THE City of Bulawayo has begun the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Siyephambili Drive and Goderich Avenue as it moves to improve traffic mobility and road safety at one of the city's busiest junctions.
The project began on October 14 and is expected to be completed by October 30.
The intersection which has until now been regulated by stop signs, will be upgraded to a traffic light controlled junction.
Bulawayo town clerk Christopher Dube said council was responding to long-standing concerns raised by motorists and residents about safety at the intersection.
“The City of Bulawayo would like to advise members of the public that we will be installing new traffic lights at the intersection of Siyephambili Drive and Goderich Avenue, Tshabalala Drive. This project will upgrade the current stop sign controlled intersection to a traffic light controlled intersection,” he said.
Dube said the decision followed frequent reports of accidents at the junction, caused in part by impatient drivers encroaching onto the opposite lane during peak traffic hours.
The area is known for high traffic volumes, with motorists struggling to gain right of way, especially when turning into Siyephambili Drive from Goderich Avenue.
“To ensure the safety of both motorists and the workforce during construction, a contra flow system will be implemented, motorists are urged to follow signage, reduce speed and lead a safe distance at all times,” Dube said.
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“Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to traffic, businesses and residents. However, some inconveniences will be unavoidable, and for this, the City of Bulawayo sincerely apologises in advance.”
City of Bulawayo electrical engineer Sehlule Zondo said the project was a direct response to the traffic congestion experienced during peak hours and concerns raised by road users who struggled to get the right of way.
“…it was resolved to upgrade the Goderich and Siyephambili intersection from an ordinary junction to a traffic controlled intersection,” she said.
Zondo said the city would implement a controlled flow traffic management system to ensure minimal disruption and maximum safety during construction.
This, she said, would temporarily redirect vehicles to travel in the opposite direction in one lane of the carriageway after opening the road median.
The new traffic lights are expected to make a significant difference for both drivers and pedestrians, marking a step forward in Bulawayo's effort to modernise its transport infrastructure and ensure safety on the road for all.
