Ensuring accessibility through integrated corridor development: The Mabopane Centurion development corridor

The Mabopane Centurion Development Corridor (MCDC) is a comprehensive strategy to revive and develop the economy of the Western part of Greater Pretoria. The aim is to promote densification along the identified corridors, resulting in more efficient transportation (i.e. promote public transport) thus ensuring and stimulating economic growth along the corridor. Various development scenarios and spatial strategies were considered for the MCDC. The most appropriate alternative in terms of meeting the goals was further refined and developed as the MCDC Integrated Development Framework. This paper then specifically addresses transportation aspects of the MCDC, focusing on its role within the larger strategy to ensure that the original corridor objectives are met. Five strategic transportation projects, to support and strengthen the development potential of the MCDC, were identified. Demand modelling of the corridor assisted in determining the impact and importance of these proposals. Through an accessibility analysis, the impact of transportation improvements to the system is assessed, i.e. whether a reduction of travel times and/or trip lengths is attained. The paper concludes by highlighting current development/implementation initiatives and reflects on lessons learnt thus far.