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Summary of letters written to Gautrans regarding accidents on Sterkfontein Avenue (D2382)

Administrator's Notices in terms of Road Ordinance No 22 of 1957
Notices impacting on Doornkloof 391JR for period 1969 to 1966
DownLoad pdf file


See maps and photographs of some of the accidents at bottom of the page


From:   salbu@icon.co.za
Subject: Re: D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents
Date: 01 December 2008 8:08:10 AM
To:   Victor.Phala@gauteng.gov.za
Cc:   Andre.Kilian@gauteng.gov.za, Jannie.VanAntwerpen@gauteng.gov.za


Dear Sirs,

D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents

Thank you for the kind attention that your department has given to this matter.

In recent weeks new signs have been erected and broken signs replaced.

We am waiting for local road users comments on the impact the new signs have on the traffic speed.

Our residents continue to report that under dry weather conditions the road remains a dust hazard.

Kind regards,

David Larsen - Salbu

Secretary: Doornkloof Owners Association (DKOA)
For more information see URL: http://www.salbu.co.za/dkoa

PS: Andre' wrote: "It should also be noted that the statement on the layout plan that D2382 has no legal status as it is not shown on the property owners title deeds is incorrect – there was no legal requirement for the Department to register on the title deeds prior to the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act."

Comment: Andre's is correct but it must be remembered that the Sterkfontein section of the D2382 was NOT proclaimed a Provincial Road prior to the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act becoming law. As such this section of the D2382  remains a Right-of-way in favour to the public over our private properties. A definitive reply to this import and issue would be appreciated. See note below.

Right-of-ways: "A right-of-way is a form of an easement granted by the property owner that gives the right to travel over your land and to have the reasonable use and enjoyment of your property to others as long as it is not inconsistent with your use and enjoyment of the land. These principles had their origin in traditional common law which governed, for example, the free flow of water or allowed neighboring landowners to travel over anothers property (an informal "road system"). Although ownership rights of property are lessened by an easement, society at large benefits due to the additional freedom of movement."

Administrator's Notices in terms of Road Ordinance No 22 of 1957
Notices impacting on Doornkloof 391JR for period 1969 to 1966
DownLoad pdf file HERE


==========================================================

On 19 Nov 2008, at 14:14 , Phala, Victor (GPTRW) wrote:

Dear Sir
 
The job will be done tomorrow 21 November 2008; however I was unable to get the 40 km/h signs even from other regions. I did arrange with the manufacturer to try to help in this regard. The promise I got was for Monday 24 November 2008.I will erect after delivery.
 
 
Kind regards
 
S.V Phala

 
From: Kilian, Andre (GPTRW)

Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 10:52 AM
To: Phala, Victor (GPTRW)
Cc: Smit, Thereza (GPTPW); Van Antwerpen, Jannie (GPTRW); David Larsen - Salbu; Ngqobe, Zakhe (GPTRW)
Subject: RE: D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents
 
Victor,
 
I visited roads D2382 & D2383 yesterday, and observed the following:
 
1.     The speed limits of 60km/h is signposted at the start and end of road D2382.
2.     These roads are in a surprisingly good condition, considering the traffic volumes and the amount of rain that we had in this area.  It is possible to travel safely at about 80km/h on most of the road, and drivers do not expect a 90 degree bend in the road (resulting in accidents).
3.     The warning sign before “Dead Man’s Bend” is damaged and in the process of falling to the ground.
4.     Considering the circumstances on road D2382 which is fairly straight with two gentle curves and than a 90 degree bend, the road signage is inadequate.
5.     The fine dust and small stones (which is normal for a gravel road) have either been removed or washed away.
 
 
In order to address the dangerous situation on the road please ensure that the following actions are carried out ASAP:
 
Two 60km/h speed limit signs (R201) should be placed before Plot 93 (coming from the South) and before plot 90 (coming from the North).  A speed restriction of 40Km/should be placed at the border of plot  85/86, and the warning sign (W201) before “Dead Man’s Bend”  repaired immediately and replaced in the short term.  I would also suggest that the number of hazard marker signs (W405/406) at ““Dead Man’s Bend” be increased or replaced by the larger W407/408 signs.  If you do not have stock of these signs you should contact the other regions to see whether they can assist.
 
It should also be noted that the statement on the layout plan that D2382 has no legal status as it is not shown on the property owners title deeds is incorrect – there was no legal requirement for the Department to register on the title deeds prior to the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act.
 
