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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

BONZA BAY BRIDGE: CONTRACT X.003-022-2018/1-C6
AD-HOC STRUCTURAL AND DRAINAGE SERVICES AND EMERGENCY BRIDGE REPAIR WORKS ALONG THE N2 SECTION 16

Eastern Cape, 21 May 2025: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has started with repairs to seven structures along the N2 national road between the Nahoon Interchange and the Great Kei River Bridge in the Eastern Cape Province. Work on the Bonza Bay Bridge started on the 14 May this year. The initial work done was on the underside of the Bonza Bay Bridge on the N2. Work on the Bonza Bay Road (top structure) is scheduled to start on the 4 June this year. The duration of the works on the Bonza Bridge is anticipated to take three months. Repair work will be undertaken by the contractor, Makali Plant and Construction together with local sub-contractors. Remedial works to the bridges comprise works to repair / correct defects, as detailed below:

1. Repairs to cracked and spalling of concrete.
2. Various structural defects.
3. High Pressure cleaning of the bridge and application of protective coatings.
4. Damage to parapets.
5. Replacement of steel guardrails with precast concrete guardrails.
6. Replacement of bridge joints and asphalt surfacing repairs

“Road users approaching the Bonza Bay Bridge along the N2 Section 16 will be restricted to a reduced road width with delineators, warning signs and flagmen. Where necessary the road will be reduced to a single lane with the necessary temporary traffic accommodation signage and Stop/Go traffic control facilities in place”. “To undertake the required work on the Bonza Bay Road (top of the bridge) the necessary temporary traffic accommodation signage and Stop/Go traffic control facilities will be in place between the circle at the entrance to the Crossing complex and the traffic lights at the entrance to Retail Park. Lane widths will be reduced and when required it will be reduced to single lane traffic with Stop / Go controls in place,” said Kayakazi Mafuta, SANRAL Eastern Cape’s Acting Provincial Head.

The speed within the work areas along the N2 Section 16 will be reduced to 60 kilometres per hour and to 40 kilometres per hour on the Bonza Bay Road. Members of the Public may direct any queries to the Main Contractor on cell phone number 072 531 6572 and email address subcontractC6@makali.co.za.

“Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and to not overtake within the single lane zones,” added Mafuta.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

– Ends –

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

NIGHT-TIME ROAD CLOSURES ON N2 BETWEEN KWAMASHU TO MOUNT EDGECOMBE INTERCHANGE

Pietermaritzburg, 21 May 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of planned night-time closures on the N2 northbound carriageway between the KwaMashu and Mount Edgecombe interchanges. These closures are necessary to facilitate the installation of two overhead sign gantries that span the N2 as part of ongoing upgrade works.

“Construction on this section of the N2 has reached an advanced stage and now requires the installation of road sign gantries. This is a key part of the broader upgrade of the N2 between KwaMashu and Mdloti,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL KwaZulu Natal’s Provincial Specialist: Geometrics Engineer.

Closure Details:

N2 Northbound Carriageway (Durban to King Shaka International Airport)

From: 19:00 on Saturday, 31 May 2025 to 07:00 on Sunday, 1 June 2025

Please note: The southbound carriageway will remain fully open to traffic during this period.

In the interest of safety for both motorists and the construction team, comprehensive traffic management measures are in place. Road users can expect to see the installation of temporary signage, safety barriers, and traffic calming devices in preparation for the closure. A detailed alternative route guide is provided below to assist motorists in navigating around the affected section.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their patience and cooperation as we work to improve South Africa’s national road network. “We urge all road users to plan ahead and, where possible, depart earlier than usual. Operators of heavy vehicles and trucks are advised to delay travel during the closure or make use of suitable staging areas to prevent congestion. Public transport providers are requested to ensure their drivers are informed of the closure,” added Lowe.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

PARTIAL LANE CLOSURES ON N3 KEY RIDGE TO HAMMARSDALE INTERCHANGE

 

Pietermaritzburg, 21 May 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of scheduled partial lane closures of the N3 northbound fast lane between the Key Ridge and Hammarsdale Interchange on 31 May 2025 and 01 June 2025, between 09h00 and 15h00 to facilitate the survey of traffic lanes, as part of the N3 Section 2 Realignment Project.

“Fast lane closures will be necessary between the N3/M13 and Hammarsdale Interchanges for the survey of existing traffic lanes. The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), with the assistance of our contractor’s traffic accommodation team, will manage and monitor traffic during these closures,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

Lane Closure Details:

Saturday, 31 May and Sunday, 01 June 2025

09:00 to 9:15 – Close the N3 fast lane.

09:15 to 14:45 – Survey of existing fast lane.

14:45 to 15:00 – Reopen N3.

The R103 will be available as an alternative route during the closures.

