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SANRAL’s Occupational Health and Safety Practices Contribute to Saving Construction Workers’ Lives

Pretoria, 17 June 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) remains committed to advancing good governance through its effective management of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) across its operations, projects, and stakeholder engagement programmes.

“As a state-owned entity entrusted with developing, maintaining, and managing South Africa’s national road network, SANRAL recognises that sound governance extends beyond financial and operational performance, and it also includes creating safe, healthy, and compliant working environments for employees, contractors and service providers.”

“SANRAL’s approach to OHS is guided by proactive risk management, legal compliance, continuous improvement, and shared responsibility. This includes ensuring alignment with applicable South African legislation, standards, and internal policies designed to protect people and strengthen operational resilience,” said Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL’s Chief Construction Operations and Maintenance Engineer.

Occupational Health and Safety support the organisation’s broader commitment to risk management, and sustainable infrastructure delivery.

Through its project Occupational Health and Safety oversight mechanisms, SANRAL promotes:
• Leadership accountability for health and safety outcomes;
• Compliance and assurance processes to support adherence to occupational health and safety requirements;
• Risk-based decision-making to identify, assess, and manage workplace and project-related hazards;
• Contractor oversight to reinforce safe work practices across construction and maintenance activities;
• Training and awareness initiatives that strengthen employee capability and embed a safety-conscious culture; and
• Monitoring and continuous improvement through reporting, audits, corrective actions, and performance evaluation.

During the 2025/2026 financial year, SANRAL recorded zero construction-related fatalities across its projects. This outcome reflects the organisation’s continued emphasis on contractor management, supervision, and preventative health and safety controls across construction activities.

However, SANRAL recorded the tragic loss of five workers who were fatally injured by public vehicles travelling through active construction zones. While these incidents did not arise from construction operations themselves, they underscore the significant risks associated with vehicle interactions in work zones and reinforce the importance of road user compliance with temporary traffic management measures.

“SANRAL’s commitment to Occupational Health and Safety is also demonstrated through ongoing work on our major road infrastructure projects. The Msikaba Bridge and Mtentu Bridge projects on the N2 Wild Coast Road Project, for example, have continued to demonstrate strong occupational health and safety performance despite the complexity and high-risk nature of large bridge construction activities.”

“These landmark projects have maintained strong safety controls through structured risk management, robust engineering and OHS oversight, workforce engagement and continuous monitoring of critical activities. Their safety performance reflects the effectiveness of embedding OHS principles into project execution and demonstrates that world-class infrastructure can be delivered while maintaining a strong focus on protecting workers,” added Nkabinde.

Effective occupational health and safety contribute directly to project efficiency, workforce wellbeing, public confidence, and long-term infrastructure sustainability.

The absence of construction-related fatalities reflects the value of disciplined safety management; however, the loss of workers to passing traffic is a sobering reminder that protecting lives in road construction environments requires collective responsibility from all stakeholders, including road users.

SANRAL remains committed to strengthening health and safety governance and implementing measures that protect workers and road users while delivering infrastructure responsibly and sustainably.
ENDS-
Issued by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). For editorial content or additional information contact pressoffice@nra.co.za

Partial closure of Market road interchange for concrete casting of the new N3 market road overpass bridge Deck

Pietermaritzburg, 17 June 2026 –The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises motorists of the temporary and partial closure of the Market Road interchange for the casting of concrete for the new N3 Market Road Overpass Bridge deck. This work will be undertaken as part of the N3 upgrade project from Gladys Manzi Road to New England Road Interchange
“Construction continues on the Market Road interchange. Completion of the new bridge will signify a major milestone and bring us a step closer to opening of the upgraded interchange,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Geometrics Specialist Engineer.

The temporary closure will take place as follows:

• From 20:00, Friday 26 June to 06:00, Saturday 27 June 2026
o The N3 Southbound offramp to Market Road (from Pmb Central/North to Mkondeni, Scottsville, Cleland) will be fully closed
o The onramp from Market Road to the N3 Southbound (from Mkondeni, Scottsville, Cleland to Durban) will be fully closed

Note that the N3 will remain fully open during the ramp closures. The Cleland Road temporary southbound onramp (opposite Hayfields mall entrance from Cleland Road) from will remain open for light vehicles (< 3t).

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans will be in place.

Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period or find suitable staging areas to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes.

