Parts of east of Pretoria subject to large-scale million rand road upgrades

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15-06-2023
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Pretoria Rekord
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Lynnwood Road is a stretch of route receiving the most upgrades in the east of Pretoria at various intersections, whilst others parts include Stellenberg, Meerlust, University, Atterbury Roads and Louis Avenue.

Motorists in Equestria using the Lynnwood, Stellenberg and Meerlust roads can expect traffic disruptions in the coming 11 months as the Tshwane metro upgrades the route.

The upgrades will cost an estimated R12.9-million for Stellenberg Road whilst the estimated cost of the widening of Lynnwood Road is R28-million.

The upgrades will see Lynwood Road hosting more lanes and adjusted traffic lights to match the expected capacity of traffic at intersections.

UPGRADES WILL IMPROVE THE ROAD NETWORK

The upgrades have been ongoing for months causing heavy peak traffic in areas heading to Silverlakes, Silveroaks, Six Fountains and Hazeldean.

Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the upgrade will improve the road network for additional motor capacity on the routes.

This will potentially reduce traffic congestion on the strip and intersections of Lynnwood Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive.

Mashigo said the need to turn Lynnwood Road into a dual-carriageway was identified several years ago.

Mashigo said the road developments were much needed as the main roads had to provide movement to the increased motor capacity in the Pretoria east suburb.

The development of the Stellenberg and Lynnwood roads leading to Solomon Mahlangu Drive was due to land development in the area.

“The upgrade to Lynnwood Road is being done via a developer, who as part of his development mitigation needs to do certain intersection upgrades to the main road and to provide internal access roads.”

“The work on Stellenberg Road is underway, with a planned construction period of six months. The upgrade to Lynnwood Road from Meerlust Road westward will take 11 months.”

The Stellenberg Road and bulk services expected due to the upgrades are also linked to the township.

This is the rollout of the integrated public transport network upgrades in the east of Pretoria which was announced to kick off in April.

The strip of the route is between Lynnwood, University, Atterbury Road and Louis Avenue.

This multimillion-rand project also aims to improve three intersections as well as non-motorised transport infrastructure in the east to ease traffic congestion.

“The project is about upgrading of three intersections and construction of non-motorised transport infrastructure along Lynnwood Road between University and Atterbury roads, as well as Atterbury Road between Lynnwood Road and Louis Avenue,” he said.

“This project is estimated to cost R145.6-million.”

Mashigo said this project was expected to take 18 months.

“The commencement date will be confirmed once the site has been handed over to the contractor.

“Measures have been taken with the internal teams involved to fast-track the processes so that the project can start.”

TRAFFIC AFFECTED DUE TO UPGRADES

Mashigo said traffic during construction will be affected.

“An approved traffic accommodation plan will be implemented on-site to warn and guide motorists about construction activities and suggested detours,” he said.

Local councillor Siobhan Muller said the upgrades will improve traffic in the area.

“The large traffic congestion will be ended as soon as this project is complete,” she said.

“The upgrades date back to five years ago when we fought and won the war against the municipality on the issue of removing one car lane and replacing it with a bus lane.

“The upgrades entail that the road will be broadened and smaller bus stations will be built on different sections of the roads.

“This project will be done in phases.

“They will be working under the bridge to finalise the stormwater canal before they can broaden the road at Lynnwood Road just before King’s Highway.”