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MEDIA RELEASE

Projects valued at R25 billion are currently under construction N2 and N3 in KwaZulu Natal

Caption:SANRAL CEO Reginald Demana (in pink vest) receiving a briefing from main contractors in the Key Ridge to Hammarsdale project

 

 

Caption: Artist’s impression of the finished EB Cloete Interchange

Durban, 9 September 2024 – There are currently nine packages under construction on the N2 and N3 in KwaZulu Natal to the value of R25 billion, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“The N2/N3 programme is well on track since we started in 2021. We currently have got nine packages under construction, 7 on the N3 between Durban and Pietermaritzburg and two on the N2 which is the Kwa-Mashu to Umdloti and EB Cloete Interchange projects in eThekwini,” said Dudley Mbambo, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Acting Regional Manager.

The R1.2 billion KwaMashu Interchange to Umdloti project started in August 2021 and is due for completion in the last quarter of 2025. The M41 pedestrian bridge, to be undertaken as a Community Development and Road Safety project is a much-needed safety measure on this project and its completion is of utmost importance.

“We need to ensure the safety of all road users are prioritized including pedestrians. There are households next to the M41 highway and people crossing to go to work in various places. These people must be provided with a pedestrian bridge that will make it safe to cross the highway,” said Mbambo.

Major strides have been achieved on the R5 billion EB Cloete Interchange (Spaghetti Junction) project which started in May 2023. Construction is 15% complete as at end of July 2024 and the targeted enterprises have earned well over R35 million.

This project aims to increase the capacity of the EB Cloete Interchange and 8.1 kilometers of the N2 and N3 in the vicinity back to acceptable service levels through the addition of new lanes on the Interchange ramps and the carriageways of the N2 and N3.

“There are currently 20 lanes in the interchange and the upgrades will increase that capacity to 32 lanes in all directions. The upgraded interchange and adjacent N2 and N3 will provide additional lanes that will reduce traffic congestion and delays to the travelling public upon completion,” said Mbambo.

Of the total cost, the cost of the steel arch which is pivotal to the functioning of the interchange is approximately 5% of the overall cost to a value of R240million, while the roads works and structures costs are approximately R2,5billion and R1,6billion respectively.

Exempt Micro Enterprises (EME) and Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE) subcontractors and suppliers will also benefit through the subcontracting of approximately R1,25 billion to Targeted Enterprise subcontractors and suppliers, with up to 121 subcontract packages and 19 supplier packages anticipated to be awarded to Targeted Enterprises.

“Labour is employed from the local community with an approximate R333,6 million anticipated to be spent on hourly wages over the 5-year contract period. A total of R22,6 million is anticipated to be spent on training that would include 160 learnerships, 150 technical skills, 650 generic skills, and 16 CIDB method 2/3/4,” said Mbambo.

The R4.57 billion N3 upgrade project between Key Ridge and Hammarsdale commenced in May 2023. The Key Ridge to Hammarsdale project upgrade will play a major role in alleviating traffic and bring about much needed safety in the area. The steep gradients, excessive super-elevation and curvilinear alignment results in many heavy vehicles overturning at the bottom of the valley resulting in closure of the N3 for lengthy period of time. This section of the N3 will be realigned to a greenfields portion resulting in a much straighter alignment with much flatter gradient.

The construction, scheduled to take 51 months, will upgrade the existing roadway to a five-lane divided dual carriageway starting in the south at Key Ridge, near the M13 interchange, at km 2,8 and continuing to just before the Hammarsdale Interchange at km 8,825.

The project is divided into three distinct construction phases:

• Phase 1: Widening of the existing northbound carriageway to accommodate five lanes of contraflow traffic (2 lanes northbound and 3 lanes southbound).
• Phase 2: Divert all traffic to the newly widened northbound carriageway. Construction of the new five-lane southbound carriageway as a greenfield project.
• Phase 3: Divert all traffic to the newly constructed southbound carriageway. Construction of the new five-lane northbound carriageway as a greenfield project.

“This project, which comes at a cost of R4.57 billion, was necessitated by high crash statistics as well as poor condition of the pavement, which is over 40 years. The upgrade will increase safety but also significantly improve the level of service for the next 30 years,” said Mbambo.

