Construction along the R553 Golden Highway in Gauteng is progressing in line with the approved timelines for the road rehabilitation project.
This is according to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, which said it is confident that the anticipated practical completion date of mid-September 2026 will be met.
The R550 million project, awarded to LoneRock in early 2025, entails upgrading the Golden Highway bridge, which connects Johannesburg to Vanderbijlpark, from the R558 intersection and beyond the M68 intersection.
Since then, work on the road has been interrupted, with construction mafias shutting down the project on several occasions. These groups even resorted to assaulting and shooting LoneRock employees.
Despite the early disruptions, heavy rehabilitation of the existing pavement structure was undertaken to accommodate anticipated traffic volumes, improve road safety, enhance mobility, and extend the corridor’s lifespan.
Significant progress has been achieved across the project, including the completion of road widening, construction of new median islands, improvements to stormwater drainage and the restoration of various road sections.
Current work that still needs to be completed includes layer works, paving, asphalt surfacing, traffic signal upgrades and finishing works at several intersections.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, noted that the project remains a key infrastructure investment in improving mobility and safety for communities and businesses that rely on the corridor.
“We are encouraged by the progress made to date and remain focused on ensuring the project gives our people value for money, is completed on time and cost-effectively,” she said.
“Once completed, the upgraded R553 will provide safer and more efficient travel, improve connectivity and support economic activity along this important route.”
Motorists urged to practice caution on the route
The project has been divided into six separate sections of around four kilometres each, in hopes of facilitating efficient construction that reduces the inconvenience to road users.
In accordance with contractual requirements, construction activities have been limited to a maximum of three sections at any given time, with a minimum separation of four kilometres maintained between active work zones.
This has been stipulated to ensure minimal disruption, improve traffic flow, and ensure the safety of both construction workers and motorists.
“We appeal to motorists and other road users to exercise caution when travelling through construction zones and to adhere to temporary traffic management measures implemented to improve safety,” said Diale-Tlabela.
The MEC added that persistent theft and vandalism of said temporary traffic signage delineators and other traffic accommodation devices have heightened safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, and construction personnel.
Despite this, the department says that it remains committed to continuously maintaining effective traffic accommodation measures throughout the construction period.
The project steering committee, which comprises departmental officials, the contractor, and key stakeholders, meets monthly to monitor progress and address operational challenges.
This includes implementing corrective measures, where necessary, to ensure traffic management and public safety throughout the project’s duration.
To further strengthen stakeholder engagement, the contractor provides regular updates on the progress of construction work, including traffic delays and intersection closures, assisting motorists by minimising travel disruptions.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has also expressed its gratitude towards the province’s motorists and other road users for their patience during the construction period.
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