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MEDIA ALERT

SANRAL to Engage Msukaligwa Community and SMMEs on Upcoming R2.7 billion N2 Construction Project

Pretoria, 02 May 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), invites members of the media to attend the Taking SANRAL to the people of Msukaligwa Local Municipality stakeholder engagement session.
The session will provide an opportunity for SANRAL to unpack sub-contracting and job opportunities available to SMMEs on the upcoming N2 road construction project, as well as share updates on its routine road maintenance (RRM) projects in the area. This engagement forms part of SANRAL’s commitment to transformation and inclusive growth by ensuring that local businesses benefit from infrastructure projects.

The details of the session are as follows:

Date: Monday, 05 May 2025Time: 10h00 – 14h30
Venue: Ella de Bruyn Hall, Ermelo
RSVP: Lerato Moloi on 067 598 3456 or moloil@nra.co.za

Members of the media are invited to attend.

 

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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 pressoffice@nra.co.za

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Commencement of Construction of the N2 Sheffield Interchange

Pietermaritzburg, 30 April 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of the start of construction activities on the N2 national road in the Sheffield area. The project includes roadworks adjacent to both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the N2 near Provincial Road 228 (P228), as well as the completion of roadworks on the P228 between the interchange ramps.

‘The N2 Sheffield Interchange will introduce new south-facing on- and off-ramps, easing pressure on nearby interchanges, improving overall traffic flow, and providing smoother access to the greater Sheffield Beach area.” said SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Traffic Engineer, Justice Chauke.

Traffic and Safety Information:

• The N2 will remain fully open to traffic throughout the construction period.
• There will be a temporary single-lane closure on the P228 bridge to facilitate the erection of a cantilever pedestrian sidewalk structure. The specific timing of this closure will be communicated in advance.
• Full traffic accommodation plans are in place. Safety signage and barriers have already been installed to guide motorists through the construction zones.
• Speed limits have been reduced in the construction areas to ensure the safety of both workers and road users.

SANRAL urges all motorists to adhere to posted signs and exercise caution while traveling through the affected areas.

“We thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we carry out this essential project, which will significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve transport infrastructure in the long term,” said Chauke.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Temporary night-time road closures on N3 East bound between St James Avenue & EB Cloete Interchange.

Pietermaritzburg, 24 April 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) informs road users of temporary night-time road closures on the N3 East Bound carriageway (Durban bound) between St James Avenue Interchange and the EB Cloete Interchange. This is to allow for the placement of beams and staging over the East Bound (Durban bound) carriageway as part of ongoing bridge construction work in the area.

“While construction continues on the upgrade of the EB Cloete Interchange and surrounding bridges, this closure is necessary to safely complete the installation of overhead beam staging for the construction of the new Rockdale Avenue bridge,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

The temporary road closures will take place as follows:

N3 East Bound (Durban bound) Carriageway Closures:

• From 20:00, Tuesday, 29 April 2025 to 04:00, Wednesday, 30 April 2025
• From 20:00, Wednesday, 30 April 2025 to 04:00, Thursday, 1 May 2025

Please note that the East Bound (Durban bound) carriageway will be closed on two consecutive nights however, the West Bound (Pietermaritzburg bound) will remain fully open.

“The road closures form part of SANRAL’s continuous efforts to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic infrastructure along both the N2 and N3 corridors. 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 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 routes,” added Lowe. 2

A detailed alternative route guide is included below and 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 routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual.

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

N3 East Bound Closures (traveling from Pietermaritzburg to Durban):

• N3 East Bound fully closed at St James Avenue Interchange
• N3 off ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre will remain open
• N3 onramps from Westville and the Pavilion to Durban both closed

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

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For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 4305 pressoffice@nra.co.za

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON N2 MBOKODWENI RIVER BRIDGE

Durban, 22 April 2025 – Bridge repair work will take place on National Route 2 (N2) between Joyner Road and Moss Kolnik Drive as part of the emergency repair of the Mbokodweni River Bridge, the South African National Road Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) has announced.

As part of the bridge repair work, closures on the N2 Southbound and Northbound respectively and alternately will be implemented during the following dates and time slot:

N2 Northbound:

Monday, 28 April 2025 from 22:00 to 05:00

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 from 22:00 to 05:00

During this time, traffic will be diverted onto the temporary detour route from the Moss Kolnik Drive offramp.

N2 Southbound:

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 from 22:00 to 05:00

Friday, 2 May 2025 from 22:00 to 05:00

Saturday, 3 May 2025 from 22:00 to 05:00

During this time, traffic will be diverted onto the temporary detour route from the Joyner Road offramp.

“Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and allow for extra travel time, especially when accessing travel hubs such as airports.” said Serisha Sukraj, SANRAL KZN Provincial Project Manager.

“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.

__________________________________________________________________________________                   For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 4305 pressoffice@nra.co.za

MEDIA RELEASE

STATE OF THE NATIONAL ROAD NETWORK DURING EASTER WEEKEND

Pretoria, 17 April 2025 – As road users travel to their different holiday destinations, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road to exercise caution, adhere to road traffic signs and comply to the applicable speed limits over the Easter Weekend.

SANRAL also cautions road users to drive carefully as some areas of the country will be affected by inclement weather, with possible snowfall expected in some parts of the country.

While the national road network makes up just over 22 000km of South Africa’s total road network of 750 000km, it carries the bulk of traffic during Easter Weekend, when interprovincial and international road travel to neighbouring countries peaks.

The following traffic accommodation should be considered when planning holiday travel:

Limpopo Province:

Madoda Mthembu, SANRAL Limpopo’s Provincial Head, warns road users of the province’s national roads that have construction projects which motorists need to take note of.

“The R33 between the N1interchange near the Kranskop Toll Gate and Modimolle town is open to traffic and there are no Stop and Go operations. A temporary by-pass has been provided for motorists on the R33 in the Vaalwater CBD; the R101 between Mokopane and Polokwane is open to traffic; a temporary by-pass has also been provided for motorists on the R573 national road between Siyabuswa and Marble Hall. The R510 from the Limpopo and North-West boundary, through towards Thabazimbi is open to traffic, but motorists are advised to drive carefully as there are deep excavations on the road. Motorists should also expect Stop and Go operations from the R555 between Steelspoort and Styensdrift. 2

Mpumalanga Province:

According to Mabuyi Mhlanga, SANRAL Mpumalanga’s Provincial Head, in Mpumalanga, motorists should expect a Stop and Go on the R40 national road, as construction to fix erosion and culvert repairs are currently underway,

Gauteng Province:

In Gauteng, most work on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) projects will only start in May, and night work will be done to reduce traffic congestion.

“The resurfacing of the N3 national road from Geldenhuys to Buccleuch, will start on the 1 May. The Project operates as a freeway section with six major interchanges that provide access to the N3 as well as important transport links to adjacent suburbs and major arterial roads. Works on the N1 and R21 Sinkholes have been completed,” said Progress Hlahla, SANRAL Gauteng’s Provincial Head.

Hlahla also said that motorists should expect the most traffic movements on the N4 between Pretoria Nelspruit, N1 between Pretoria and Polokwane, N3 between Johannesburg and Durban, N4 between Pretoria and Brits, as well as the N1 from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein, and to Cape Town.

KwaZulu-Natal:

“The Freeway Management System (FMS) in KwaZulu-Natal will continue to monitor the province’s busiest freeways in the province. From these multi-modal operations centres, operators can identify an incident and dispatch the relevant response teams in under three minutes,” said Dudley Mbambo, SANRAL KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Head.

As a technology-driven project, the FMS aims to incorporate new, state-of-the-art technologies. These include:

An upgrade of the overall Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS).

Improved incident detection through Automated Incident Detection (AID).

Improved communications systems with key stakeholders.

Enhancements using AI features, and

Thermal camera incorporation into the Transport Management Centre operations.

Heavy traffic volumes are expected on the N2 between Durban and Tongaat, N2 between Durban and Winkelspruit, and on the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban.

SANRAL also cautions road users to drive carefully as some areas of the country will be affected by inclement weather, with possible snowfall expected in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal. 3

Eastern Cape:

In the Eastern Cape, some of the national routes with the most traffic during the Easter Weekend include:

N2 through Nelson Mandela Bay

R61 East and West of Mthatha

N6 – East London to Kei Road

N10 – South of Cradock

R63 East of Qonce (King William’s Town), and

N9 – Aberdeen to Graaff-Reinet

“Traffic volumes are also expected to be generally high on the major routes connecting neighbouring provinces such as Free State, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Western Cape,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Eastern Cape Provincial Head.

Northern Cape:

“All major routes are in a fair, good condition in the Northern Cape Province. All current roadworks, which include Stop and Go operations, with the exception of the N10 national road between Hanover and De Aar, will cease for the duration of the Easter Weekend to allow for smooth flow of traffic,” said Emile du Preez, SANRAL’s Northern Cape Provincial Head.

Western Cape:

Construction work is currently underway on the N2 between George and Wilderness. The section of road between the Kraaibosch interchange (George) and Wilderness will be opened for two-way traffic, but with only one lane in each direction. Points men will be stationed at the N2 intersections in Rademachers, George Road, Station Road, Sands Road, and 10th Avenue and Salinas. Points men will be on duty from 7h00 until 18h00.