In line with SANRAL’s transformation objectives, at least R1.1billion will be subcontracted to SMMEs while just over R392 million will be spent on local labour.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N3 closure to facilitate blasting between Ashburton and Market Road

Pietermaritzburg, 6 September 2024 – Part of the N3 will be fully closed on 10 and 12 September 2024 to facilitate blasting next to the N3 at the Ashburton Interchange, as part of the N3 Ashburton to Market Road upgrade project, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“The N3 closure will take place between the Ashburton and Market Road Interchanges. Closures will also be necessary on Pope Ellis Drive from R103 intersection to Ashburton Interchange in the vicinity of the blasting activities,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

Traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) will monitor the diversion of traffic during the closure.

The road closure will take place as follows:

10 September 2024 (Tuesday):
14h30: Close N3 and secondary road and blast.
14h30 to 14h55: Clean up any debris on all roads.
14h55 to 15h00: Final Road Safety Inspection
15h00: Re-open N3 and secondary road for all vehicles.

12 September 2024 (Thursday):
14h30: Close N3 and secondary road and blast.
14h30 to 14h55: Clean up any debris on all roads.
14h55 to 15h00: Final Road Safety Inspection
15h00: Re-open N3 secondary road for all vehicles.

The R103 route 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 of the new time will be issued.

“We ask motorists to be patient during the closure and to plan and adjust their trips, especially their times of departure, to accommodate the closure while still adhering to speed limits. SANRAL apologises to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused and thanks them for their patience during the ongoing road construction,” said Lowe.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES:

FIGURE 1: ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR BLASTING.
NOTE: ASHBURTON/ POPE ELLIS WILL BE CLOSED FOR BLASTING TRAFFIC WILL BE DIRECTED VIA THE R103 ROUTE.THE TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE MARKET ROAD OFFRAMP TO THE N3 MAINLINE AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 1 ABOVE IN RED.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL exposes Maluti-a-Phofung youth to educational opportunities

Caption: Learners from Maluti-a-Phofung attentively listening to SANRAL presentation at the career exhibition

Harrismith, 5 September 2024 – Scholarships are available to all high school learners who are in grades 8 to 12, irrespective of subject choices, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

More than 800 high school learners from Maluti-a-Phofung attended the agency’s Career Expo this week and were encouraged to apply for the scholarship and bursary opportunities provided by SANRAL.

Speaking to the learners, Maluti-a-Phofung Education District Director Khothatso Molefi said: “The purpose for today’s event is to show you the way and expose you to different careers. The opportunities presented here are for you. Everyone is here to help you choose your careers, to succeed and have a brighter future. Take this opportunity and use it to your advantage.”

Nomfundo Vilakazi, Human Resources graduate intern at SANRAL’s Eastern Region, encouraged learners to choose their careers wisely. “I am a recipient of a SANRAL bursary. If I can do it, so can you. You must have a dream as a young person. There is no limit to your dream. As the youth you are powerful to change your future. You have the power to change your situation at home,” said Vilakazi.

She encouraged the learners to make use of the opportunities presented to them and to focus solely on their education.

“To qualify for these opportunities, students at universities need a 60% pass mark while matriculants must obtain a 70% pass mark. Our bursary programme benefits students who want to study towards fields such as procurement, finance and human resources, and not just civil engineering,” said Vilakazi.

Thandeka Ngema, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Stakeholder Coordinator, said: “As much as SANRAL builds national roads, we go by our motto which is ‘Beyond Roads’. At the Career Expo, we share information about our scholarship and bursary programmes and also talk about career opportunities in fields such as civil engineering, environmental engineering and electronic engineering, among others. We want the learners to know there is financial assistance for them to further their studies.”

Other partners in this programme include various government departments, including the Department of Employment and Labour; the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (WRSETA), as well as educational institutions such as Eduvos and the Central University of Technology, both based in Bloemfontein.

The applications are open and will close on 30 September. The bursary and scholarship applications forms are available on the SANRAL website, http://www.nra.co.za
For queries or more information contact: scholarship@nra.co.za or externalbursaries@nra.co.za

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Blasting Operations on N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass in the Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 5 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to notify road users that the N2 will be intermittently closed between Makhanda (Grahamstown) and the Fish River Pass due to blasting operations taking place between 9 and 26 September 2024.

