Various upgrades of road infrastructure have been undertaken around the new I’langa Mall in Nelspruit, to the benefit of shoppers and road users alike.

Millions have already been spent on the roads upgrade initiative.

The new R600 million regional shopping centre, owned by the Visagie Trust, Resilient Properties and Laeveldtrust and developed by MTB Development Company, is due to open next month.

“The development of I’langa Mall included the upgrade of various roads and intersections surrounding the centre,” says Luan Visagie of major stakeholder Visagie Trust. “It was crucial for us to identify areas of enhancement to the shopping experience, which led to the undertaking of extensive traffic studies.”

The studies identified key areas where improvements to various roads and intersections in the area were required, as well as the development of new roads and traffic networks.

One of the key focus points of the upgrade was the N4 intersection, which will be the main point of access to the centre. The completed work will consist of a 100m additional approach lane towards the N4 and the widening of the intersection.

Other roads in the centre’s vicinity will benefit from the installation, upgrading and re-phasing of intersection traffic lights, installation of overhead lights at intersections, road lane paintwork and more. Various one-way roads will also be upgraded into two-way roads.

“The external roads upgrade will ensure that the centre will be easily accessible from all entry points, including the N4 highway, and will allow for the easy flow of traffic and alleviation of congestion in the area,” says Tibo Terblanche of MTB Development Company.

The construction of a bus and taxi bay on one of the main roads in the area will also cater for the expected influx of public transport to the area. Reconstruction is also being carried out on surrounding roads that were extensively damaged by floods and heavy vehicles.

Construction is also well under way for the opening in April, with various internal finishes being completed. Electricity to the centre was connected in November last year, and the roof of the mall is in the final stages of completion.

I’Langa Mall is conveniently close to Nelspruit’s residential suburbs, and the centre has been designed to allow shoppers quick and easy entry, and will also offer free secure, undercover parking, says Johann Kriek of Resilient.

“The substantial and growing number of cross-border shoppers from Mozambique and tourists visiting the area are also expected to visit this regional shopping centre.

Call Richter van Niekerk Properties on 082 853 3455.