Upgrading of interchanges will alleviate traffic congestion

© Jorge Chaves – za.fotolia.com

The interchange will be converted into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) that will enhance traffic capacity, alleviate congestion and provide free flow of traffic for road users. In particular, the upgrade is expected to ease bottlenecking at the N1/Sefako Makghato interchange for many years to come.

A DDI is an interchange in which the two directions of traffic on the non-freeway road cross to the opposite side on both sides of the bridge. Vehicles cross over the lanes at a two-phased signalised intersection to drive on the 'wrong' side of the road, allowing free and unopposed right and left turns onto and off the freeway.

The R29m project is being funded by Bakwena at no additional cost to its road users and completion is expected in early November 2015.

Reduction in accidents

SANRAL introduced the first DDI in the southern hemisphere on a left hand drive system in KwaMashu in Durban last year, reflecting similar designs introduced in France and the USA. In addition to improving the capacity and safety of these interchanges, traffic/pedestrian conflict points have also been greatly reduced, with a consequent overall reduction in accidents and a complete elimination of right turn accidents.

In another section of its concession, Bakwena will soon enhance road users' driving experiences at the Doornpoort plaza with the construction of four (two per direction) reversible lanes to help ease traffic congestion.

Construction will commence on Monday, 30 March 2015 and will be completed at the end of May 2015. The functionality upgrade of these lanes will contribute 28% more capacity for enhanced movement on the N4 routes.

Requests from motorists

"The experiences of those who frequently use this route are important to us and the construction of these reversible lanes at Doornpoort is our response to the requests received from road users to help ease traffic congestion," says Liam Clarke, spokesperson for Bakwena.

"While the construction will have an impact on the normal flow of traffic during the construction period, we assure our road users that we will have measures in place to manage the process in the best way possible."

Traffic will be closely monitored during these construction periods and mitigation measures will be implemented during peak periods to ease any congestion. These measures include lifting of the booms that will be managed when queues exceed a pre-determined length.