The Gauteng provincial government is upgrading Garsfontein road (K50) to support the Mooikloof MegaCity development.

In a media release, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) says the residential and commercial megaproject is a strategic integrated project (SIP) aimed at providing access to lifestyle services for lower-income groups.

The 30-month project, which is jointly undertaken with the City of Tshwane, entails the upgrading of the existing two-lane Garsfontein road and part of Solomon Mahlangu drive into a four-lane carriageway.

This will include a divided four-lane stretch between January Masilela drive and Lorista street, with pedestrian lanes. Solomon Mahlangu drive will be upgraded into a four-lane section up to Gilda road and Delfi avenue, also with pedestrian lanes installed.

“The department’s continued investments in providing quality road infrastructure will continue to serve as a key stimulator of 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,” says MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.

She adds that investing in road infrastructure, increasing capacity to reduce travel times and providing easy access to business and residential estates will contribute to improving the quality of life for local communities.

The MEC also notes the economic benefits from the project that include the creation of much-needed job opportunities and the promotion of social development.

Garsfontein road links primarily the Menlyn node and the Garsfontein/Woodlands development nodes with the N1 freeway.

It runs through the suburbs of Ashlea Gardens, DeBeers, Menlyn, Newlands, Waterkloof Glen, Garsfontein, Constantia Park and Moreleta Park, ending in Alphen Park.

The department describes the road upgrade project as an integral part of the road infrastructure required to support the Mooikloof MegaCity development.

The upgrade project, backed by the Mooikloof MegaCity development, supports the spatial prioritisation of City of Tshwane’s Spatial Development Framework and respective Regional Spatial Development Frameworks, which derive their legislative mandate from Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act.

The Mooikloof MegaCity SIP was gazetted in 2020 with the aim being to address spatial and social inequality by providing access to lifestyle services for lower-income groups.

The project will include schools, shops and offices.

The department says notable progress has been made regarding construction of new stormwater lines; boxcutting for new lanes and preparing roadbed, before construction of the layer works.

Various sections have started, with construction of layer works and structural works on the Constantia Spruit bridge crossing, which is being widened.

The GRDT and the City of Tshwane are constantly in engagement with affected communities and businesses to address challenges and concerns about the project.

The department encourages motorists to approach the roadworks site with caution as speed restrictions and barriers/delimitators are in effect.