Regards,
 
Andre
  
 
From: David Larsen - Salbu [mailto:salbu@icon.co.za]
Sent: 17 November 2008 02:48 PM
To: Phala, Victor (GPTRW)
Cc: Smit, Thereza (GPTPW); Kilian, Andre (GPTRW); Van Antwerpen, Jannie (GPTRW)
Subject: Re: D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents
 
Dear Victor Phala.
 
D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents
 
Thank you for the prompt reply.
 
It will be a pleasure to continue with work with Ms Thereza Botes.
 
I will keep you updated by means of Cc copies of the e-mail letters.
 
Kind regards,
 
David Larsen - Salbu
 
Monday, November 17, 2008 : Time 14:43
 
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On 17 Nov 2008, at 14:06 , Phala, Victor (GPTRW) wrote:
 
Dear David
 
I would like to mention that this office will have to check if the signs available in the store .Ms Thereza Botes will still see to it that the job is done accordingly. You are still welcome to continue from where you started with her and cc me.
 
Kind regards
 
S.V Phala
 
From: David Larsen - Salbu [mailto:salbu@icon.co.za]

Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 11:26 AM
To: Phala, Victor (GPTRW)
Cc: Smit, Thereza (GPTPW); Kilian, Andre (GPTRW); Van Antwerpen, Jannie (GPTRW)
Subject: Re: D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents
 
To:Gautrans
Attention:Mr Victor Phala.
 
Dear Victor Phala,
 
D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents
 
Congratulations on your appointment as Regional Manager.
 
The previously attached images may cause your office filter system to "rejected" our e-mail letters.
To avoid apossiblefilter problem I have removed the images from this e-mail letter.
To view previously attached photographs and copies of correspondence.CLICK HERE.
(URL:http://salbu.co.za/road2)
 
Some years ago the public right-of-way over our private properties, known as "Sterkfontien Avenue", was extended into road D2382 by Gauntrans. This extension has resulted in, non residential,trafficfrom the south making use of"Sterkfontien Avenue". Most of the accidents are the result of the "non residential" traffic build up on"Sterkfontien Avenue".
 
For background please see the e-mail letters copied below.
 
Dead Mans Bendcontinuesto be the cause of regular accidents.
 
The following matters still need attention:
1)At least 2 more signs, limiting the general road speed to 60 km/h,strategicallyplaced on thesouthern approach to "Killer curve" and "Dead Mans Bend" should help reduce the accident rate.These additional signs will serve to remind drivers of the60 km/h speed limit and thusenable them to further reducespeed to 30 km/hon thedangerous corners.(See diagrams attached).
2)THEDAMAGEDSIGN HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED
3)THE GRADERS HAVE LEFT AFINE DUST AND SMALL STONESON THE ROAD SURFACE.
 
Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I look forward to your advice.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
David Larsen, SSAS, Pr Eng, MSAIEE, SAAI
 
Monday, November 17, 2008
 
Note: GAUTRANS LETTERS: CONCERNING STERKFONTEIN AVENUE (D2382) ROAD
Background: The public right-of-way over Doornkloof 391-JR private properties, known as "Sterkfontien Avenue", was extended into road D2382 by Gautrans. This extension has resulted in, non-residential, traffic from the south making use of "Sterkfontien Avenue". Most of the dust problem, and the high rate of accidents, on this road are the result of the "non-residential" traffic build up on "Sterkfontien Avenue".Note that the crash images are at the bottom of the page.
Letters and Photographs: To view see CLICK HERE (http://salbu.co.za/road2)
 
Right-of-ways:"A right-of-way is a form of an easement granted by the property owner that gives the right to travel over your land and to have the reasonable use and enjoyment of your property to others as long as it is not inconsistent with your use and enjoyment of the land. These principles had their origin in traditional common law which governed, for example, the free flow of water or allowed neighboring landowners to travel over anothers property (an informal "road system"). Although ownership rights of property are lessened by an easement, society at large benefits due to the additional freedom of movement."

