Phase 2 of the R87 million Cedar Road upgrading project was launched on Thursday by Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi in Johannesburg.
“The project involves the rehabilitation and widening of Cedar road on both sides to a dual carriageway and is expected to run over 11 months,” Vadi said. Cedar road forms part of the provincial road network and acts as an inter-urban collector of traffic for surrounding townships. According to the provincial department, the road currently experiences a mix of light and significant heavy vehicle traffic. “The area has seen significant residential development over the past 15 years such as the Steyn City development and further residential and business growth is expected to continue over the next few years,” Vadi said. He said the greater economic benefit for the area is the development opportunities that the upgrading of Cedar Road will generate. There are six main intersections along the route. Two of the traffic signal sets will be reconstructed to allow for the widening of the carriageways. Pedestrian walkways with wheel chair ramps and storm water systems will also be upgraded.The department of transport said the project is envisioned to improve the traffic capacity, pavement integrity and promote black owned economic enterprise during the construction period.
“Sub-contracting and Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMME) procurement is targeted at 40 percent of the contract price and R1 million has been set aside for skills training of local labour,” the department said.