All road-users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual.
“We understand that these road closures cause major disruption and have planned them to take place at times when the disruption is minimised. Emergency services and traffic management are advised to make use of alternative routing. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience during the ongoing major road enhancements.” said Lowe.
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For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES:
For road users who want to use the Market Road On- or Offramps, the available alternative route will be via the New England Interchange along R56 and R103

SANRAL invites contractors to take part in Contractor Development Programme

Pretoria, 14 June 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) invites contractors to take part in its Contractor Development Programme (CDP).

SANRAL is implementing the CDP to increase the capacity, equity ownership, sustainability, quality of work and improve the performance of grade 5-9 CE contractors registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).

Through this programme, SANRAL will create a unique platform for CIDB grades 5 to 7 to maximise participation on its projects. SANRAL will also provide skills development, training, mentorship and financial support to address the challenge of “the missing middle” CIDB grades.

According to Siphiwo Mxhosa, SANRAL’s General Manager for Transformation and Stakeholder Relations, projects identified for the CDP will be based in all the country’s nine provinces and participation is limited to five years.

“Contractors who are interested in the programme need to indicate provinces that they will be willing to participate, and the number of participants will be determined by the number of approved projects set aside as well as on budget availability. SANRAL has set aside projects of which 10% will be ringfenced for designated groups such as black-owned construction companies and companies that are owned by people with disabilities, if they meet the qualifying criteria,” said Mxhosa.

The criteria used for companies to meet the qualifying criteria includes:

• Active CIDB-registered Black owned construction companies (with experience within their grading designation and class of work, and who are registered in the Civil Engineering (CE) class for grades 5CE to 9CE. Black contractors with the Potentially Emerging status will also be considered (excluding 4CE PE);

• Companies that are registered on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database;

• Companies that are already in existence (not dormant or suspended) and that are operational for at least three consecutive years at the date of closure of the Expression of Interest (EOI);

• A respondent that is currently doing business with SANRAL is not automatically excluded; however, all current SANRAL contracts, conflicts of interest, related-party relationships and capacity constraints must be fully disclosed and will be considered in assessing programme suitability and concentration risk. Therefore, only contractors with a maximum of two active projects will be considered for the programme, including their subsidiaries; and

• Only South African citizens are eligible to participate in the programme.

Expression of Interest documents are available from https://www.nra.co.za/sanraltenders/status?region_id=national for free download and http://www.etenders.gov.za.

A compulsory virtual briefing session will be conducted on the 23 June 2026, at 10:00 and attendance will be verified from the electronic attendance report or equivalent platform record. Participants must join the meeting on the link:

• https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/365597833513010?p=Jowa1fvKeUBeavcbqb

• Meeting ID: 365 597 833 513 010

• Passcode: qF79yc3K

“It is the responsibility of each respondent to ensure that its authorised representative attends the compulsory virtual clarification meeting for the full required duration. A representative may not represent more than one respondent at the meeting. Late arrivals (15 Minutes late) will not be allowed to participate in the meeting, and the Expression of Interest briefing presentation will be sent to all respondents who attended the briefing session. It is the responsibility of the respondent to ensure they receive the presentation,” added Mxhosa.

The closing date and time for receipt of EOI documents is 10 July 2026 @ 12 pm (South African Time). EOI documents must be placed inside the tender box at the following SANRAL offices:

The Provincial Head (Western and Northern Cape Provinces)

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd

1 Havenga Street, Oakdale, Bellville

7530

The Provincial Head (Free State and Kwa-Zulu Natal Provinces)

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd

58 Van Eck Place, Mkondeni, Pietermaritzburg

3201

The Provincial Head (Gauteng, Northwest, Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces)

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd

38 Ida Street, Menlo Park, Pretoria

0081

Or

The Provincial Head (Eastern Cape Province)

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd

20 Shoreward Drive, Baywest, Port Elizabeth

6025

ENDS-

Issued by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). For editorial content or additional information contact pressoffice@nra.co.za

Cabinet finally closes e-toll historical debt chapter

Pretoria: The Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy and the Deputy Minister Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa have welcomed the Cabinet decision to approve that SANRAL implements the closure of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) historical debt. This includes two things: the close-out of GFIP historical e-toll debt and the resolution of all outstanding litigation matters

They have characterized this decision as a long-awaited step to close the GFIP e-toll matter in an orderly and responsible manner.

Creecy and Hlengwa stated that this bring much-needed relief and lessens the financial burden to road users who are currently hard-pressed by high fuel costs due to geopolitical matters that are currently unfolding.

