N1-MORETELE GARDENS PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

PROJECT SUMMARY

In 2000 Lesedi Technical Engineering Consulting was appointed by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Public Works to design and project manage the construction of a pedestrian bridge across the N1 at Hammanskraal. This bridge later named the Moretele Gardens Pedestrian Bridge was Lesedi Technical Engineering Consulting’s first major appointments. The decision to build a bridge in came about after a joint venture between 5 Government arms being the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), the Gauteng Department of Roads and Public Works, the Gauteng Department of Development Planning and Local Government, the Metsweding District Municipality and the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality was formed.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

PROJECT NAME: N1-Moretele Gardens Pedestrian Bridge

LOCATION: City Of 

CITY: 

VALUE: 

SCOPE

Preliminary studies done in the area had shown that a total of 1500 children crossed the N1 freeway daily on school days to arrive at school from their homes. Many residents of the area also had to cross the road daily to fetch water, visit the local shops and to reach their places of work. Many residents had lost their lives to road accidents whilst trying to cross the road and the likelihood of a crash happening seemed always eminent. was great. Studies had shown that a long term solution in the form of a bridge was needed urgently rectify this situation. It was then at this stage that a joint partnership was started to start the process of finding a lasting solution.

 

It was apparent from the start that, in order to resolve the situation, a more concerted initiative was required, drawing in the participation of other role players, so that the problem could be addressed in a more holistic manner. The joint venture was formed in 1999.

 

The Moretele Gardens Bridge Project would later turn out to be much more than the building of a bridge and a subway. The Project also dealt with promotion of heightened pedestrian awareness, through implementation of safety campaigns and carrying out of road shows particularly to the local schools.

 

The project reinforced Governments commitment towards assisting local communities and this project came about as a solid example of how a partnership between all spheres of government can be efficient and effective in service delivery.

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CONTINUATION OF SCOPE

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Acting Director-General of the Department of Transport’s emphasized the community was not only there that day to celebrate the completion of the construction of a pedestrian bridge, but also to celebrate the symbolism that this bridge evokes which is one of partnership. The partnership between the different spheres of government, together with the desire of the local communities to uplift their quality of life, had resulted in this positive outcome.

 

The success and value of the Hammanskraal Safety Project, where a whole community was involved, is illustrated in the way the community is using this facility.  The community has taken full ownership of the project to make it sustainable.  It was clear that this project had set an example of what can be done to ensure the safety of a community, how to get them involved and to set an example to other communities which experience similar pedestrian safety difficulties.