Blasting operations are planned for the following dates:

• Monday, 9 September 2024,
• Thursday, 12 September2024,
• Monday, 16 September 2024,
• Thursday,19 September 2024,
• Monday, 23 September 2024, and
• Thursday, 26 September 2024.

The road will be closed on these days from 15h00, for a maximum period of three hours up to 18h00, to allow sufficient time for the cleaning of the existing N2 and making it safe for the travelling public.

Motorists travelling westwards between East London or Qonce (King William’s Town) and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) may consider using the following alternative route:

• From East London, follow the R72 to Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea through to Nanaga, turn left onto the N2 and continue on to Gqeberha.

Motorists travelling eastwards between Gqeberha and Qonce or East London may consider using the following alternative route:

• From Gqeberha, follow the N2 to Nanaga, turn right onto the R72 at the junction at Nanaga and travel on via Alexandria and Port Alfred to East London.
• From East London, turn left onto the N2 and travel westwards through to Qonce.

Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Region Manager, said, “Motorists are requested to plan their trips, accordingly, consider alternative routes and use caution when making use of the roads. We apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Temporary lane closure on N2 on the Safari Bridge in Richards Bay

Richards Bay, 4 September 2024 – Various activities including line marking Sandblasting, removal of barriers, and repair of asphalt surfacing will take place on N2 on the Safari Bridge (B1025) as part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance, the South African National Road Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) has announced.

“As part of the casting of concrete parapet process (building the concrete barrier on the bridge), temporary lane closures with stop-and-go control will be implemented,” said Serisha Sukraj, SANRAL Eastern Region Project Manager.

The road closure will take place as follows:

5 September 2024 (Southbound) from 09h00 to 14h00
6 September 2024 (Southbound) from 09h00 to 14h00
7 September 2024 (Southbound) from 09h00 to 14h00

Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and allow for extra travel time, especially when accessing travel hubs such as airports.

“We further appeal to road users to adhere to the road signs and speed limit when approaching and traveling through the construction site. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your understanding as they work to maintain their infrastructure assets,” said Sukraj

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Blasting on the N2 between KwaBhaca and eMaxesibeni, Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 3 September August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users of scheduled blasting that will take place on the N2 between KwaBhaca, formerly known as Mount Frere, and eMaxesibeni, formerly Mount Ayliff, at approximately 15h00 on Thursday, 5 September 2024.

The blast will occur at locations approximately 6.5km, 15km and 26.4km from KwaBhaca when traveling towards eMaXesibeni. The road will be temporarily closed during the blast.

While every effort will be made to minimise the duration of the closure, the road could be closed for up to 30 minutes.

The shortest alternative route is 69km longer and may add approximately 50 minutes to the journey between Mthatha and Kokstad.

Mbulelo Peterson, Regional Manager for SANRAL’s Southern Region, said, “We urge motorists to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and exercise caution while using the roads. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N3 closure to facilitate blasting between Ashburton and Market Road

Pietermaritzburg, 3 September 2024 – Part of the N3 will be fully closed on 10 and 12 September 2024 to facilitate blasting next to the N3 at the Ashburton Interchange as part of the N3 Ashburton to Market Road upgrade project, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

The N3 closure will take place between the Ashburton and Market Road Interchanges. Closures will also be necessary on Pope Ellis Drive from R103 intersection to Ashburton Interchange in the vicinity of the blasting activities.

“Our traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will monitor the diversion of traffic during the closure” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The full road closure will take place as follows:

10 September 2024 (Tuesday):
14h30: Close N3 and secondary road and blast.
14h30 to 14h55: Clean up any debris on all roads.
14h55 to 15h00: Final Road Safety Inspection
15h00: Re-open N3 and secondary road for all vehicles.

12 September 2024 (Thursday):
14h30: Close N3 and secondary road and blast.
14h30 to 14h55: Clean up any debris on all roads.
14h55 to 15h00: Final Road Safety Inspection
15h00: Re-open N3 secondary road for all vehicles.

