Sandton Rea Vaya project set for 2024 completion

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20-10-2022
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Sandton Chronicle
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After several political and pandemic-related delays, the Sandton Bus Rapid Transport project is back on with the construction of the second and final Rea Vaya station on Rivonia Road.

All eyes are on Sandton Central this Transport Month as the precinct’s Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) stations are set to finally take shape.

The Phase 1C route project, which initially began in 2014 and was meant to be completed in 2019, suffered extreme delays due to the ever-changing political and pandemic climate.

The construction of the second and final station in Sandton Central commenced on October 17 on Rivonia Road, between Katherine Street/Sandton Drive and Fifth Street.

According to Johannesburg Development Agency’s Kenneth Nxumalo, phase one includes the widening of the roads affected.

“There will be designated traffic accommodation in place from the commencement of the construction and throughout the site activity. To protect and maintain a safe passage of traffic within the remaining part of the affected area, as well as pedestrians’ thoroughfare.”

Nxumalo added that the project roll out will also provide various job opportunities for local labour and small businesses.

But with the project estimated to take 18 months to complete, how will residents be affected?

Ward 91 councillor Andrew Steward noted that while the construction will undoubtedly cause some havoc among road users, there is a long-term goal in mind.

“It must go ahead ultimately, and I am pleased that the next phases are commencing.”

Sandton Central Management District city improvement district manager Elaine Jack said that Rivonia Road will remain open in both directions.

“The initial phase of work is expected to take eight months, during which two lanes of Rivonia Road in either direction will remain open. The area will be boarded to keep pedestrians safe, and all pedestrian crossings will remain accessible and available.”

Jack added that while there will be a short-term traffic disruption, people from around the city and beyond will benefit as the route runs from Park Station to Parktown, Orange Grove, Wynberg, Alexandra and then to Sandton Central.

“The project also widened the Sandspruit Bridge, the gateway to Sandton Central on Katherine Street, between Marlboro and Grayston drives. The bridge was rebuilt and expanded from two to six lanes, relieving traffic bottlenecks – its two center lanes are reserved for Rea Vaya busses.”

Sandton Central’s Elaine Jack looks forward to seeing the precinct grow.

She added that the Rea Vaya infrastructure also features a 30.5km walking and cycling path, a section of which connects Sandton and Alexandra.

“These rapid bus transport services are a standard feature of leading cities worldwide. For Sandton Central, it ensures that South Africa’s financial hub continues to be well positioned to attract business, investment, shoppers, tourists, workforces and residents, with its availability of easy, sustainable, and affordable personal transport,” said Jack.