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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N3 closure to facilitate blasting activities at the Ashburton and Lynnfield Interchanges

Pietermaritzburg, 22 August 2024 – The N3 will be fully closed for thirty minutes on 27 August 2024 between 14h30 and 15h00 to facilitate blasting next to the N3 at Ashburton and Lynnfield (Lion Park) Interchanges, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

This work will be undertaken as part of the N3 Upgrade Projects from Lynnfield Interchange to Gladys Manzi Road upgrades.

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

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

The full road closure will take place as follows:

27 August 2024, Tuesday
14h30 to 14h45 – Close N3 at Umlaas Road and Market Road, R103 at Lynnfield Interchange and secondary road and blast.
14h45 to 15h00 – Clean up any debris on all roads.
15h00 – Reopen N3, R103 and secondary road for all vehicles.

“As one of the blasts occurs on the R103 in close proximity to the N3 Lynnfield interchange, there is no alternative route on which to divert traffic. A 30-minute delay will be inevitable as both the R103 and N3 will both be closed for the duration of the blast and any clearing of debris necessary,” said Lowe.

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 and date will be issued.

“Motorists are urged to plan and adjust their routes to avoid reaching the closure between the advertised times. They are further urged to remain patient during the closure and follow the directions of the traffic enforcement officials. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience during the ongoing major road enhancements.” said Lowe.

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MEDIA RELEASE 

MINISTER CREECY CONDUCTS R21 SINKHOLE INFRASTRUCURE

INSPECTIONS AND VALA ZONKE POTHOLE REPAIR

Pretoria – The Minister of Transport, Ms, Barbara Creecy, joined by Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the national, Gauteng provincial and SANRAL leadership as well as teams of engineers and road construction experts will conduct an inspection of the repair and rehabilitation work and progress being made on the R21 national road enroute to the OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.

The Minister will also join the team in the patching and fixing of potholes as part of the Vala Zonke pothole fixing programme.

SANRAL is currently undertaking various roadworks projects within the Gauteng province including the rehabilitation of about 14km of the R21 to improve its condition and enhance mobility within the corridor.

The project started in early 2024 and is planned for completion within about 24 months with two sinkholes having formed on the northbound carriageway towards Pretoria, past the Olifantsfontein interchange.

The rehabilitation process is currently about 88% complete and the R21 road rehabilitation at 36%.

Members of the media are invited to join the Minister and Deputy Minister for the R21 rehabilitation inspection and Vala Zonke pothole repair progamme. The details of the event are as follows:

Part 1:
Project site inspection: R21 Sinkhole (North bound)

Date: Thursday, 22 August 2024
Time: 09h00
Venue: R21 National Road (Northbound side close to the Olifantsfontein turnoff)

Part 2:
R21 Road Rehabilitation project

Date: Thursday, 22 August 2024
Time: 10h00
Venue: R21 National Road (Northbound side close to the Olifantsfontein turnoff)

Part 3:
Operation Vala Zonke activation and inspection

Date: Thursday, 22 August 2024
Time: 11h00
Venue: Tugela Street, Langaville. Tsakane

Members of the media attending the event are requested to confirm their attendance with Sam Monareng on 073 491 3382 or monarens@dot.gov.za or Ivy Masale on 076 216 879 or masalei@dot.gov.za

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Temporary lane closure on N2 in Pongola

Pongola, 21 August 2024 – A concrete barrier will be built on the Pongola River Bridge (B42) on the N2 as part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance, and this will lead to temporary lane closures, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited ISANRAL) has announced.

“Because 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’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The dates for the closures are:

26 August 2024 (Southbound) from 09h00 to 14h00
28 August 2024 (Southbound) from 09h00 to 14h00
30 August 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 limits 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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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL brings R2.7 billion worth of projects to Winburg in the Free State

Hugh Brooks, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager, presenting upcoming

projects to the Winburg community in Masilonyana Local Municipality

Free State, 20 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) will bring projects worth R2.7 billion to Winburg in the Free State, officials from the national roads agency told stakeholders at a recent information sharing session in the town.

This engagement, intended to strengthen relationships with local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), is in line with SANRAL’s transformation policy which is designed to maximise the participation of contractors, suppliers and professionals in all its commissioned projects. SANRAL will embark on various improvement projects in Lejweleputswa District Municipality.