The R103 route 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 of the new time will be issued.

“We ask motorists to be patient during the closure and to plan and adjust their trips, especially their leaving times, to accommodate the closure whilst still adhering to speed limits. SANRAL apologises to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused and thanks them for their patience during the ongoing road construction,” said Lowe.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES:

FIGURE 1: ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR BLASTING.
NOTE: ASHBURTON/ POPE ELLIS WILL BE CLOSED FOR BLASTING TRAFFIC WILL BE DIRECTED VIA
THE R103 ROUTE.THE TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE MARKET ROAD OFFRAMP TO THE
N3 MAINLINE AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 1 ABOVE IN RED.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Temporary lane closures on N2 Nseleni River Bridge

Nseleni, 3 September 2024 – Various activities including line marking, bridge joint repairs, removal of barriers, and repair asphalt surfacing will take place on N2, on the Nseleni River Bridge (B2020) as part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance, the South African National Road Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“As part of the casting of concrete parapet process, temporary lane closures with stop-and-go control will be implemented,” said Serisha Sukraj, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The full road closure will take place as follows:

02 September 2024 (Northbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
03 September 2024 (Northbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
04 September 2024 (Southbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
05 September 2024 (Southbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
06 September 2024 (Northbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
07 September 2024 (Southbound) from 09:00 to 14:00

Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and allow for extra travel time, especially when accessing travel hubs such as airports.

“We further appeal to road users to adhere to the road signs and speed limit when approaching and traveling through the construction site. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your understanding as they work to maintain their infrastructure assets,” said Serisha Sukraj.

//Ends

MEDIA RELEASE

R50 billion worth of tenders out to market

Caption: SANRAL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Reginald Demana

Pretoria, 2 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced that it is injecting at least R50 billion into the country’s economy. The national roads agency is currently evaluating 96 tenders worth R35 billion, while 86 contracts worth R15 billion have already been awarded since the start of the 2024/25 financial year on 1 April 2024.

The tenders currently in evaluation are spread across the country:

• 34 tenders in the Northern Region (Gauteng, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga) worth R16.5 billion;
• 24 tenders in the Southern Region (Eastern Cape) worth R3.8 billion;
• 12 tenders in the Western Region (Western Cape and Northern Cape) worth R2 billion;
• 12 tenders in the Eastern Region (KwaZulu-Natal and Free State) worth R11.7 billion; and
• 14 tenders at Head Office, worth R839 million.

SANRAL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Reginald Demana, said this was a significant achievement given the procurement challenges the roads agency faced in 2023/24.

“This achievement is a testament to SANRAL’s commitment to economic recovery for the road construction sector and South Africa at large and follows a significant setback to our procurement processes in 2023/24 when legal challenges to SANRAL’s Preferential Procurement Policy (PPP) brought all tenders to a halt,” said Demana.

“The awarded contracts, worth R15 billion, as well as the tenders worth R35 billion – which are currently at various stages of evaluation – are being adjudicated in terms of the Interim PPP. This was adopted towards the end of 2023 after countrywide consultations with interested and affected stakeholders,” he explained.

“Furthermore, this progress is indicative of improved stability at an operational level. On 1 July 2024, SANRAL appointed a Chief Procurement Officer. We are determined to improve on the achievement of R51 billion worth of tenders awarded in the 2022/23 financial year.”

Demana said SANRAL was pushing ahead to put out even more work, with a further R1.8 billion worth of tenders to be advertised in the coming days and weeks.

“SANRAL’s objective is not only to ensure that we maintain the existing national road network and to build new road infrastructure to facilitate economic growth, but to use the State’s spending power to see even more impact; this not only in terms of improved infrastructure but also economic opportunities that transform the economy and change people’s lives,” he said.

With maintenance being critical to the upkeep of the national road network, there are new five-year term Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) tenders on the cards across the country, particularly in relation to roads newly transferred to SANRAL.

SANRAL’s major projects currently in construction continue to progress rapidly, with significant improvements to key road infrastructure and even more significant economic impact at national, regional and local level. Scores of people have benefitted from job creation, skills development and tools enabling them to carve a pathway out of poverty.

