​By Sipho Tshabalala
MEC for Public
Transport and Roads Infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo has announced the planned
closure of Allandale Road (D51) towards Kyalami in Midrand in Johannesburg. The
road will be undergoing major rehabilitation.
The MEC has
visited the area following complaints from motorists and residents regarding
the state of the road. 
Allandale Road is
maintained by the Department from time to time, however, due to underlying
underground water, the road has continued to deteriorate. 
Explaining the
intervention, MEC Mamabolo indicated that "due to persistent challenges
with the road, the Department took a decision to conduct tests
and assessments to determine the causes of the deterioration. Our studies
have indicated that there was water and rock formation underground that
affected the quality of the road. It is for this reason that we have taken a
decision to do a complete overhaul and rehabilitation of the road". 
Roadworks are expected
to last for three months, Monday, 16 March 2020. The road will be closed to
traffic during this time. The works will include blasting, which necessitated
the closure.
"We are
cognisant of the inconvenience that the closure will cause, however, the safety
of the road users remains a priority. We remain committed to providing cost
effective smart mobility as this is a major road linking M1 and other key main
roads" MEC added. 
Motorists are
encouraged to use alternative routes through Waterfall to R55.