Roads agency needs R70m to fix broken traffic signals

EFFORTS HAMPERED BY THEFT

- Jarryd Westerdale

Johannesburg needs about R70 million to address its backlog in traffic signal repairs, the Joburg Roads Agency (JRA) said yesterday.

The cost of failed traffic signals was not only monetary, as commuters count the minutes lost and potential danger along their routes.

JRA said it currently had at least 360 vandalised or damaged intersections across the city, with more added to the list daily.

Just over 2 000 intersections fall under JRA jurisdiction, totalling a combined 16 000 poles, 100 000 bulbs and several hundred kilometres of cable.

"The backlog of repairs due to theft, vandalism, and accidents exceeds R70 million, placing significant strain on the entity's maintenance budget," said JRA.