Arrangements are in place to deal with any breakdowns in the construction zone. Traffic safety officers (TSOs) will be on duty during the day and nighttime. The TSOs may be contacted on 060 306 6461 (daytime) and 071 852 1209 (nighttime) in case of emergency.

Every effort will be made to ensure increased road safety as well as improved mobility

during the Easter weekend. The N2 Garden Route is a particularly busy route for holiday

travellers and freight operators and SANRAL will be working with all road traffic authorities to support and assist road users on their travels this Easter weekend. The road is a shared space, and road safety is a shared responsibility. Working together, we can make the road safer for everyone, including pedestrians,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL Western Cape’s Provincial Head.

SANRAL calls on all road users to play their part in ensuring safer roads during this Easter Weekend. Motorists are urged to take time to rest, ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and safe, adhere to the speed restrictions, particularly around construction sites and be patient as some national roads are more congested than usual. 4

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

MEDIA RELEASE

 N2 Garden Route between George and Wilderness – Arrangements for Easter weekend:

George ,17 April 2025 – Construction work is currently underway on the N2 between George and Wilderness. The section of road between the Kraaibosch interchange (George) and Wilderness will be open for two-way traffic, but with only one lane in each direction. Points men will be stationed at the following intersections with the N2, namely at Rademachers, George Road, Station Road, Sands Road, and 10^th Avenue / Salinas. Points men will be on duty from 07h00 till 18h00. Arrangements are in place to deal with any breakdowns in the construction zone. Traffic safety officers (TSOs) will be on duty during the day and nighttime. The TSOs may be contacted on 060 306 6461 (daytime) and 071 852 1209 (nighttime) in case of emergency.

Every effort will be made to ensure increased road safety as well as improved mobility during the Easter weekend. The N2 Garden Route is a particularly busy route for holiday travelers and freight operators and SANRAL will be working with all road traffic authorities to support and assist road users on their travels this Easter weekend. The road is a shared space, and road safety is a shared responsibility. Working together, we can make the road safer for everyone, including pedestrians,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Western Region Manager.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

ASHBURTON DEMOLITION WILL RESULT IN FULL ROAD CLOSURE OF N3

 Pietermaritzburg, 16 April 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced the full closure of N3 national road from 9 May 2025 at 20h00 until 11 May 2025 at 05h00 to facilitate the demolition of the Ashburton bridge.

“Full closures will take place at Lynnfield and Market Road interchanges with both the North bound and South bound traffic being unable to access the N3 during said times. The closures are due to the demolition of the Ashburton bridge on the N3 North and South Bound as part of the N3 construction process. The traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will manage and monitor the diversion of traffic to the R103.” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

The full road closures will take place as follows:

09 May 2025:

20h00 to 00h00 – Close N3 and proceed to demolish the Ashburton (Pope Ellis Drive) bridge

10 May 2025

00h00 to 00h00 (full 24 hours) – complete N3 road closure for continued demolition of the Ashburton (Pope Ellis Drive) bridge

11 May 2025

00h00 to 05h00 – Complete demolition, clean and reopen the N3 to all traffic

Note that Pope Ellis Drive will remain open to traffic during the demolition, although it will be under stop/go traffic control.

The available alternative routes are:

1. Northbound Traffic (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) exit N3 at Lynnfield (Lion Park) off ramp onto the R103. Continue on the R103 to rejoin the N3 at Market Road Interchange.
2. Southbound Traffic (Pietermaritzburg to Durban) exit N3 at Market Road off ramp onto Market Road and the R103. Continue on the R103 to rejoin the N3 at Lynnfield (Lion Park) Interchange.

The closure may need to be adjusted depending on the weather conditions on the day. SANRAL will keep the travelling public updated on progress and changes to the above through further media statements.

“Significant delays are likely to be experienced as the R103 cannot handle the same traffic volumes as the N3. Motorists, especially heavy goods vehicles, are urged to reschedule their trips to avoid traveling during the closure. If travel is unavoidable, please allow enough extra time to account for the delays. SANRAL wishes to apologize to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused,” said Lowe.

Motorists are urged to be patient while driving along the alternative routes, to plan and adjust their route trips ahead of time and to adhere to signage and speed limits.

Demolition Location

 

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES:

FIGURE 1: ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR BLASTING.

MEDIA RELEASE

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy Applauds Progress made by SANRAL on Motherwell to Addo Project
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy led a high-level site inspection of SANRAL’s R335 national road from Motherwell to Addo

 Gqeberha, 16 April 2025 – Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has applauded progress made by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) in improving the R335 national road from Motherwell to Addo in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

Minister Creecy, accompanied by Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mayibuye, Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety Xolile Nqatha, Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, and senior executives from SANRAL, embarked on a site inspection of the R335 road from Motherwell to Addo today (Monday).