• N2 Wild Coast Road – The R20 billion N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) project is picking up speed with four major contracts underway, including Msikaba Bridge, Mtentu Bridge, the construction of the road linking the Msikaba and Mtentu bridges, and the road leading from Lingeni Intersection to Msikaba Bridge. Earlier in August, SANRAL announced the imminent construction of the R2.2 billion road from Lingeni village to Msikaba Bridge anticipated for early 2025. To date, the Msikaba Bridge contract has created opportunities for 44 local suppliers, 48 service providers and 61 subcontractors to the value of R665.6 million. Over R115 million in wages has been paid, while R76 million has been spent on generic and community training to fulfil the specific needs of the community. On the Mtentu Bridge project, R250 million has been spent to date with 248 local labourers employed.
• R56 Matatiele – The improvement of the R56 between Matatiele and the KwaZulu-Natal boundary is progressing well. Construction works on this R1.2 billion contract are being carried out over the entire 39km. The culverts and minor structure are ahead of schedule while earthworks are on track. A total of 250 workers sourced locally are currently on site and this number is expected to increase to 400 as the project continues. So far, 25 targeted enterprises have been engaged.
• N2 KwaBhaca to Ngcweleni River – The R1.2 billion improvement contract on the N2 between KwaBhaca (formerly Mount Frere) and Ngcweleni River is progressing well. Service and access roads form part of this contract.
• Moloto Road – Work on the R573 Moloto Road project is progressing steadily and SANRAL continues to reach great milestones with its land acquisition to continue with construction of upcoming phases of the project. SANRAL recently awarded a R893 million contract for the upgrading of section 2 of the project between KwaMhlanga and Enkeldoorn in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality as part of the multi-billion-rand development of the Moloto Road Corridor. The 10km portion in Mpumalanga is almost complete. For Limpopo, the 7km section was completed in February 2024. The 23km portion from Toitskraal to Marble Hall is currently under construction. The agency is at the point of appointing a contractor to start works on the Gauteng section of the R573 project in 2024, which will translate into jobs for locals, skills development and training and subcontracting opportunities for black-owned businesses.
• N2 Ermelo to KwaZulu-Natal border – The N2 between Ermelo and the KwaZulu-Natal border is due for a major upgrade, with five packages already advertised and currently under evaluation. The Panbult Interchange is currently under construction and the N2 between Bloemendal and Piet Retief was recently awarded – to the value of approximately R3.8 billion. All the other phases are earmarked for award later this financial year.
• R52 upgrade – Construction has also begun on the multi-billion-rand R52 between Rustenburg and Koster in North West. Additionally, good progress has been made on the upgrade of the R510 from the North West/Limpopo border towards Thabazimbi.
• R21 and N1 sinkholes – Work on the R21 and N1 sinkholes has progressed well. The rehabilitation of the R21 between Pomona Road and Olifantsfontein Interchange continues to gather momentum. Plans are underway to advertise additional tenders for periodic maintenance of the entire GFIP sections covering the N1, N3 and N12 in Gauteng.
• N2 Cape Town upgrade – A portion of the N2 between Swartklip Interchange and Baden Powell Interchange, approximately 12km in length adjacent to Khayelitsha and Mfuleni in the City of Cape Town, is currently under design. The project entails the upgrading from a four (4) lane to six (6) /eight (8) lane divided highway, four (4) major interchanges upgrades, and pedestrian safety infrastructure. A 6km portion of the N2 needs to be raised due to increased water levels. The project will make a significant contribution to road safety by formalising pedestrian and public transport facilities within the N2 road reserve, including the replacement of the old street lighting. Channelising pedestrians to safe crossing points is key to the safety improvements. The detailed design is being finalised. The project cost estimate is approximately R2 billion, and the construction tender is to be advertised in November 2024.
• N1, Old Oak to Koelenhof – The detailed design has been completed for the N1 improvements for about 13, between Old Oak and Koelenhof interchanges, with an estimated cost of over R3 billion. The project entails upgrading from four (4) lanes to six (6)/eight (8) lane divided highway, five (5) major interchange upgrades and pedestrian safety infrastructure, including street lighting over the entire length. SANRAL is in final preparations to go the market for this project.
• N7 upgrade – Work on the upgrades to the N7 in the Western Region is ongoing and has already seen more than R3.5 billion invested into the economy, with more than 40km of dual carriageway freeway constructed, eight interchanges constructed and nearly R1 billion spent on targeted enterprises over the last 10 years. The current R600 million upgrades between Malmesbury and Moorreesburg is due for completion in early 2025. There are other periodic contracts on the go and more recently awarded.
• Huguenot Tunnel – The tunnel has been operating for more than 36 years, allowing more than 112 million vehicles to pass through safely. In keeping with international safety standards as well as meeting the mobility demands of the significantly increased traffic volumes that come with urban development, SANRAL is upgrading the tunnel. Extensive improvements have been made to the existing tunnel (South Bore) in the last 24 months, which include upgrades to the tunnel lighting, ventilation and fire detection systems. The upgrade of the second tunnel (North Bore) is overdue and the final detailed design has recently been completed. SANRAL is preparing to go to the market shortly on this five-year construction contract. The project will cost approximately R4 billion to complete.
• N2/N3 upgrades – The R50 billion upgrade to the N2 and N3 freeways in KwaZulu-Natal is well underway, with significant progress on the KwaMashu Interchange on the N2, the EB Cloete Interchange linking the N2 and N3, as well as on the N3 between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The R5 billion upgrade to the EB Cloete Interchange (Spaghetti Junction), joining the N2 and N3 freeways, will increase the capacity of the interchange from the current 20 lanes to 32 lanes in all directions. Upon completion, the upgraded interchange and adjacent N2 and N3 will provide additional lanes that will reduce traffic congestion and delays for the travelling public. On the N3, the R4.5 billion upgrade project between Key Ridge South and Hammarsdale which commenced in May 2023, will alleviate traffic congestion and significantly improve safety in the area. On the N2, the R1.2 billion KwaMashu Interchange to Umdloti project started in August 2021 and is due for completion in September 2026.