 
==========================================================
Telephone: +27-11-316-1393
Mobile: +27-82-821-2202
Fax : +27-86-689-5220 OR +27-88-011-316-1393
Post: Private Bag X2352 Wingate Park, 0153, South Africa.
==========================================================
 
 
 
On 17 Nov 2008, at 08:56 , Smit, Thereza (GPTPW) wrote:

Good day David,
Thank you for your email,
I was busy with the investigation. A new Regional Manager was appointed and I suggest you should take your complain / suggestions to him.
His contact details are as follows:
Victor Phala
Cell: 083 679 2763
Office :012 808 0333
Thank you
TherezaBotes
ChiefRoadsuperintendent
PretoriaMaintenance
Private Bag x4
East Lynn
0039
Tel: 012 808 0333
Fax: 012 808 3470
Cell: 083 679 2654
EMail ; TherezaS@ gpg.gov.za
Gun cumadhDia anGlaic aLaimh a-chooidh thu, (Scots Gaelic: May you always be in the palm of Gods Hand. )




From:   salbu@icon.co.za
Subject: Re: D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents
Date: 02 November 2008 11:06:14 AM
To:   hannesd@gpg.gov.za
Cc:   deon@belvedere.co.za, garnerd@velavke.co.za, sarinab@gpg.gov.za, and 4 more…

To: Gautrans
Attention: Mr Hannes du Plessis.

SECOND REMINDER AND UPDATE - SEE IN PARTICULAR ITEMS 1, 2 & 3

Dear Sir,

D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents

I must assume, from the lack of response to our e-mail letters, that the correspondence copied below is not reaching your offices.

The previously attached images may have caused your office filter system to "rejected" our e-mail letters.

To avoid a possible filter problem I have removed the images from this e-mail letter.

To view previously attached photographs and copies of correspondence. CLICK HERE.
 (URL: http://salbu.co.za/road2)

Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I look forward to your further advice.

Yours sincerely,

David Larsen, SSAS, Pr Eng, MSAIEE, SAAI

Sunday, November 2, 2008

==========================================================
Telephone: +27-11-316-1393
Mobile:      +27-82-821-2202
Fax :          +27-86-689-5220  OR +27-88-011-316-1393
Post:          Private Bag X2352 Wingate Park, 0153, South Africa.
========================================================== 

From: David Larsen - Salbu <salbu@icon.co.za>
Date: 22 September 2008 9:26:56 AM
To: Hannes du Plessis <hannesd@gpg.gov.za>
Cc: Councillor Gideon van Tonder <deon@belvedere.co.za>, Dudley Garner <garnerd@velavke.co.za>, Harm Fourie <sarinab@gpg.gov.za>, John & Lena Kohler <jkohler@mtnloaded.co.za>, Vossie Redelinghuys <vossier@civilcon.co.za>, Schalkie Brooks <schalkie@live.com>, Henri Joubert <tightrope@icon.co.za>
Subject: Re: D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents

REMINDER AND UPDATE - SEE IN PARTICULAR ITEMS 1, 2 & 3

To: Gautrans
Attention: Mr Hannes du Plessis.

Dear Sir,

D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents

Dead Mans Bend continues to be the cause of regular accidents. See photographs at end of this text.
(These photographs are only a sample of the many accidents that occur on this bend.)

As you are aware the public right-of-way over our private properties, known as "Sterkfontien Avenue", was extended into road D2382 by Gauntrans. This extension has resulted in, non residential, traffic from the south making use of "Sterkfontien Avenue". Most of the accidents are the result of the "non residential" traffic build up on "Sterkfontien Avenue".

1) At least 2 more signs, limiting the general road speed to 60 km/h, strategically placed on the southern approach to "Killer curve" and "Dead Mans Bend" should help reduce the accident rate
. These additional signs will serve to remind drivers of the 60 km/h speed limit and thus enable them to further reduce speed to 30 km/h on the dangerous corners. (See diagrams attached).

2) THE DAMAGED SIGN HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED

3) THE GRADERS HAVE LEFT A FINE DUST AND SMALL STONES ON THE ROAD SURFACE.


Thank you for your valued assistance in this matter. I look forward to your further advice.

Yours sincerely,

David Larsen, SSAS, Pr Eng, MSAIEE, SAAI

Monday, September 22, 2008

NOTES:

THE CORNER SIGN ON THE SOUTHERN APPROACH TO DEAD MANS BEND WAS ACCIDENTALLY DESTROYED BY ONE OF THE GRADERS WORKING ON THE ROAD. THE GRADERS HAVE LEFT A FINE DUST AND SMALL STONES ON THE ROAD SURFACE. THIS HAS ADDED TO THE HAZARDS.

