“It’s a welcome investment and forms part of some of the legacy projects in Sandton Central, following the hosting of the World EcoMobility Festival in October,” said Elaine Jack, City improvement district manager of Sandton Central Management District.
She said a key part of the development was to make Sandton’s streets more pedestrian and cycle friendly.
Read Road construction for most of the year in Sandton
Jack added, “There will be some inconvenience as construction continues, resulting in traffic congestion and access issues in the affected areas, but it’s a case of short term pain. After the upgrades are complete, the workers and residents of Sandton Central, as well as visitors, will benefit from the world-class infrastructure.”
Pedestrian sidewalks are being widened and new cycle lanes are being constructed as part of the upgrade of key roads in the Sandton CBD. The project entails not only new paving and tarring of roads but green landscaping, and will include new signage and street furniture.
“This is an important development for Sandton as it represents a major investment in public infrastructure. It will also make Sandton’s streets more walkable, which is an integral part of any vibrant CBD,” said Jack. “The advent of the Gautrain and Sandton being home to one of its busiest stations, has seen increased pedestrians on the streets of Sandton.”
She added that with the Reya Vaya BRT link into Sandton set to be complete in a couple of years, and the City’s drive to get more people eco-mobile, there will be even more commuters coming into Sandton and thus pedestrians on its streets. “All this makes the current investment in the roads upgrade in Sandton essentially an investment in its future,” said Jack.
She is confident that the much-needed roads infrastructure upgrade will help entrench Sandton Central as the corporate head office hub of the country.
“While road construction is underway, it is going to require us all – the workers, residents and visitors to Sandton – to be a bit more tolerant of the inconveniences that arise,” said Jack.
“It may mean that we plan our trips better, use public transport or decide to walk. The EcoMobility Festival in October showed what can be done.”
Details: www.sandtoncentral.co.za
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