Sandton traffic chaos in October: here’s what to expect
The EcoMobility World Festival 2015, which takes place in Sandton, Johannesburg for the entire month of October 2015, is likely to throw the daily routine of many commuters off kilter.
For an entire month, public transport, cyclists and pedestrians will be given preference in Sandton CBD, and with festival events taking place at the weekends, limited road access will apply in certain areas.
The initiative is part of the City of Johannesburg’s plan to decongest traffic in the country’s wealthiest district.
“The EcoMobility Festival strives to present a glimpse of the future, enabling residents, visitors and organisations to experience what a future, congestion-free precinct will look and feel like.”
Despite limited access in Sandton CBD during October, Christine Walters, MMC for Transport, City of Johannesburg, stressed that that there will be no place that will not be accessible by private car.
However, she added: “Our message to Sandton residents and workers, is: experiment with public transport and change the way you move.”
The City has finalised its plan for the streets of Joburg, termed the “EcoMobility Footprint”.
The EcoMobility Festival precinct broadly comprises the following streets in the Sandton central business district (CBD); Rivonia Road, Fredman Drive, and Fifth Street.
“Within the EcoMobility Festival precinct, vehicle movement will be managed or limited to create a pedestrian and cycling friendly environment,” the city said.
“Although vehicular access will be restricted, managed access (controlled by JMPD officers) will be permitted to all buildings and construction sites, ensuring that business operation, deliveries and construction continues as usual.
“People with disabilities will be given access and motorists are requested to be considerate of all road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists.”
Joburg Mayor, Parks Tau told the Star that approximately 96,000 vehicles entered Sandton between 7.30am and 8.30am daily, with 70% being private vehicles.
With the figure increasing by 3.4% annually, the Sandton CBD would grind to a halt unless public transport is used, he said.
“We acknowledge that it will result in certain disruptions to people’s regular schedules, especially in the first few days,” said Tau, “but we are working hard to ensure this does not lead to dysfunctionality.”
Details of the festival as well as additional information regarding the public transport and park and ride facilities are available here.
WEST STREET
The Gautrain Station internal drop-off/pickup facility and parking area will be accessible from Rivonia Road through managed access.
For the section north of the Gautrain station, The Michelangelo, 135 West, Sandown Clinic and Citibank (145 West) employees and visitors will be given access to their properties.
Pedestrian conflict with the above mentioned users will be controlled and managed by designated JMPD officers.
All vehicles requiring access to the north side of West Street or Stella will need to enter West Street from the corner of Fredman and West.
GWEN LANE
Gwen Lane will be fully accessible during weekdays from Fredman Drive only and will operate as a cul-de-sac at Maude Street (no throughway).
During Weekday peak hours the JSE, HSBC and Deutsche Bank will be able to exit onto Maude Street towards Rivonia Road via the current dedicated channelized island lane.
ALICE LANE
Alice Lane will be fully accessible during weekdays from Fifth Street only and will operate as a cul-de-sac with a turnaround facility at the intersection with West Street.
MAUDE STREET (WEST)
Maude Street (West) between Fifth Street and West Street will be fully accessible during weekdays from Fifth Street only, and will operate as a cul-de-sac with a turnaround facility at the break in the median at the Garden Court Hotel entrance.
STELLA STREET
This Street will only be accessible via the intersection of West and Fredman with a northbound exit via the right turn onto Maude Street East.
MAUDE STREET (EAST)
This Street will only be accessible via the intersection of West and Fredman or from Stella Street, with an eastbound exit onto Rivonia Road only.
FREIGHT AND DELIVERIES
Freight and delivery services are encouraged to provide their services outside morning and afternoon peak periods and after hours. Delivery vehicles are subject to the same restrictions as described for the streets above. The City would like to encourage the use of smaller freight vehicles as far as possible.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
People with disabilities will still be able to access their parking areas as mentioned above. The Gautrain Station is accessible to people with disabilities.
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