GFIP was implemented and operated under the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) in terms of the applicable tolling framework and approvals that were in place at the time. The e-toll system was introduced as a funding mechanism for the upgraded Gauteng freeway network.

The approval follows Government’s decision to close the GFIP e-toll scheme and the subsequent withdrawal of the GFIP toll declarations, which became effective on 11 April 2024.

Cabinet’s approval confirms the following:
• Outstanding and unpaid historical GFIP e-toll debt owed by road users will be written off;
• SANRAL will not pursue any further collection of historical GFIP e-toll debt;
• Road users who lawfully paid e-tolls while the system was legally in force will not be refunded;
• The no-refund position arises from lawful levies at the time they were paid, that is, before the toll declarations were withdrawn;
• The write-off of outstanding debt gives effect to Government’s decision to close the GFIP e-toll scheme and provide finality to road users, SANRAL and the fiscus;

Government reiterates that the close-out of GFIP e-toll debt is intended to provide certainty, resolve historical debt matters and support a sustainable approach to the funding, maintenance and improvement of South Africa’s national road network.

Government further emphasizes that the user-pay principle remains an important part of South Africa’s road infrastructure funding framework where it is broadly accepted by road users through negotiation and agreement, appropriately structured, legally sound and supported by clear policy certainty.

ISSUED BY: National Department of Transport
Media Contact
Collen Msibi
National Spokesperson
066 476 9015

FOR ENQURIES:
Lwando Mahlasela
Media Relations Manager (SANRAL)
082 440 5305

Temporary Lane Closures on N3 northbound carriageway, Gauteng Province

5 June 2026, Gauteng – The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) wishes to advise road users that there are planned closures on the N3 northbound carriageway just before Main Reef Road bridge.

“SANRAL closed the slow lanes as a precautionary measure while it investigates the subsidence of the outer lane resulting from possible undermining. The safety of road users remains a priority, and monthly updates will be communicated on all our communication platforms as well as through the media, to keep the public informed” said Progress Hlahla, SANRAL’s Gauteng Provincial Head.

SANRAL urges all road users to:

      • Plan their trips accordingly.
      • Adhere to the traffic accommodation signage and the flag persons advance warnings, and
      • Exercise patience and caution while navigating the affected area. 

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and the roads agency remains committed to improving the safety and quality of our national roads.

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For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 pressoffice@nra.co.za

SANRAL responds to allegations of “R9.5 billion tender storm”

5 June 2026, Pretoria – The claim in some media and online platforms that the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Reginald Demana has “a case to answer” on alleged procurement irregularities and that there is a “R9.5 billion tender storm” at the roads agency requires a response from SANRAL.
The allegations of wrong practices in the procurement of Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) contracts date back to 2013 contracts. The roads agency had been navigating historic irregular expenditure of about R9.5 billion linked to RRM contracts awarded between 2011/12 and 2018/19. This matter was resolved and is now in the past, and full disclosure was made in publicly available SANRAL annual reports. Despite these irregular expenditure figures, SANRAL received an unqualified audit opinion during the period, since it was noted that no confirmed irregular expenditure was linked to fraudulent or criminal intent. These matters predate Mr Demana’s tenure at SANRAL. He assumed the role of CEO on 1 January 2023.
SANRAL has noted the interest allegations of unlawful procurement practices in its Supply Chain Management Division (SCM or Procurement) has created. These allegations initially arose from a whistleblowing report received from the Minister of Transport’s office and referred to the new Board for investigation on assuming office on 1 March 2026.
The media interest is surfacing when the SANRAL Board had already embarked on investigations to determine the veracity of the allegations, with the allegations being the subject of investigations by SANRAL’s Internal Audit Division as well as an external law firm. The SANRAL Board is committed to open and transparent procurement and will implement recommendations and outcomes that emerge from the investigations.
Also, media and online reports have recently emerged stating that there has been a raid by the Hawks at SANRAL. Nothing could be further from the truth. SANRAL received an enquiry from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) requesting information related to certain tenders. This is not out of the ordinary. SANRAL has cooperated with the DPCI in sharing tender related information on some allegations they were investigating in the past and would continue to do so. There was no raiding of SANRAL premises by the DPCI and the same can be verified by the Directorate.
2
SANRAL can confirm that three employees in SCM were suspended in April 2026 for gross misconduct unrelated to whistleblowing allegations. The suspended employees have since filed an application in the Johannesburg, Labour Court to set aside their suspensions (and seek to return to work). SANRAL is opposing this application, and the matter is before the court on 9 June 2026.
Acutely aware of the sensitivity around this investigation and compounded by the reality that the labour matter is now before a court of law, SANRAL recognises the sub-judice principle and cannot give further details at this stage. Members of the media are, however, encouraged to also follow and have regard to the position which SANRAL has already filed on record before the court. In addition, SANRAL is currently going through the annual external audit of its business, with the Auditor General of South Africa and this includes Procurement.
The roads agency encourages whistleblowing which is processed within applicable legal prescripts and takes such issues seriously. The organisation considers all serious allegations and where necessary, investigates them. Any officials (irrespective of seniority) found to have wilfully and/or negligently breached procurement prescripts, including through dishonesty and/or through collusion practices, will at the least be charged and subjected to disciplinary action. There are ongoing reforms which are currently underway in SANRAL’s procurement environment under the leadership of the newly appointed Board.
SANRAL is committed to dealing with the procurement challenges that the organisation has experienced in order to return it to an effective and efficient enabler of economic and social development through its road infrastructure projects.
-ENDS-
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Issued by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or mahlaselal@nra.co.za

