Riverfields underpass officially opened

Riverfields is a mixed-use development across 1,900ha that has brought global brands, among others DHL, John Deere, Wu¨rth, Jonsson and DB Schenker, to state-of-the-art business and logistics parks barely 15 minutes drive away from the OR Tambo International Airport.

The underpass symbolises an important milestone in the Riverfields development, adding momentum to the realisation of a much larger development framework. While Riverfields is conveniently located along both sides of the Albertina Sisulu freeway, this does mean that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians passing from one side of the development to the other - until now - had to use the overpass along the R23.

Improved access

This was an inconvenience - particularly for businesses located at the Plumbago Business Park and the Plumbago Logistics Park, as the freeway bisects these two parks. In response, Riverfields development has taken a proactive stance to improve access and mobility.

Riverfields, in association with JT Ross, constructed the R80m underpass that will result in convenient access between Riverfields east and west while providing better connectivity between the two Plumbago Parks. Although the construction of the project was privately funded, it required close coordination with authorities in particular Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and Sanral.

"The underpass is unique as it incorporates cycle and pedestrian paths - part of a larger strategy of developing Riverfields as a forward-thinking 'green' city. To realise full integration and mobility we are in constant discussions with the authorities to upgrade and expand the road network - and thereby unlock future investment in other developments such as the regional shopping centre which will provide a major stimulus to employment creation in the region," says Lardus Erasmus from Riverfields Development.

Contractors and engineers

The 100 meter underpass cost R80m to construct (including infrastructure development and electrical components) and took 14 months to complete. On average 60 people were employed during the construction phase. VIP Consulting Engineers, AECOM, Civilcon, Pegasus Civil Engineering Contractors, CPE Consulting Engineers and Prokor were the contractors and engineers responsible for delivering the project.

The business and logistics parks form but one precinct of a much larger development. Riverfields has also secured rights for a regional shopping centre which will be at the heart of a mixed-use precinct, a neighbourhood shopping centre, residential developments meeting the needs across the housing market, social and institutional users as well as an extensive rehabilitated and conserved wetland system which will lie at the heart of community life.