Wonderboom public transport interchange to be completed in September

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10-07-2023
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Pretoria Rekord
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This interchange project is next to the Apies River which will link Pretoria's BRT system with a park-and-ride facility, a taxi rank and the Pretoria north Prasa station.

The upgrades to the Wonderboom intermodal interchange and Hector Peterson A Re Yeng BRT station are almost complete.

The current and final phase is standing at 89% – approaching completion, the metro confirmed.

This R2-billion project has been dragging on for over six years.

“The project is at its final phase and it is hoped that it will be concluded by the end of September,” metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed.

In March 2016, the project would be completed and ready for use by the end of June 2017 but delays, Covid-19 and vandalism halted progress.

Mashigo said this project is part of the city’s overall strategy of improving public transport infrastructure.

“The city is planning on enhancing the quality of life for residents in the city through providing efficient and affordable transport services.”

This interchange project is next to the Apies River, which will link Pretoria’s BRT system with a park-and-ride facility, a taxi rank and the Pretoria North Prasa station.

It is estimated that the BRT station will accommodate 180 buses and taxi holding platforms of approximately 360 parking bays for overflow.

Mashigo said during the construction phase, the platform was bordered by “Kassel kerbs” and other areas with semi-vertical kerbs.

He said the earthworks, civil works and piling included the removal and disposal of asphalt surfacing.

“Concrete elements of the existing road across the station footprint which shall be decommissioned.”

The Hector Peterson station entails the construction of a four modular BRT station with a lift shaft connecting to the pedestrian bridge, ticket offices and ablution facilities.

“The objective of this facility is to provide commuters with an integrated transport facility.

“It will encompass a non-motorised transport, rail, bus, minibus taxi,” Mashigo said.

TAXI OPERATORS USING TEMPORARY FACILITY DURING INTERCHANGE CONSTRUCTION

At this stage, taxi operators have been utilising the temporary facility made available across the road from Wonderboom station.

The projects entail the provision of infrastructure for each of these modes as well as the upgrade of the surrounding road network to improve traffic flow and accessibility.

He said that the interchange is aimed at promoting public transport as a safer, more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable form of transport.

Mashigo said the desired outcome is to have a state-of-the-art interchange that will change the commuting experience of Tshwane residents.

There will be a new pedestrian bridge linking the existing Prasa pedestrian bridge at Wonderboom station.

He said facilities for informal traders are also being built.

A local ward councillor said, however, that at this stage he is just hoping construction will be completed.

“It has been long overdue now,” said PR councillor Dehan Harmse.

Harmse said if the metro would stick to its dateline then public transport in the area will improve.

“This means commuters will have an easy commute to the inner city.”