SANRAL responds to procurement corruption allegations

29 May 2026, PRETORIA – The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has noted a recent news article pertaining to allegations of unlawful procurement practices in its Supply Chain Management Division (SCM or Procurement).
The allegations initially arose from a whistleblowing report received from the Minister of Transport’s office and referred to the new Board for investigation on assuming office on 1 March 2026. During the investigation of some of these allegations by SANRAL’s Internal Audit Division to determine the veracity thereof, five SANRAL SCM officials also reported similar allegations to the Board for investigation. The news article appeared when the SANRAL Board had already embarked on investigations to determine the veracity of the allegations contained in the whistleblowing report received from the Minister’s office as well as from the memorandum submitted by the said employees to the SANRAL Board. The allegations are being investigated by SANRAL’s Internal Audit Division as well as an external legal firm. The SANRAL Board is committed to open and transparent procurement and will implement recommendations and outcomes that emerge from the investigations.
SANRAL can confirm that three employees in SCM were suspended in April 2026 for gross misconduct that was unrelated to the memorandum that they submitted to the SANRAL Board. The suspended employees have since filed an application in the Labour Court to challenge their suspensions, which SANRAL has opposed as it forms part of an ongoing investigation in respect of employee misconduct.
Acutely aware of the sensitivity around this investigation and compounded by the reality that the labour matter that is now before a court of law, SANRAL recognises the sub-judice principle and cannot give further details at this stage. The same principle applies to the Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) contracts which the employees allege are shrouded in controversy and/or corruption and are also before a court of law. Members of the media are encouraged to also follow and have regard to the position which SANRAL will file on record before the court. In addition, SANRAL is currently going through the annual external audit of its business, with the Auditor General of South Africa and this includes Procurement.
SANRAL is nonetheless aware of a smear and disinformation campaign currently underway intended to discredit it by peddling spurious allegations in the public domain. The roads agency has an impeccable track record of governance and unqualified audit opinions running over 25 years.
2
The roads agency encourages whistleblowing which is processed within applicable legal prescripts and takes such issues seriously. The organisation considers all serious allegations and where necessary, investigates them. Any officials found to have wilfully and/or negligently breached procurement prescripts, including through dishonesty and/or through collusion practices, will be charged and subjected to disciplinary action. There are ongoing reforms which are currently underway in SANRAL’s procurement environment under the leadership of the newly appointed Board.
SANRAL is committed to dealing with the procurement challenges that the organisation has experienced in order to return it to an effective and efficient enabler of economic and social development through its road infrastructure projects.
-ENDS-
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Issued by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or mahlaselal@nra.co.za

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES ON N3 WESTVILLE TO PARADISE VALLEY FOR THE REMOVAL OF BRIDGE PARAPETS

The SANRAL

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES ON N3 WESTVILLE TO PARADISE VALLEY FOR THE REMOVAL OF BRIDGE PARAPETS

Durban, 21 May 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise motorists of temporary road closures on the N3 Westbound Carriageway at the Paradise Valley interchange for the removal of the bridge parapets as part of the ongoing construction of the upgraded N3/M13 Paradise Valley interchange.

“Construction continues on the upgraded M13 Paradise Valley Off Ramps. This closure is part of the ongoing progress in the upgrade of the N3 between Westville and Paradise Valley,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Geometrics Specialist Engineer.

SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital project to alleviate long term traffic congestion in the area.

The temporary road closures will take place as follows:

  • N3 West Bound Carriageway Closures:
    • Closure 1: From 20:00, Friday 5 June to 04:30, Saturday 6 June 2026. Traffic will be diverted via the N3 interchange off ramp (exit 17 – M13 Paradise Valley) onto the M13 during this period.
    • Closure 2: From 20:00, Saturday 6 June to 04:30, Sunday 7 June 2026. Traffic will be diverted via the N3 interchange off ramp (exit 17 – M13 Paradise Valley) onto the M13 during this period.
    • Closure 3: From 20:00, Sunday 7 June to 04:30, Monday 8 June 2026. Traffic will be diverted via the N3 interchange off ramp (exit 17 – M13 Paradise Valley) onto the M13 during this period.

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place.

Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period, find suitable staging areas or reroute via the M7 or M19 to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes.

All road-users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual. 2

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

N3 West Bound Closure (Durban to Pinetown):

  • N3 West Bound fully closed at the M13 Interchange (exit 17 – M13 Paradise Valley).
  • Traffic will be diverted off the N3 via the M13 Paradise Valley off ramp and then back onto the N3 via the M7 interchange on ramp or continue on the M13 to join the N3 at Key Ridge.

Figure 1: Detour Routes

“SANRAL appeals to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling through the construction work zones. To prioritise the safety of both the construction workers and road users, the speed limit along the route will be reduced during construction”, added Lowe.

 

 

 

 

BLASTING ON THE R61 BETWEEN BAZIYA (MTHATHA) AND ALL SAINTS (NGCOBO)

The SANRAL

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

BLASTING ON THE R61 BETWEEN BAZIYA (MTHATHA) AND ALL SAINTS (NGCOBO)

Eastern Cape, 21May 2026: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to inform road users and surrounding communities that blasting activities will be carried out on the R61 Section 6 between KM 74 and KM 78, between Baziya and All Saints, on Monday, 25TH of May 2026, between 13h00 and 15h00.

To ensure the safety of road users and to allow adequate time for blasting and clean-up operations, the road will be temporarily closed for approximately one hour.

Any alternative routes, including the N2, will result in significantly longer travel times than the anticipated waiting period during the road closure.

“Motorists are asked to plan their trips, accordingly and to use caution when making use of the road,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Eastern Cape Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

N3 FULL CLOSURE TO FACILITATE BLASTING ACTIVITIES BETWEEN NEW ENGLAND INTERCHANGE AND MARKET ROAD INTERCHANGE

The SANRAL

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N3 FULL CLOSURE TO FACILITATE BLASTING ACTIVITIES BETWEEN NEW ENGLAND INTERCHANGE AND MARKET ROAD INTERCHANGE

 Pietermaritzburg, 18 May 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise motorists of temporary rolling road closures to facilitate blasting next to the N3 Market Road Overpass Bridge as part of the ongoing construction between Gladys Manzi Road and New England Road Interchange.

The temporary road closures will take place as rolling closures as follows:

  • N3 full closure (both directions) from Ashburton Interchange to New England Interchange:
  • -Closure 1: Tuesday, 2 June from 15h00 to 15h30
  • -Closure 2: Thursday, 4 June 2026 from 15h00 to 15h30
  • -Closure 3: Tuesday, 9 June 2026 from 15h00 to 15h30

Note that no access will be allowed onto the N3 between Ashburton and New England Road Interchanges via the interchange ramps or other connecting roads.

Full closures will take place as follows:

  • 15h00 to 15h15 – Close N3 and other connecting roads and blast.
  • 15h15 to 15h30 – Clean up any debris on all roads.
  • 15h30 – Reopen N3 and other connecting roads for all vehicles.

The R103 will be available as an alternative route during the blast. Substantial delays are, however, likely as the R103 is unable to handle the same volume of traffic as the N3.

The closure may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions on the day. If that happens, a second notice with information about the new time will be issued.

“Our traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), have carefully planned the closures and will manage and monitor them for their full duration” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KwaZulu Natal Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

“We understand that these road closures cause major disruption and have planned them to take place at times when the disruption is minimised. Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period or find suitable staging areas to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes. Light vehicle traffic, as well as emergency services and traffic management are advised to make use of alternative routing. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience during the ongoing major road enhancements.” said Lowe.