega City and its part of the 62 strategic integrated projects (SIPs) gazetted in July 2022 in which the government would install bulk infrastructure and a private company would build apartments, and lifestyle centres and upgrade roads and other public amenities.

The founder and CEO of Balwin Properties, the private contractor responsible for the road and apartments, Steve Brookes, described the project as a significant milestone for the area’s transport network.

“This road introduces a vital new connection within the Tshwane road network and will play a meaningful role in reducing pressure on existing routes,” said Brookes.

“It will help relieve congestion currently experienced on Solomon Mahlangu Drive and De Villebois Mareuil Drive, which are key north-south routes used to access the N1 and R21 respectively.”

The road also forms part of the broader infrastructure framework supporting future growth within the Mooikloof node, including the planned Mooikloof Smart City development.

The precinct is envisioned to accommodate residential, commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities, all of which will require improved transport infrastructure as development continues.

Planning for the K147 road began in 2019, with construction beginning in May 2025 and reaching completion in June 2026.

Brookes said approximately 400 direct and indirect employment opportunities were created during the construction phase.

The City of Tshwane said partnerships with the private sector remain important in delivering strategic infrastructure that supports economic growth, improves mobility and enhances the quality of life for residents.

Tshwane mayoral spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi said the completion and handover of the K147 Zwavelpoort Road demonstrates the value of collaboration between the public and private sectors in delivering strategic infrastructure that supports growth and improves the quality of life for residents.

“The K147 project is a strong example of how public-private partnerships can help accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure while supporting long-term economic development,” said Mgobozi.

“The approximately R100-million investment by Balwin Properties has delivered an important new mobility link in the eastern parts of Tshwane and supports the City’s vision of building an integrated, resilient and future-ready transport network.”

Mgobozi noted that while approximately R35-million of the project’s value relates to the construction of the new dual carriageway intersection on Garsfontein Road, which falls under the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, the overall development represents a significant infrastructure contribution to the city.

According to Mgobozi, the City views development-led infrastructure investment as a critical mechanism for unlocking growth, accelerating infrastructure delivery and ensuring that transport networks keep pace with urban expansion.

“Strategic partnerships with the private sector allow the City to unlock investment and deliver infrastructure that benefits residents, motorists and businesses. These partnerships play an important role in supporting Tshwane’s growth while easing pressure on public resources,” he said.

Mgobozi said residents can expect improved connectivity and accessibility as a result of the new road.

“The K147 creates an important east–west connection between Atterbury Road and Garsfontein Road. It improves mobility, enhances access to existing and future developments, supports public transport movement and creates additional capacity within the road network to accommodate future growth.”

He added that while the road may assist in reducing congestion on surrounding routes, its greatest value lies in strengthening the efficiency and resilience of the broader transport network.

“This infrastructure gives motorists greater route choice and improves connectivity across the eastern development corridor. More importantly, it provides the transport capacity needed to support future residential, commercial and mixed-use developments within the Mooikloof node and surrounding areas.”

Mgobozi said the project aligns with the City’s broader transport and spatial planning objectives.

“Our goal is to develop an integrated and connected transport network that supports strategic growth areas, improves accessibility and enables sustainable urban development. The K147 contributes directly to those objectives.”

He said the completion of the road sends a positive message about the role of infrastructure partnerships in shaping the future of the capital city.

“The K147 demonstrates what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together. These partnerships help unlock economic opportunities, accelerate infrastructure provision and ensure Tshwane remains a city that is prepared for future growth and investment.”