With roadworks to improve traffic flow at High Constantia being almost complete, the question of installing traffic lights or a roundabout at the junction of Constantia Main and Groot Constantia roads has been under debate.
Work has now commenced on the next section up to Price Drive in the direction of Constantia nek.
Construction of this stretch of Constantia Main Road from Pagasvlei Road to Groot Constantia Road began a few months ago with the aim of improving the traffic flow and parking entrance at the ADM Store and Chardonnay Deli.
The City’s transport department has completed the one-metre road widening, cycle lane demarcation and non motorised transport pavement between Pagasvlei Road and Groot Constantia Road.
With the new changes, the left slipway entrance to the ADM Store has been clearly defined with kerbing and a boom, signage and bollards having been installed to restrict entry to delivery vehicles only. The main entrance to the parking area, ADM Store and High Constantia shopping centre is now via Groot Constantia Road, from Constantia Main Road.
The main entrance to the parking area, ADM Store and High Constantia shopping centre is now via Groot Constantia Road, from Constantia Main Road.
The Constantia Residents and Ratepayers’ Association (CRRA) has received the 2012 engineers report investigating the need to install traffic lights or a circle at the intersection of Constantia Main and Groot Constantia roads.
CRRA chair of the land use subcommittee, Chris Rousseau said the report concludes that these measures are not warranted. “However we’re not convinced and will be obtaining a second opinion,” he said.
Meetings with CRRA committee members and the City’s Transport and Urban Development Authority roads and transport officials about developing a traffic management plan between Pagasvlei Road and Price Drive have been ongoing since a request from them in December 2016.
Mayco member for transport and urban development Brett Herron, said they received a request for traffic lights at this junction.
As with each of the many requests for traffic lights across the city, this was evaluated according to the local traffic situation and safety record and expected costs and benefits. The traffic congestion was evaluated and not considered to be significant in terms of the relevant norms and standards. This request did not meet the relevant standards for approval.
Mr Herron said a roundabout was also considered, but this would require land to be expropriated.
“These additional high costs were deemed too high when weighed against city-wide budget requirements and the expected benefits,” said Mr Herron.
Ward councillor Liz Brunette, who also serves on the City’s transport portfolio, was asked for comment but did not provide this in time.