“Our purpose today is to afford local communities the opportunity to understand SANRAL’s activities in the area and communicate SANRAL’s contracting and subcontracting process. As SANRAL, we want to share employment opportunities with the communities in the Masilonyana Local Municipality through these projects,” said Hugh Brooks, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The improvements of the N1 from Scottland to Winburg South and from Zandkraal to Scottland will be done at a cost of approximately R2.7billion, with 30% reserved for subcontracting opportunities. Routine road maintenance will be carried out on the R730 and R34 between Winburg Station and Ventersburg.

“On Scottland to Winburg South improvements, the existing road will be upgraded and rehabilitated to form the new southbound carriageway of the new dual carriageway freeway. A completely new northbound carriageway will be constructed on the west side of the existing road,” said Brooks.

SANRAL will continue to drive its transformation agenda for local SMMEs and community members that live alongside its national roads to ensure that all key and affected stakeholders benefit from its projects. At least 30% of the contract value is earmarked for subcontracting to SMMEs, through open tenders.

“SANRAL provided this opportunity for local communities to participate in contracting and subcontracting opportunities on the projects. The communities are therefore presented with opportunities for local SMMEs to obtain training and in turn create employment through these projects,” said Brooks.

SANRAL will continuously liaise with the appointed Project Liaison Committee (PLC) to follow the process in the hiring of local labourers for the duration of the projects. Regular project information sessions and engagements with stakeholders and affected municipalities are crucial throughout the project life cycle to foster healthy relations with targeted stakeholders.

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MEDIA RELEASE

Hillary Construction to rehabilitate the Old N1 in the Musina CBD, SANRAL announces

Pretoria, 19 August 2024 – Hillary Construction Pty Ltd is the main contractor undertaking the rehabilitation work on the Old N1 road, section 29, cutting through the copper town of Musina in the Limpopo Province.

The South African National Road Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) said the estimated budget for the project is R227million, excluding VAT and price adjustment.

SANRAL Northern Region Project Engineer, Hennie Kotze, explained that the 5.8km project entailed the reconstruction of the existing layers on the route, resurfacing, new road markings, cleaning the culverts and extending and replacing sidewalks.

SANRAL will improve the current existing road and the old (defunct) railway line will be cut. The traffic circles will be removed and changed into a four-way-stop sign. We will place stop-and-go signage very soon for traffic control,” Kotze said.

The contract was awarded three months ago. There was a mobilisation period of two months in which the Project Liaison Committee (PLC) was put in place, and a labour and targeted enterprise database set up.

“There is some work on the go in town and the contractor is busy putting out tenders for procuring SMMEs to do some of the work,” Kotze added.

Kotze said the contract made provision for 8% of its value to be spent on targeted labour from the Musina area, while 30% would be spent on targeted enterprises which have at least 51% black ownership.

Hillary Construction CEO Trevor Freestone said he had not yet appointed subcontractors and service providers.

“The yellow machines currently busy on the road are just doing excavation work in some sections of the road,” he said. “The opening of tenders will be public, and the adjudication of service providers will be conducted fairly. We will check for compliance and eligibility. Our first priority are residents of Musina.”

Freestone said applicants and SMMEs could use Hillary Construction’s online platform to apply for subcontracting tenders.

“I will sit with colleagues in the office and see if we can have a tender box at the entrance and allow hand applications to cater those not used to online applications. We are Level 01 BEE contributors,” said Freestone.

He said the company would be strict when hiring truck drivers. “Having a driver] s license doesn’t mean you have skills. We need skillful and competent drivers. I’m happy that the project liaison officer is here so that we can start the project together,” he said.

Project Liaison Officer Davis Mashaba is expecting more locals (youth, women and people living with disabilities) to be employed.

“We welcome SANRAL’s commitment to improve the old N1 because it has been damaged by heavy-duty trucks that cross the Beit-Bridge border post day and night. The high traffic volume has damaged the road surface and its many layers,” she said.

“In some areas, it is riddled with potholes that are damaging the car rims and also causing unnecessary accidents,” Mashaba added.

Stanley Semata, a well-known businessman who specialises in civil work in the copper town, said he was happy that SANRAL and the contractor (Hillary Construction Pty Ltd) had clarified how SMMEs would benefit.

“What we don’t need is the interference of politicians in the project. The majority of the youth are unemployed and involved in drugs and alcohol abuse, so we are expecting them to be employed as labourers,” Semata explained.

