Road network to get a facelift

The City of Johannesburg is taking decisive steps to address its deteriorating road network, with a planned investment of R149 million to resurface key arterial and connector roads across the province. Both proactive and reactive road maintenance, rehabilitation and the reinstatement of excavated roads will form part of the initiative. The programme runs concurrently with a Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) initiative focused on pothole patching, crack sealing and deep patching across the province – a move Joburg executive mayor Dada Morero has dubbed as a “war on potholes”. Speaking at the launch of this initiative, he welcomed the increased budget of R149m, up from R105m last year, saying a targeted approach was being implemented across the city to address road infrastructure. Roads that have reached the end of their useful life, particularly those carrying high traffic volumes, supporting public transport operations and serving as essential freight corridors, will be prioritised. “The proactive road resurfacing programme aims to upgrade a total of 85km city- wide, which will improve ride quality, enhance drainage, prevent the formation of new potholes and extend the lifespan of the roads,” said a city spokesman. LV