The SANRAL management team, led by the CEO, conducted inspections of the N2WCR and N2/N3 projects in recent weeks and were satisfied with the progress made on these priority projects.

“SANRAL has numerous multi-billion-rand projects underway across the country which ensure that the construction industry is thriving, creating jobs and new opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs),” said Demana. “SANRAL will continue to use its mandate of developing, financing and maintaining the national road network to improve the lives of all South Africans, one kilometre at a time.”

//Ends

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N3 full closure to facilitate blasting between Ashburton and Market Road

Pietermaritzburg, 2 September 2024 – Part of the N3 will be fully closed on 3 September and the 5 September 2024, to facilitate blasting next to the N3 at the Ashburton Interchange as part of the N3 Ashburton to Market Road upgrade project the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

The N3 closure will take place between the Ashburton and Market Road Interchanges. Closures will also be necessary on the Pope Ellis Drive from R103 intersection to Ashburton Interchange in the vicinity of the blasting activities.

“Our traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will monitor the diversion of traffic during the closure” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The full road closure will take place as follows:

3 September 2024 (Tuesday):
14h30: Close N3 and secondary road and blast.
14h30 to 14h55: Clean up any debris on all roads.
14h55 to 15h00: Final Road Safety Inspection
15h00: Re-open N3 and secondary road for all vehicles.

5 September 2024 (Thursday):
14h30: Close N3 and secondary road and blast.
14h30 to 14h55: Clean up any debris on all roads.
14h55 to 15h00: Final Road Safety Inspection
15h00: Re-open N3 secondary road for all vehicles.

The R103 route 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 of the new time will be issued.

“We ask motorists to be patient during the closure and to plan and adjust their trips, especially their leaving times, to accommodate the closure while still adhering to speed limits. SANRAL apologises to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused and thanks them for their patience during the ongoing road construction,” said Lowe.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES:

FIGURE 1: ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR BLASTING.

NOTE: ASHBURTON/ POPE ELLIS WILL BE CLOSED FOR BLASTING TRAFFIC WILL BE DIRECTED VIA THE R103 ROUTE.THE TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE MARKET ROAD OFFRAMP TO THE N3 MAINLINE AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 1 ABOVE IN RED.

//Ends