Danger zone for motorists commuting on Woodmead Drive
BUCCLEUCH - The intersection of Pretoria Main Road and Woodmead Drive, between Kelvin and Buccleuch, has become a serious accident zone.
This according to Buccleuch resident Andrew McMurray who said he has been campaigning to get the relevant departments to look into the dangers the intersection poses for motorists.
McMurray is most concerned that the armcove barriers that are supposed to act as a safety barrier for motorists, are in ruins. The street markings are also not visible and the street lights do not work. Additionally, pedestrians crossing at the intersection have no pedestrian robots guiding them through the traffic. “It is just not safe,” said McMurray.
Karen Laxton, from the Buccleuch Residents Action Community (Brace) has also expressed her concerns about the dangerous intersection. On behalf of Brace she said, “We strongly condemn the apathy of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport regarding the safety of our residents.”
Laxton added that no one has responded to numerous requests to replace or repair the road barriers destroyed as a result of previous accidents. She said there have been fatal accidents there.
McMurray added that on 25 May another accident occurred at the intersection. He said the accident had exactly the same pattern as the previous two accidents at the intersection.
He explained, “The vehicle was driving along Woodmead Drive and drove straight into the veld at Frankenwald which is a 15-metre drop.” He said he did not know whether the accident was fatal.
“How much more blood needs to be spilt at this intersection?” he asked. “I have been requesting action for months and nothing is getting done.”
Laxton added, “We appeal to those responsible to address the situation as a matter of urgency.”
Katleho Montshioagae, the acting regional manager for the Krugersdorp region asked McMurray to allow the region to investigate the matter and get back to him as soon as they have some clarity on the matter. “Our team will assess the situation and advise accordingly,” he said in an email to McMurray.
What difficulties have you experienced while travelling on the intersection at Pretoria Main Road and Woodmead Drive between Kelvin and Buccleuch?
