More M1 lane closures as work approaches completion
01 February 2017
Work on the Double Decker section of the M1 freeway is to be intensified and lane restrictions increased over the next two weeks as the deadline to complete the massive rehabilitation of the key route fast approaches.
The R82-million structural rehabilitation project of the M1 overpass bridges between Carr and Anderson streets in the Johannesburg city centre is being championed by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), the City of Johannesburg's roads and storm water infrastructure provision and maintenance entity.
Motorists have been advised that more lane closures will be put in place from Saturday February 4 to Wednesday February 18, a move that will result in increased traffic interruptions.
JRA Managing Director Dr Sean Phillips said although most of the repairs were currently being carried out at night to avoid traffic congestion, work during daytime would be intensified over the next two weeks to ensure the project reached completion in the shortest possible time.
The rehabilitation work on this key section of the M1, and others along the route, is scheduled to be completed by May 15.
“Motorists are urged to familiarise themselves with the lane reductions during off-peak and peak times, plan their routes in advance to avoid delays and to consider using alternative routes,” said Dr Phillips.
Two of the four northbound lanes on the Double Decker section will be closed. However, only lane will be closed during peak-hour traffic.
Dr Phillips urged commuters to consider using the City’s Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, Metrobus, Metrorail, Gautrain and minibus taxis as alternative modes of transport during this period.
The massive structural rehabilitation and repair of the M1 overpass bridges started on 6 January 2016. It entails asphalt surfacing; rehabilitation of the expansion joints and bridge parapets, bearings and concrete members in the super- and sub-structures; the erection of new road signage; and improvement to the drainage systems to reduce flash flooding.
The Double Decker rehabilitation project forms part of the City’s R365-million programme to rehabilitate aging infrastructure and improve road safety on the M1 freeway. The project was launched in November 2015.
Other projects along the M1 freeway include the rehabilitation of both Federation and Oxford bridges; the reconstruction of the 2km dual carriageway between Rockridge and Federation roads; and the replacement of the entire existing 3km storm water drainage system between Rockridge and Federation bridges, as well as on Oxford and Federation roads below the freeway.
Traffic applications, downloadable from Google Maps and other media, will provide alerts on possible traffic delays and congested areas.
For up to date details on construction progress and road closures, as well as to plan your alternative route, log onto www.jra.org.za. Issues regarding road and storm water can be reported to the Customer Call Centre on 0860 562 874, hotline@jra.org.za or via JRA’s award-winning JRA Find&Fix app.