Businesswoman Patience Mbewe said she would be happy if women got a slice of cake. She pointed out, “When you empower a woman, you empower the nation”.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL supports education with donations to NJ Heyns Special School in Kimberley

Caption: NJ Heyns Special School Deputy Principal (technical) Sandra Keith and André De Clerk, Deputy Principal (academic), expressed their gratitude to SANRAL for the computer and uniform donations made to the school. Luphelo Ngalo, SANRAL Stakeholder Coordinator (left) and Zingisa Tshali, Marketing and Communications Coordinator handed over the goods.

Kimberley, 19 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency Limited SOC (SANRAL) recently made donations of school uniforms, laptops and desktop computers to NJ Heyns Special School in Kimberley, which focuses on teaching technical skills to learners who may otherwise not do well in mainstream schools.

The principal, Dirk Neels, who was recently appointed, said he was approached by the SANRAL team who wanted to bring change to children who are disabled or in this case, intellectually challenged.

“With the laptops and desktops donated to the school the learners now have a better chance of helping themselves by doing research not only in their fields of study but also for projects and assignments,” said Neels.

But none of this would be possible if it was not for Thandiwe Mfolo, a community activist who referred SANRAL to the school. The school appreciated the donation and could not praise her enough during the handover ceremony.

One of the most important things they can’t afford is their school uniforms. Neels said they are so grateful for the uniforms since it’s still winter season and the long sleeve shirts and long pants will come in handy.

Luphelo Ngalo, SANRAL’s Western Region stakeholder relations coordinator, said that giving back to the community is a priority for SANRAL. “The donation consists of 10 used laptops, 10 data projectors, 17 used desktops and much-needed uniforms.”

Ngalo said that SANRAL, as a state-owned agency, look at themselves as an enabling agent. “We wanted to enable kids through education and empower them to reach beyond their borders.”

He said education is not just academic, it’s practical skills that you learn, skills with which you can go out and get a job. “I was impressed by the workshop that they have here, the skills they have to turn plastic waste into pavement bricks, which could potentially be used in a SANRAL project.”

 

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Periodic Maintenance on N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay

Western Cape, 15 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced that a periodic maintenance project is currently underway on the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

SANRAL Project Manager, Keenan Walbrugh explained that the maintenance extends to the section of the N2 between the Goukamma River bridge and the White Bridge, as well as the section between the Assegaai intersection and the intersection with the Sasol filling station in Harkerville.

“The project entails repairing distressed or defected areas on the road, followed by the construction of a new asphalt surfacing layer,” said Walbrugh.

Repairs to the distressed areas between Goukamma River Bridge and the White Bridge have been completed and in the interest of road safety, temporary road markings have been installed. Construction of the final surfacing layer and road markings is envisaged to commence during October and should be completed before the end of this year.

Repairs to the section between Assegaai intersection and the intersection with the Sasol filling station in Harkerville have also been completed. However, additional repairs will be implemented on this section between August and November 2024 and construction of the final surfacing layer and road markings is anticipated to start in January 2025. Overall completion of the project is envisaged to be in February 2025.

All efforts are being made to minimize the disruption to traffic flow. SANRAL appeals to motorists to be extra vigilant and adhere to the posted speed limits and ‘no overtaking’ signage within the construction zones. No construction works will take place during the December/January holiday period.

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Media Release

SANRAL announces new R2.2 billion project and Contractor Development Programme for N2 Wild Coast Road

Flagstaff, Eastern Cape, 14 August 2024 – The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), Reginald Demana, has launched a new R2.2-billion construction phase of the flagship N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) in the Eastern Cape.

The SANRAL CEO today (Wednesday) concluded a three-day visit to inspect progress on the new N2WCR, during which he introduced the contractor for Package Four, WBHO-Edwin Construction Joint Venture, to the community in Lusikisiki. Demana also visited the construction sites at the Msikaba and Mtentu mega-bridges, as well as Package Five, a 17km stretch of road between the two mega-bridges. He was accompanied by the Chief Construction and Maintenance Engineer, Dumisani Nkabinde, as well as the Regional Manager for the Southern Region, Mbulelo Peterson and the project management teams.

Demana’s announcement of the commencement of Package Four – construction of the N2WCR Section 20 between the Lingeni Intersection (km 15.40) and the Msikaba Bridge (km 33.02) valued at R2.2bn – is another major milestone for the project. In addition to the two mega-bridges, there are seven major construction packages on the N2WCR.