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

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL TRAINING PROGRAMME REAPS REWARDS FOR KZN STUDENTS ON N3 DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

SANRAL Board Members with the young people who participated in the CSDG training programme

Pietermaritzburg, 20 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) ongoing training programmes are a step in the right direction in becoming one of the country’s solutions to ameliorate the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality among young people, said SANRAL Board Chairperson Themba Mhambi.

Mr Mhambi was speaking at a certificate award ceremony which took place in Camperdown, KwaZulu-Natal, of young people who worked on the Cato Ridge component of SANRAL’s major N3 development project yesterday (Monday).

“SANRAL alone spends over R1bn on training and development programmes of young people. One of our immediate priorities is to ensure that our training programmes are properly integrated and monitored, so that we get more value on every cent that we spend on the programmes that we initiate. One of the key outcomes of this priority is to ensure that young people get accredited certificates on their training programmes, which will assist and allow them to play a contributing role in the development of our society and economy,” said Mr Mhambi.

Through the Contract Skills Development Goal (CSDG) training programme on the N3 development project, which SANRAL has embarked on in partnership with Raubexn Construction, and engineering consulting companies Corabrand, Nyeleti, and GIBB, young people who have participated in the programme have honed the necessary skills and training that will help them in furthering their careers.

Some of the initial recipients of the training programme have gone to establish their own businesses and others have been employed by various contractors that are currently undertaking work on the N3 development project.

“The training programme is offered on site to allow unemployed graduates to complete their work integrated learning and to eventually register as professionals in the construction industry. This mentoring programme has targeted not just technical development, but also personal and professional development, which we believe will build a strong foundation for these young people, as well as for the industry,” said Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL’s Chief Construction Operations and Maintenance Engineer.

Echoing Nkabinde’s sentiments, SANRAL Board Member Refilwe Buthelezi stressed the importance of mentoring young people. “I encourage young people among us to seek mentors who will be role models that they will emulate. These mentors will coach them in building themselves, find guidance and excel in their career development.”

“This programme has demonstrated the power of engineering to only solve problems, but to also empower and inspire our communities. We hope that this programme will not only encourage students to apply for jobs, but to inspire themselves to be entrepreneurs. This would require for them to lead and see opportunities, face those opportunities and find solutions to the problems that it faces,” added Buthelezi.

Princess Mtuli, one of the students who benefitted from the programme, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the programme. “Guidance from SANRAL has assisted us in not only learning about site preparation and gaining hands-on experience in other aspects of construction, but it has also helped us in learning about teamwork.”

“Through this programme, we have also learnt important skills such as quality assurance and understanding the high standards that are imposed by the construction industry. One of the significant takeaways from this programme is an emphasis on health and safety, which is a fundamental aspect of construction. Certainly, the skills we gained will enable us to further play a critical role in the development of the industry,” said Mtuli.

Malaika Ahiwe, another student who benefitted from the programme, agrees. “This programme has immensely contributed to my personal and professional development. My journey on this programme has been filled with growth, challenges and victories that will carry me throughout my career. The experience that I have gained has been life changing; it has opened my eyes, and I have been exposed to the various aspects of the construction industry. I can now say that I am ‘consciously competent’ because I’ve learned to work in a multidisciplinary environment, I’ve built my confidence, resilience and I now have a sense of purpose. Working on this programme has been a foundation for everything I hope to achieve in my career going forward,” said Ahiwe.

The first intake of the CSDG training programme started in October 2022 with 23 students. The 23 students were then supplemented with a further 17 students over three months and, by January 2023, there were 40 students on the programme. With a further intake of another 40 students, the total number increased to 80 students in the Cato Ridge component of the N3 development project.

In a country that experiences high levels of youth unemployment, the CSDG programme alone has seen almost 800 young people participate.

-ENDS-

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

UPGRADING OF N2 NATIONAL ROUTE BETWEEN GRAHAMSTOWN AND FISH RIVER PASS:
Blasting Works on N2 Sections 13 and 14 for May 2025.

Eastern Cape, 20 May 2025: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that blasting operations are planned for the following dates in May 2025.

• Thursday 22 May 2025
• Monday 26 May 2025
• Thursday 29 May 2025

All blasting happens off the road and it normally does not affect public traffic. Under exceptional conditions, the road might be closed from 15h00 to 16h00.

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

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

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

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

“Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and use caution when making use of the roads,” said Kayakazi Mafuta, SANRAL Eastern Cape’s Acting Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

– Ends –

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR BLASTING ON THE N2 BETWEEN MOUNT FRERE AND MOUNT AYLIFF

Gqeberha – 16th May 2025: The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that blasting is scheduled to take place on the N2 national road between Mount Frere and Mount Ayliff at 12h00 on Friday, 23 May 2025.

The blasting will take place at approximately 10,6 kilometres from Mount Frere when travelling towards Mount Ayliff.

