Garsfontein Road Upgrade Underway to Support Mooikloof Mega City Vision

The Garsfontein Road upgrade is a key enabler of the Mooikloof Mega City, a Strategic Integrated Project gazetted in 2020.

The Gauteng Provincial Government, in collaboration with the City of Tshwane, has officially embarked on a comprehensive 30-month upgrade of Garsfontein Road (K50) and parts of Solomon Mahlangu Drive. The multi-million rand project is a critical infrastructure investment aligned with the broader goal of supporting the Mooikloof Mega City—a flagship residential and commercial development aimed at promoting spatial justice and inclusive urban growth.

Announced by MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, the project aims to significantly enhance road capacity, improve connectivity, and stimulate economic activity in Pretoria’s eastern suburbs, while also promoting equitable access to services for lower-income communities.

---

A Strategic Project Anchored in Urban Development Vision

The Garsfontein Road upgrade is a key enabler of the Mooikloof Mega City, a Strategic Integrated Project gazetted in 2020. Mooikloof is designed to address historic spatial inequalities by providing affordable residential units and integrated lifestyle infrastructure—including schools, clinics, shops, and offices.

By improving access roads to this development, the province and city aim to integrate isolated areas into the economic fabric of Tshwane and enable more inclusive urban growth. The upgrade project is in full alignment with the City of Tshwane’s Spatial Development Framework (SDF) and Regional Spatial Development Frameworks, derived from the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA).

---

Scope of the Upgrade: From Two Lanes to Four-Lane Arteries

The upgrade includes a significant overhaul of Garsfontein Road and part of Solomon Mahlangu Drive, transitioning both routes from two-lane to four-lane divided carriageways with dedicated pedestrian infrastructure to enhance safety and accessibility.

Key construction elements include:

• A four-lane divided road between January Masilela Drive and Lorista Street, with sidewalks.

• Widening of Solomon Mahlangu Drive into a four-lane carriageway up to Gilda Road/Delfi Avenue, also with pedestrian walkways.

• Structural works on the Constantia Spruit bridge, which is currently being expanded to accommodate the new road width.

• Installation of new stormwater drainage lines to support the increased road capacity and reduce future flood risk.

• Box-cutting and roadbed preparation activities already underway as pre-work for the main carriageway layer works.

---

Connecting Key Economic and Residential Nodes

Garsfontein Road plays a pivotal role in Tshwane’s urban mobility network, connecting the Menlyn commercial hub with residential developments in Garsfontein, Woodlands, and Constantia Park, all the way through to the N1 freeway. The upgraded route will streamline traffic flow and reduce travel times across high-density areas including:

• Ashlea Gardens

• DeBeers

• Menlyn

• Newlands

• Waterkloof Glen

• Garsfontein

• Constantia Park

• Moreleta Park

• Alphen Park

The improved road is expected to increase property values, boost commercial activity, and ease access to workplaces, retail centres, schools, and healthcare facilities.

---

Economic and Social Impact: Jobs, Inclusion, and Urban Integration

MEC Diale-Tlabela noted that infrastructure development remains a powerful lever for economic transformation, especially in areas where access to services is limited.

“Investing in road infrastructure not only reduces travel time and improves safety but also plays a direct role in creating jobs and uplifting local economies. This project will bring measurable benefits to both businesses and communities in the east of Tshwane,” she said.

The department has committed to local employment, skills development, and community engagement as part of its implementation model. The project is also expected to benefit micro-enterprises and informal traders operating along the route.

---

Community Engagement and Safety Measures in Place

The Department of Roads and Transport, together with the City of Tshwane, has launched ongoing stakeholder engagement sessions with affected businesses, residents, and community leaders. These forums are intended to address concerns about traffic disruptions, access constraints, and construction noise.

In the interim, the department has urged motorists to exercise caution in the construction zone:

• Speed restrictions and physical barriers are currently in place.

• Signage has been posted for detour information and pedestrian alerts.

• Commuters are encouraged to plan for delays and alternate routes during peak construction activity.

“We plead with the public for patience and cooperation. This short-term inconvenience will deliver long-term socio-economic benefits for the region,” the provincial department stated.

---

Future Outlook: Delivering on the Promise of 'Viksit Gauteng'

The road upgrade is part of Gauteng’s broader infrastructure investment programme aimed at building resilient, integrated cities. With the Mooikloof Mega City set to become one of South Africa’s largest mixed-use developments, the project showcases what can be achieved when transport planning, housing policy, and economic development are aligned.

The provincial government has committed to monitoring project timelines and quality benchmarks, ensuring that both the Mooikloof Mega City and its supporting infrastructure are delivered efficiently and in service of Gauteng’s long-term growth.