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.

Phase 3 upgrades

Vadi also announced that the department is planning Phase 3 of Cedar Road rehabilitation between Runnymead road and R114.

Condolences for families of R82 victims

The MEC has also expressed his deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones during an accident which happened on the R82 near Walkerville.

The taxi accident claimed the lives of nine people, while five others were seriously injured. The taxi driver sustained minor injuries.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased during this time of grief and speedy recovery to the injured,” Vadi said. “We would like to once again urge drivers to always exercise caution and patience on the roads.”

The cause of the accident is still being investigated.