South Africa: Upgraded R511 road worth R146 million in Johannesburg opens for traffic

Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi today opened the upgraded R511 road worth R146 million in Johannesburg.

Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi today opened the upgraded R511 road worth R146 million in Johannesburg.

The stretch of road located north-west of Johannesburg, which links Midrand to the North West province, has been upgraded to a high-quality paved road.

"The Gauteng City Region, which accounts for the largest share of our country’s economic activity, needs a good quality road network to support its sustainable socio-economic growth and development strategy," said Vadi.

"The upgrading of this road will serve to stimulate economic activities and trigger economic development between Gauteng and the North West province," Vadi said.

The MEC said the upgraded road will reduce traffic congestion and serve as a catalyst to equalise the distribution of wealth in the region, as this is an important freight route.  

The road rehabilitation project was funded by the provincial department and is envisioned to improve travelling times and safety for road users, cyclists and pedestrians as well as facilitate the development of tourism in the surrounding areas.

The construction work entailed upgrading the road linking Midrand in Johannesburg to Hartebeespoort Dam on the border of the North West province.

The R511 Phase 2 project entailed:

• resurfacing and construction of edge beams on the road; 
• reinstating of road markings and traffic signs; 
• replacing damaged guardrails; 
• cleaning road reserve and cutting overgrown grass; 
• cleaning and repairing drainage structures; and 
• constructing new drainage structures. 

A total of 197 residents were employed in different capacities relating to construction work and eight local sub-contractors participated in the project.

(With inputs from South African Government press release)