The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has started construction work to rehabilitate the Kilburn Street culvert infrastructure in Discovery, Roodepoort. The project, which has been allocated R32 million from the JRA’s 2023/24 Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) budget, is earmarked for completion in July next year.
The construction project was officially launched by the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, Cllr Kenny Kunene, and the JRA’s Acting CEO Zweli Nyathi in a sod-turning event on Wednesday, 4 October.
The road leading to the Kilburn Street bridge was partially closed in 2020 due to severe embankment erosion and the collapse of a corrugated stormwater culvert pipe. In December 2022, heavy rains caused the culvert structure to collapse completely, resulting in full road closures between Celeste Crescent and Syd Dwyer Road, with traffic redirected to alternative routes.
Nyathi says the project scope is extensive and includes various tasks such as excavating trenches for drains, stormwater pipes, and associated structures, laying and bedding of concrete pipes and culverts, constructing inlet, outlet, junction, and manhole structures, as well as building gabion earth retaining structures and erosion protection structures in water courses.
“Throughout the construction work, traffic diversion will remain in place to ensure the safety and smooth flow of vehicles,” he said.
This is important because the Kilburn Street Road serves as an access route to the Kilburn Shopping Centre, the King’s School Discovery, and several businesses in the area. By rehabilitating and restoring the road and bridge, the JRA aims to improve mobility and ease traffic congestion on alternative routes.
MMC Kunene thanked motorists and residents for their patience during the road closure. “The JRA will provide updates on the progress of the work and the expected reopening dates.”
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), a municipal-owned entity, is dedicated to the maintenance, repair, and development of Johannesburg’s road network and stormwater infrastructure. This includes the upkeep of bridges and culverts, traffic signals, and signage. The entity remains committed to providing quality roads that are accessible, safe, and conducive to the well-being of local communities.
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Written by Kelebogile Mafa
04/10/2023