“We are fully aware of the dangers that this road poses to road users in the area and, working together with SANRAL, we are finding a solution to ameliorate the road safety dangers caused by lack of streetlights and potholes on it,” said Creecy.

The upgrading of the road will include the widening of the on and off-ramps of the R335 to the N2 national road, drainage improvements, horizontal alignment, upgrading of 2

intersections that the road traverses through, construction of walkways, as well as streetlights.

“Close to 22 kilometres of this road will be reconstructed, with over three kilometres to be upgraded to dual carriageway, including traffic circles in the urban section of the road. Work that will be done on the almost 19 kilometres section of the rural section will include fencing, widening the existing road to allow for surfaced shoulders on both sides and to allow for a passing lane on the inclined sections,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Provincial Head for the Eastern Cape Province.

The project started in August 2023, and it is expected to be completed in March 2027.

Working together with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, SANRAL has identified community development projects within the Motherwell area in the upgrade of the road. These projects entail improving pedestrian mobility (walkways) and local access roads which will benefit local communities.

“The local community has also expressed its appreciation about the on-going initiative by the site staff to bring students from nearby schools to the project, allowing them to gain hands on experience and insight about the civil engineering profession.”

“A total of 301 people are employed of which 81 are local labour, 131 skilled labour and 10 students undergoing experiential training on this project. We have also provided internships to young students to work on this project. These figures will increase as we move into the next phase of the project,” added Peterson.

The local community has embraced the project positively, and emerging contractors working on the project have been assisted greatly, with some gaining eligibility to upgrade their Construction Industry Development Board’s (CIDB) grading to the next higher levels.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL’s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) project is well underway

 Gqeberha, 16 April 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is well on its way to developing the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) project in the Eastern Cape, a first of its kind in the province.

Speaking on the sidelines of a high-level visit to SANRAL Gqeberha offices by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mayibuye, Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety Xolile Nqatha, as well as Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Eastern Cape’s Provincial Head, said the ITS project is SANRAL’s proactive response to improve road safety by keeping motorists informed of real time travel conditions on its national road network.

“The technology that is used on ITS enables us to respond speedily to incidents on our national road. Working together with law enforcement officials, the technology also assists us to further enhance and improve communication during cases of emergencies on our roads.”

“The ITS project will also assist to monitor vandalism on SANRAL’s R75 and N2 national roads in Gqeberha, as well as to respond to safety related issues on the road network. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by June this year,” said Peterson.

In partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, which is currently in the process of piloting a traffic signal project at selected intersections in the Nelson Mandela Bay, SANRAL intends to extend this project once its Interim Traffic Monitoring Centre (ITMC) is operational and specific protocols are put in place. It is envisaged that the ITMC will be operational from June this year.

According to Danfred Adams, SANRAL’s Project Manager on the ITS project, as part of efforts to address community safety concerns, SANRAL is in discussion with the municipality and it is considering monitoring some of identified traffic signals from the ITMC, which will include 24/7 CCTV surveillance, infra-red and thermal technology, tamper and proximity alarms, and work together with public law enforcement and private security to respond to suspicious activities in the Nelson Mandela Bay. 2

“In the Nelson Mandela Bay, we will install CCTV cameras along the N2, R75 and R335 national roads. The R75 and Mati Road intersection was also identified as a pilot project to implement and test the ITS security and vandalism solution by monitoring and responding to theft and vandalism of the traffic signal infrastructure.”

“Through our ongoing engagement with the municipality and the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, SANRAL will also pursue public private partnerships where the business community can partner on some of these initiatives such as Adopt a Traffic Signal or by sponsoring provision of private security services. We will also involve the community in further consultations and community-based projects,” said Adams.

The ITS project has so far created a total of 104 job opportunities where 53 job opportunities have been created for adults and 51 job opportunities for young people. A total of 24 people continue to receive training by accredited training service providers. Local subcontractors were also employed to work on the project until March this year, with an estimated total expenditure of over R41 million.

“In light of recent unfortunate crashes along the R75 national road, the conflict points have generally been the intersections where general bad road user behaviour is a primary contributor. The general road infringements and traffic violations are being addressed and are being prioritised. As the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality finds ways to find a more permanent solution to theft and vandalism of its traffic lights, SANRAL will work with the traffic law enforcement to see how we can assist and support,” added Adams.

In the long-term, the project will also be rolled out to the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Sarah Baartman District Municipality, and Amathole District Municipality.

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