MEDIA RELEASE

R28 million repairs to bridges between Richards Bay and Pongola to start in June 2023

Richards Bay, 12 May 2023 – Repairs to Nseleni River Bridge, Safari Hotel Bridge and Pongola River Bridge on National Route 2 (N2) are set to begin in June 2023, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

The project is located between Richards Bay and Pongola on the N2 and falls within the King Cetshwayo and Zululand district municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The rehabilitation on these bridges is expected to begin in June 2023, starting with the temporary access platform at the Nseleni River Bridge under the N2. Under this eight-month contract, the works will include collision repair to barriers and edge beams, strengthening of the bridge deck cantilevers, and the replacement of movement bearings. Further construction work on the bridges includes minor work such as crack sealing and replacement of damaged movement joints,” said Serisha Sukraj, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The construction supervision will be undertaken by Naidu Consulting and the contract allows for targeted enterprises and labour involvement under the contract participation goals.

There will be lane closures but deviations will be implemented to ensure the continuous flow of traffic. In most cases two-way traffic will be maintained with lane width restrictions accompanied by traffic control measures. Motorists are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly, and to make provision for the additional travel time.

“We appeal to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling past the construction work zones. To prioritise the safety of both the construction works and road users, the speed limit along the route will be reduced during construction,” said Sukraj.