Johannesburg’s R511 will undergo a R150 million upgrade, the Gauteng department for roads and transport said.

“The R511 links Gauteng with the North West Province and serves as a major inter-provincial route from Midrand towards the neighbouring province,” MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi said on Thursday.

The road also serves as a collector and distributor of traffic for the surrounding rural areas and towns.

Vadi said a section of the road was rehabilitated some years ago. He added that the current project will upgrade the remaining 12km of road network linking it to the neighbouring province.

The 18 month project will see the construction of bus bays at selected intersections to provide additional support for public transport commuters and passengers.

Vadi said road improvements will also serve to stimulate economic activities and trigger economic development between Gauteng and the North West.

The provincial department said affected wards along the route will be given preference when it comes to the sub-contracting and recruitment of labour with selection focusing on women, youth and people living with disabilities.

The department said the project will entail the:

• Resurfacing of the remaining Gauteng section of the road that links with the North West;
• Construction of edge beams on the road;
• Reinstating of road markings and traffic signs;
• Replacing or repairing of damaged guardrails;
• Cleaning road reserve and cutting of overgrown grass;
• Cleaning and repairing drainage structures; and
• Constructing new drainage structures.