Demana says the N2WCR is making steady progress and, while the long-term benefits will be realised only once construction is completed, the project has already had a massive socio-economic impact on local communities.

“Construction on the N2 Wild Coast Road is advancing and the progress is visible, with significant milestones having been reached already. On a project of this scale, stretching for 110km across the Eastern Cape, there will no doubt be challenges such as the complexity of the engineering but it is clear that we are making steady progress,” said Demana.

“The main reason for the N2 Wild Coast Road – and why our government deliberately made a decision to invest about R20 billion in this part of the country – is because it’s a major connectivity road. It connects four provinces, that is the N2 starting in Cape Town in the Western Cape, running into the Eastern Cape and then on to KwaZulu-Natal and finally into Mpumalanga, which then further connects to neighbouring Mozambique. That illustrates the importance of the N2 Wild Coast Road, which is currently under construction.”

“The significance of the investment here in the Wild Coast is that it reduces travel distance by 80km between Post St John’s and Port Shepstone. It also reduces the travel time by up to two hours, depending on the type of vehicle you drive. Obviously, with shorter travel distances it reduces transport costs or logistics costs. It’s also flatter and therefore safer. We believe by doing that, we are enhancing the connectivity and also enhancing the ability to trade more efficiently.

“Obviously where we build projects, there is an immediate benefit in the form of jobs that we create. On the N2, we estimate that we will create about 8,000 to 9,000 full-time equivalent jobs, with between 22,000 and 28,000 indirect jobs. That amounts to a lot of immediate benefits.”

The SANRAL CEO received a detailed briefing on the Msikaba Bridge, which is advancing well with the inverted-Y pylon structures having exceeded 90% toward completion on both ends of the bridge. Construction of the bridge deck is anticipated to conclude in the first quarter of 2025, with the cable installation expected within the same period. The project has suffered some delays due to the unavailability of cable in the local market which required that it be imported from overseas suppliers, as well as challenges related to the complexity of the engineering.

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.

Construction of Package Four is set to commence in January 2025 after a four-month mobilisation period and is anticipated to create 400 jobs to the value of R176 million (8% of the contract value). Thirty-five percent of the contract value (R700 million) has been set aside for Contract Participation Goals (CPG) to ensure participation by local targeted enterprises.

Package 5, the construction of the road connecting Msikaba Bridge (North bank) to Mtentu Bridge (South bank), awarded to WBHO-H&I Joint Venture for R2.5 billion, commenced construction in April 2023 and is anticipated to conclude in the last quarter of 2027.

The contract has a Contract Participation Goal (CPG) value of R769 million, R2.6 million for training, R8 million for community development projects and R5.5 million for skills development for targeted enterprises. To date, the project has generated 445 job opportunities and appointed 41 targeted enterprises.

On the Mtentu Bridge project, R250 million has been spent on the contract to date and 248 local labourers have been employed. Construction of the access roads to the piers, third trial blasting operation and geotechnical investigative drilling for Pier 2 and Pier 11 is ongoing.

The CEO concluded his programme with a roundtable discussion with the Wild Coast Corridor Business Chamber where issues related to meaningful economic transformation were raised as a major concern across the N2 Wild Coast Road contracts. SANRAL was urged to intensify monitoring and evaluation on the ground to ensure that the impact of its transformation agenda is fully realised.

In addition to SANRAL’s Contractor Development Programme, which is in its final approval stages, SANRAL’s Regional Manager for the Southern Region, Mbulelo Peterson, said that Packages 1, 2 and 3 of the N2WCR were in design and would soon be implemented, ensuring more opportunities for locals.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL brings warmth and support to Makhanda community, Eastern Cape

Caption: Kuyusa Special Needs School accepting school supplies from SANRAL

Makhanda, 14 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has made a significant contribution to the Makhanda community in the Eastern Cape, by distributing blankets to elderly residents and providing essential school supplies like stoves and fridges to local schools. This was part of SANRAL’s contribution to doing good in honour of the late statesman, former President Nelson Mandela.

The day began at Samuel Ntsiko Primary School, where Principal Luluma Dyira expressed her heartfelt gratitude for SANRAL’s contribution. The second stop was Ntsika Senior Secondary School at Joza township.

