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Large-scale million rand road upgrades underway in parts of East Pretoria
The Lynnwood, Stellenberg, and Meerlust roads will get upgrades in the coming 11 months as the Tshwane metro embarks on a major upgrade project for these routes. Motorists in Equestria using these routes can expect traffic disruptions.
The estimated cost of the upgrades is R12.9 million for Stellenberg Road. At the same time, the widening of Lynnwood Road’s projected cost is R28 million. These improvements will involve the addition of more lanes on Lynnwood Road and adjusting traffic lights at intersections to accommodate the expected increase in traffic capacity.
The ongoing upgrades have caused heavy peak traffic in areas leading to Silverlakes, Silveroaks, Six Fountains, and Hazeldean. Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo stated that the upgrades aim to enhance the road network and cater to the growing motor capacity in the Pretoria east suburb, potentially reducing congestion on the Lynnwood Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive strip and intersections.
According to Mashigo, the decision to convert Lynnwood Road into a dual-carriageway was made several years ago, recognising the need to accommodate increased traffic volume. The developments on Stellenberg and Lynnwood roads, which connect to Solomon Mahlangu Drive, are also influenced by land development in the area.
Also read: Allandale Road (K58) Upgrade Nearing End of Completion
Mashigo highlighted that a developer is upgrading to Lynnwood Road as part of their development mitigation obligations, including intersection upgrades and internal access roads. Construction on Stellenberg Road is already underway, and the Metro expects to complete it within six months, while the upgrade on Lynnwood Road from Meerlust Road westward will take approximately 11 months.
These road upgrades are part of the larger integrated public transport network enhancements planned for the eastern region of Pretoria. The project will start in April and focus on improving three intersections and non-motorised transport infrastructure along Lynnwood Road between University and Atterbury Roads and Atterbury Road between Lynnwood Road and Louis Avenue. The estimated cost for this project is R145.6 million, and the Metro expects its completion within 18 months.
During the construction period, traffic will be affected, and an approved traffic accommodation plan will be implemented to guide motorists and suggest detour routes. Local councillor Siobhan Muller expressed optimism about the upgrades, noting that they will ultimately alleviate the significant traffic congestion in the area. She explained that the project originated from a community effort five years ago to oppose the removal of a car lane in favour of a bus lane. The upgrades will involve widening the road and constructing smaller bus stations at various sections. The project will be implemented in phases, starting with work under the bridge to finalise the stormwater canal before widening the road at Lynnwood Road, just before King’s Highway.
Source: Parts of east of Pretoria subject to large-scale million rand road upgrades
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