Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC, Ismail Vadi, opened the upgraded R511 road on Monday (October 22) in Johannesburg. The improvements cost R146 million (€8.8m).
The stretch of road north-west of Johannesburg, which links Midrand to the North West province, is now a high-quality paved road. The project was funded by the provincial department and is expected to improve travelling times and safety for road users, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as facilitate the development of tourism in the surrounding areas.
"The Gauteng City Region, which accounts for the largest share of our country’s economic activity, needs a good-quality road network to support its sustainable socio-economic growth and development strategy," said Vadi.
The construction work entailed upgrading the road linking Midrand in Johannesburg to Hartbeespoort Dam on the border of North West province.
The R511 Phase 2 project entailed:
- Resurfacing and construction of edge beams on the road.
- Reinstating road marking and traffic signs.
- Replacing damaged guardrails.
- Cleaning road reserve and cutting overgrown grass.
- Cleaning and repairing drainage structures.
- Constructing new drainage structures.
A total of 197 residents were employed in different capacities relating to construction work and eight local sub-contractors participated in the project.
