Johannesburg: The Gauteng Provincial Government is undertaking the Garsfontein Road (K50) upgrading project to support the Mooikloof Mega City development. According to South African Government News Agency, the residential and commercial mega project is one of the strategic integrated projects aimed at providing access to lifestyle services for lower income groups. MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, emphasized the importance of continued investments in road infrastructure to stimulate economic activities and growth. "We believe that road infrastructure upgrades such as these will go a long way in unlocking and integrating major economic nodes in these areas," Diale-Tlabela stated. The 30-month project, a collaboration with the City of Tshwane, involves transforming the existing two-lane Garsfontein Road and part of Solomon Mahlangu into a four-lane carriageway. This includes a divided four-lane stretch between January Masilela and Lorista Street, complete with pedestrian lanes. Solomon M ahlangu Drive will be upgraded into a four-lane section up to Gilda Road/Delfi Avenue, also featuring pedestrian lanes. Diale-Tlabela highlighted the project's potential to improve local communities' quality of life by investing in road infrastructure, increasing capacity to reduce travel times, and providing easy access to business and residential estates. The project is also expected to create job opportunities and promote social development. Garsfontein Road serves as a crucial link between the Menlyn node, Garsfontein/Woodlands development nodes, and the N1 freeway. It traverses several suburbs, including Ashlea Gardens, DeBeers, Menlyn, Newlands, Waterkloof Glen, Garsfontein, Constantia Park, and Moreleta Park, ending in Alphen Park. The upgrade is a vital component of the road infrastructure necessary to support the Mooikloof Mega City development. The project aligns with the City of Tshwane's Spatial Development Framework, which follows the legislative mandate from the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA). Initiated in 2020, the Mooikloof Mega City development addresses spatial and social inequality by providing lifestyle services to lower income groups, including schools, shops, and offices. Significant progress includes constructing new storm-water lines, box-cutting for new lanes, and preparing the roadbed for layer works. Structural works have also commenced on the Constantia Spruit bridge crossing, which is being widened. The department and the City of Tshwane are actively engaging with affected communities and businesses to address project-related challenges and concerns. Motorists are urged to exercise caution near the roadworks site, where speed restrictions and barriers are in place. The department requests understanding and cooperation from the public.