The road will be closed during the blast for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Motorists travelling From Kokstad towards Mthatha may consider the following alternative routes: –

• Exit the N2 at the Matatiele to Mount Fletcher route or via Flagstaff and Lusikisiki to Port St Johns via the R61 and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha. Motorists travelling from Mthatha towards Kokstad may consider using the same route.

The shortest alternative route is 69 kilometres longer and may add approximately 50 minutes to your trip between Mthatha and Kokstad.

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

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

NIGHT-TIME ROAD CLOSURES ON N3 WESTVILLE TO PARADISE VALLEY INTERCHANGE

Durban, 15 March 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of temporary nighttime road closures on the N3 national road at the St James Avenue Interchange (Pavilion interchange). The nighttime closures will be done to stage and place portal beams as part of the ongoing construction of the upgraded St James Avenue bridge over the N3.

“Construction continues on the upgraded St James Avenue Bridge, following its partial demolition at the end of March 2024. This closure is part of the ongoing upgrade process for the N3 between Westville and Paradise Valley,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

The temporary road closures will take place as follows:

• N3 South Bound (Pinetown to Durban) Carriageway Closures: Traffic will be diverted via the interchange ramps during these periods (exit 13 Spine Road):

-From 22:00 to 04:30 on Tuesday, 20 May and again on each of the nights of 24, 25 and 26 May 2025 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday respectively).

• N3 North Bound (Durban to Pinetown) Carriageway Closures: Traffic will be diverted via the interchange ramps during these periods (exit 13 Spine Road):

-From 22:00 to 04:30 on Monday, 19 May and again on each of the nights of 21, 22 and 23 May 2025 (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday respectively).

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

A detailed alternative route guide is included below.

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

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

N3 South Bound loop onramp (Pavilion to Durban):

• Traffic will be accommodated to make a right turn onto the on ramp rather than to make us of the loop ramp.

 

N3 South Bound Closures (Pinetown to Durban):

• N3 South Bound fully closed at St James Avenue Interchange (exit 13 Spine Road).
• The off ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre will remain open.
• Traffic will be diverted off the N3 via the interchange off ramp and then back onto the N3 via the on ramp

N3 North Bound Closures (Durban to Pinetown):

• N3 North Bound fully closed at St James Avenue Interchange (exit 13 Spine Road).
• The off ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre will remain open.

 

 

 

Figure 1: Detour routes

“We understand that these road closures cause major disruption, so we 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, find suitable staging areas or reroute via the M7 or M19 to avoid congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes”, added Lowe.

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL DOES NOT ENFORCE SPEED LIMITS ON ITS NATIONAL ROAD NETWORK

Pretoria, 13 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to put it on record that a communique that is currently being circulated, purporting to emanate from SANRAL, that the roads agency is in the process of revising speed limits and enforcing stricter laws to reduce fatalities on the country’s roads is false.

“SANRAL has a distinct mandate to manage the country’s national road network. This mandate encompasses the financing, planning, development, improvement, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the national roads, as prescribed by the SANRAL Act of 1998. The SANRAL mandate does not include any enforcement rights, be that related to speed, safety or security,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s General Manager for Communication and Marketing.

According to the communique that is being circulated, effective from 1 July, SANRAL “Highway Law” will implement adjusted limits across South Africa’s national highway system. This will include:

• Urban roads reduced from 60 km/h to 50 km/h
• Rural roads adjusted from 100 km/h to 80 km/h
• Highways and national routes capped at 110 km/h, down from 120 km/h
• Heavy vehicles limited to 90 km/h on all roads, and
• School zones to have a strict 30 km/h speed limit during school hours.

“We encourage members of the public to contact SANRAL’s hotline number on 0800 204 508 or email at sanral@tip-offs.co.za if they pick up suspicious information that they pick up being circulated. We also encourage members of the media can also reach out to our press office on pressoffice@nra.co.za for further clarity,” added Mona.

//Ends

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL ADVISES MOTORISTS OF DRILLING WORKS ALONGSIDE N1 NATIONAL ROAD FROM OLD OAK ROAD TO KOELENHOF INTERCHANGE

CAPE TOWN, 13 May 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) advises residents and road users of scheduled drilling works alongside the N1 national road from Old Oak Road to Koelenhof Interchange (Brackenfell and Kraaifontein) from Monday 19 May until 18 July 2025 in Cape Town.

“The drilling works will take place alongside the N1 in the road reserve and median. Short sections of the road shoulder will be temporarily closed to facilitate the works, and all lanes will remain open to traffic. We advise road users to remain vigilant and be aware of slow-moving vehicles in the vicinity, Appropriate signage will be installed, and road users are urged to follow the displayed signage during this period,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Provincial Head for the Western Cape.

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

“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,” added Cable.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused during the drilling works and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this period.

//Ends