Right-of-ways: "A right-of-way is a form of an easement granted by the property owner that gives the right to travel over your land and to have the reasonable use and enjoyment of your property to others as long as it is not inconsistent with your use and enjoyment of the land. These principles had their origin in traditional common law which governed, for example, the free flow of water or allowed neighboring landowners to travel over another’s property (an informal "road system"). Although ownership rights of property are lessened by an easement, society at large benefits due to the additional freedom of movement."




On 03 Aug 2008, at 13:15 , David Larsen - Salbu wrote:
To: Gautrans
Attention: Mr Hannes du Plessis.

Dear Sir,

D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents


Since your phone call of Monday, December 3, 2007 and the subsequent erection of signs to limit road speed to 60 km/h over the whole of the roads D2382 and D2383 with speed limits on the dangerous corners of 30 km/h there has been a reduction in the rate of accidents on the road. Your prompt and kind attention to this matter was greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately accidents continue to occur as a result of high speed, sharp bends, blinding dust and poor road surface.

At least 2 more signs, limiting the general road speed to 60 km/h, strategically placed on the southern approach to "Killer curve" and "Dead Mans Bend" should help reduce the accident rate.  These additional signs will serve to remind drivers of the 60 km/h speed limit and thus enable them to further reduce speed to 30 km/h on the dangerous corners. (See diagrams attached).

Thank you for your valued assistance in this matter. I look forward to your further advice.

Yours sincerely,

David Larsen, SSAS, Pr Eng, MSAIEE, SAAI

Sunday, August 3, 2008

PS: LAST WEEK THE CORNER SIGN ON THE SOUTHERN APPROACH TO DEAD MANS BEND WAS ACCIDENTALLY DESTROYED BY ONE OF THE GRADER WORKING ON THE ROAD. THE GRADERS HAVE LEFT A FINE DUST ON THE SURFACE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAS ADDED TO THE HAZARDOUS NATURE OF THE ROAD.

==========================================================
Telephone: +27-11-316-1393
Mobile:      +27-82-821-2202
Fax :          +27-86-689-5220  OR +27-88-011-316-1393
Post:          Private Bag X2352 Wingate Park, 0153, South Africa.
========================================================== 



On 10 Feb 2008, at 11:07 , David Larsen - Salbu wrote:
To: Gautrans
Attention: Mr Hannes du Plessis.

Dear Sir,

Recent D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents

Accidents continue to occur on this road as a result of high speed, sharp bends, blinding dust and poor road surface.

I refer the your phone call of Monday, December 3, 2007 and undertaking to look into the possibility of putting up signs to reduce the road speed to 60 km/h over the whole of the roads D2382 and D2383 with speed limits on the dangerous corners of 40 km/h.

On Friday yet another car spun across "Dead Mans Bend" and overturned in the face of oncoming traffic.

Clearly this situation needs URGENT attention !!!

Please see e-mail below.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I look forward to your further advice.

Yours sincerely,

David Larsen, SSAS, Pr Eng, MSAIEE, SAAI
Secretary: Doornkloof Owners Association (DKOA)

Monday, February 11, 2008

Summary of Recent Phone Calls (D2382  -  D2383): Rang no reply again _071123, Rang no reply again _071126 Rang no reply.  Action: _071203 Mr Hannes du Plessis rang he has been away - he will look into setting up road signs to limit the speed of the vehicles.


On  03 December 200 , David Larsen - Salbu wrote:

Begin forwarded message:
From: David Larsen - Salbu <salbu@icon.co.za>
Date: 03 December 2007 2:43:01 PM
To: Hannes du Plessis <hannesd@gpg.gov.za>
Cc: Dudley Garner <garnerd@velavke.co.za>
Subject: D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents

To: Gautrans
Attention: Mr Hannes du Plessis.

Dear Sir,

Recent D2382 Photographs - Dead Mans Bend and Killer Curve Accidents

Thank you for the phone call and the undertaking to look into the possibility of putting up signs to reduce the road speed to 60 km/h over the whole of the roads D2382 and D2383 with speed limits on the dangerous corners of 40 km/h.

This will not only reduce the accident rate but it will reduce the serious dust problem as well.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I look forward to your further advice.

Yours sincerely,

David Larsen, SSAS, Pr Eng, MSAIEE, SAAI
Secretary: Doornkloof Owners Association (DKOA)

Monday, December 3, 2007

==========================================================
Telephone: +27-11-316-1393
Mobile:      +27-82-821-2202
Fax :          +27-86-689-5220  OR +27-88-011-316-1393
Post:          Private Bag X2352 Wingate Park, 0153, South Africa.
==========================================================











































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