The Gauteng Department for Roads and Transport has officially launched a project to upgrade the R42/Potch Road in the south of Johannesburg as part of its efforts to improve the structural and functional condition of the carriageway.

Speaking at the launch on Friday, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Dr Ismail Vadi said that the project, which will cost R172 million, is expected to extend the lifespan of the road by 20 years once complete.

“This is in line with Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to improving and providing world-class road infrastructure that facilitates access to economic opportunities and improving the lives of residents for the better,” Vadi said added.

Major overhaul

The project, which is fully funded by the department, will involve a major overhaul and rehabilitation of the single carriageway.

The R42 serves as a major route linking Vereeniging in Sedibeng District Municipality and the North West Province.

It also serves as a collector and distributor for neighbouring towns around the Maize Triangle.

“The need for the rehabilitation was informed by the roads infrastructure visual assessment conducted by the department which found the road to have degraded,” the MEC said.

Easier access to economic activities

Upon completion, the upgraded road is envisioned to provide road users and surrounding communities with easier access to economic activities as well as improved public road safety.

The project is expected to be completed in July 2020 with more than 150 people expected to be employed for the project

In conclusion the minister also encouraged residents to partake in the public participation process on the proposed naming and renaming of 20 provincial roads currently underway.