In response to SANRAL’s support, Principal Thobile Ncula said, “As a school, we want to extend our thanks to SANRAL and the Makana Municipality. This gift couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s an opportune moment for us as we are expanding. This support will help us nurture our learners who can compete globally. The stove and chest freezers will greatly benefit our consumer studies and the laptops will assist in many of our subjects. We are very grateful to SANRAL for choosing us.”

Kuyusa Special Needs School warmly welcomed SANRAL with an opening choir and the beating of the drums, showing deep appreciation for the fulfillment of their wish list. School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson, Thobile Klei noted, “It takes a village to raise a child”.

Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL’s Southern Region Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, emphasised the importance of the initiative, “This outreach is not just about providing material support, it’s about reaffirming our commitment to the communities we serve. By supporting the elderly and the youth, we are investing in the well-being and future of our society.”

Following the support given to the schools, SANRAL distributed blankets to three old age homes in the city McKaiser Old Age, Hayton House and Brookshaw Home.

“This initiative reflects SANRAL’s commitment to honouring the Mandela legacy by supporting the needy and vulnerable within our community. We believe in the power of collective action and community support to drive positive change,” Ndika added.

SANRAL’s contributions to the Makhanda community underline its dedication to social responsibility and the upliftment of vulnerable groups, reinforcing the agency’s role as a pillar of support for the communities within which it operates.

Makana Municipality Acting Mayor, Andile Hoyi, listed close to 10 internal roads where SANRAL is undertaking maintenance work, targeting taxi routes to Hlalani, Albany Road and Currie Street, and creating opportunities for small businesses.

“SANRAL is in Makana Municipality because there was an engagement by the mayor of Makana through the Office of the Premier, that we need intervention with Makana roads and the roads agency agreed to the request,” said Hoyi.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

SANRAL N2/N3 EB Cloete upgrades and road closures

Durban, 14 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced the full closures of the N3 between St James Avenue/Harry Gwala Road Interchange and the EB Cloete Interchange for the demolition of the Rockdale Road Bridge over the N3.

The dates for the closures are as follows:

• Rockdale Road Bridge over the N3 will be closed from 17 August 2024 to the end of July 2025.
• N3, west-bound full closure from 18:00 on Saturday 24 August, to 04:00 on Monday, 26 August 2024.
• N3, east-bound lane closure from 18:00, on Saturday, 24 August, to 04:00 on Monday, 26 August 2024.

“This major road network is and has been under severe stress for a number of years, as traffic volumes have exceeded the original design capacity of the EB Cloete Interchange and its feeder roads. The Rockdale Road Bridge was built in the late 1960s and cannot accommodate the extra lanes on the N3 below it,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

These closures are to allow for the demolition of the current Rockdale Road Bridge and to enable the construction of a new Rockdale Road Bridge over the N3 as part of SANRAL’s major upgrade of the N3 east- and west-bound and the EB Cloete Interchange.

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 and/or find suitable staging areas over this timeframe 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 routes.

A detailed alternative route guide is included below can be found on this link: https://www.nra.co.za/project-n2n3-upgrades?region_id=eastern

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

N3, east-bound road will be fully closed from 18:00 on Saturday, 24 august 2024, to 04:00 Monday, 26 August 2024.

N3 East Bound Closures (Pinetown to Durban):

• N3 east-bound fully closed at St James Avenue/Harry Gwala Road Interchange – motorists can only off-ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre.
• St James Avenue loop ramp is fully closed coming from the Pavilion going to Durban.
• St James Avenue left slip is fully closed coming from Westville going to Durban.

N3, west-bound road will be fully closed from 18:00 on Saturday, 24 August 2024, to 04:00 Monday, 26 August 2024.

N3 West Bound Closures (Durban to Pinetown):

• N3 west-bound fully closed at EB Cloete Interchange (AKA Spaghetti Junction) – motorists can only proceed to the N2 North or South.
• N2 north-bound off-ramp fully closed at Spaghetti Junction coming from Amanzimtoti going to Pinetown.
• N2 south-bound off-ramp fully closed at Spaghetti Junction coming from Umhlanga Rocks going to Pinetown.

Residents of Westville and Chesterville are to be advised of the following:

Rockdale Road Bridge over the N3 will be closed from 17 August 2024 to the end of July 2025.

• Alternate access will be available via Bristol Road Bridge.

“SANRAL appeals 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 workers and road users, the speed limit along the route will be reduced during construction,” said Lowe.

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