Comparisons
Free State vs. the other two most closely populated regions in South Africa: Mpumalanga and North West
Free State in context: Street-network sprawl of new development
The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Free State peaked in 1976-1990. To get a sense of how street development has changed in Free State, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Bloemfontein, Phuthaditjhaba and Welkom. None of the most populous cities follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Bloemfontein peaked in 1991-2005. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Phuthaditjhaba followed a zig-zag trend with an overall decrease. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Welkom peaked in 1991-2005.
How do development practices in Free State fare in comparison to others in South Africa? Most recently in 2006-2020, street construction in Free State was the 2nd-most disconnected out of the 9 regions in South Africa. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has risen; relative to other regions in South Africa, street construction in Free State has become more disconnected. Free State ranked 4th in 1975, 5th in 1976-1990, 3rd in 1991-2005 and 2nd in 2006-2020.
Free State in context: Aggregate street-network sprawl
As of 2020, the city with the most disconnected street network in Free State is Phuthaditjhaba with an SNDi of 3.68, which is relatively sprawly. Conversely, the most connected city is Kroonstad with an SNDi of 2.06, which is well-connected. See trends for these cities: Kroonstad, Phuthaditjhaba
The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Free State rose steadily. To get a sense of how the aggregate street network has changed in Free State, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Bloemfontein, Phuthaditjhaba and Welkom. Out of the three cities, Bloemfontein and Phuthaditjhaba do not follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Bloemfontein peaked in 1991-2005. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Phuthaditjhaba peaked in 1976-1990.
To date, Free State is the 4th-most disconnected out of the 9 regions in South Africa. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has not changed. Free State ranked 4th in 1975, 4th in 1976-1990, 4th in 1991-2005 and 4th in 2006-2020.