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A giant stitch closes the Mount Edgecombe gap

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Incremental launching is a relatively recent method of building a complete bridge and can save time, money, space and disruption while easing access and delivering a high-quality finish.

Champagne was popped on 4 August 2017 when, after two-and-half years since they first began extending progressively towards each other, the north and south decks of the one-kilometre ramp of the Mount Edgecombe Interchange were joined.

While motorists went about their way negotiating the labyrinth of deviations below the multidirectional bridges being constructed, history was unfolding more than 20 metres above them when the longest incrementally launched bridge in South Africa neared completion.

The one-kilometre long bridge forms part of the improvements being undertaken by the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) at the N2/M41 Mount Edgecombe Interchange north of Durban, connecting Phoenix and uMhlanga with Durban and the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

Innovative methods

Incremental launching is a relatively recent method of building a complete bridge and can save time, money, space and disruption while easing access and delivering a high-quality finish.

It involves casting 12-30 metre long sections of the bridge superstructure in a stationary formwork behind an abutment and pushing a completed section forward along the bridge axis. The sections are cast contiguously and then stressed together.

Corne’ Roux, project manager for SANRAL Eastern Region, said due to the expansion of the uMhlanga and La Lucia Ridge areas, the existing interchange had been operating at capacity with vehicles backing up on the M41 and onto the N2 in peak hours.

“An additional 40 000 vehicles enter or leave the N2 from the M41 daily resulting in substantial queuing of vehicles during the day,” said Roux. “This, together with expected future expansions and anticipated development of the Cornubia area, required the existing interchange to be upgraded in order to improve the flow to and from the N2 and M41 to the supporting road network.”

He added that the Mount Edgecombe interchange upgrade has changed the landscape forever and is sure to become a well-known landmark in years to come.

“Constructing one of the longest structures ever built in South Africa over one of the busiest intersections in KwaZulu-Natal successfully, without ever closing any of the roads permanently, bears testimony to the success of the selected construction methods and materials,” he said.

The intricacies

Gert van Schalkwyk, resident engineer for the main consulting engineers SMEC South Africa, said Bridge B0215 has a deck length of 947 metres, which not only makes it the longest incrementally launched bridge in the Southern hemisphere, but also one of the longest structures in South Africa.

It has a total number of 23 piers of which the highest is 26 metres with typical spans of 42 metres and the longest span of 50.5 metres.

What sets B0215 apart from anything else previously or currently being done in South Africa is not only its sheer size and length, but also the fact the bridge is constructed in two decks which are both incrementally launched from opposite sides with the intention to meet in the centre.

Van Schalkwyk said: “Ensuring that the two decks would meet up after each individual deck was launched was a very challenging exercise and took some innovative engineering and design.

“The deck was modelled on AutoCAD in 3D to accurately plot the launching path of the deck during construction. This model was used by the surveyors to set out and track the bridge within 1mm of its design trajectory, alignment and level.

“A total of three surveyors were present during each of the launching operations to ensure live tracking of the front and back of the deck as well as provide constant verification of their surveys.”

Both decks were successfully launched into their final position and completed in July 2016. The decks were launched to within five metres from each other: the last five metres of deck was cast insitu and is referred to as the “stitch” which neatly and monolithically joins the decks together.

Final piece of the puzzle

Like the final piece of a giant Lego puzzle, it was the stitch that was placed in position on 4 August.

“The final position of the decks, transversely, was 7mm from the design position and nought millimetres difference in level from the design level,” said Van Schalkwyk.

“Given the size of the decks and the fact these decks were launched from the two opposite ends of the site, this accurate final position is a testimony of the workmanship and world class engineering capabilities in South Africa,”

“The positioning of the stitch between the north and south ramps to close the gap may well be considered as the crowning achievement and is testament to not only design excellence but also implementation,” he said.

SANRAL supports future engineers with scholarship award

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High school learners from Nelson Mandela Bay attended a scholarship induction at SANRAL offices.

High school learners from Nelson Mandela Bay, who were selected to receive scholarships from the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL), have the chance to make their engineering dreams come true thanks to the agency’s bursary programme.

During an event at SANRAL’s award-winning green building in Port Elizabeth, scholarship holders from grade 10 to grade 12 and their parents got the opportunity to hear about the bursaries offered by the roads agency.

Speaking at the event were SANRAL’s Centre of Excellence programme managers in training candidates, Coenraad Claassens and Lwanda Sigaji. Both are SANRAL bursary recipients.

“Prioritise your time properly and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” said Sigaji.

Even though Sigaji was not a scholarship recipient she said the SANRAL bursary was a “breath of fresh air for me and my family, it helped. Hard work pays. I’ve worked hard to prove myself,” she said.

Claassens advised the learners to question why they want to become engineers. “Have a clear picture why you want to be an engineer and hold onto it,” he said.

“There is a big jump from high school to university. The workload is a lot different. It took me a year to get used to everything. It is important to remember that you have to get good grades in high school. As engineers, we solve problems with maths and science,” Claassens advised the learners.

Scholarship recipients speak

Miekaeel Ryneveld, a grade 11 learner from Alexander Road High School, said he was very happy to have received the scholarship.

“I want to study engineering. I am just not sure what type of engineering,” Ryneveld said. His maths average is 90%.

“I work hard and I get good grades. The scholarship is a big help when it comes to paying school fees, books and winter and summer uniforms,” he said.

Ilke van Vuuren dreams of becoming a civil engineer. The 17-year-old from Despatch High School said she loves the idea of building new bridges.

“I want to know how to build bridges and roads…There will be stumbling blocks but you must have faith all goes well,” she said.

Alison Adams from the Northern Areas in Port Elizabeth, who also goes to Alexander Road, said the SANRAL scholarship has assisted her through her grade 11 year tremendously.

“I am very grateful. This has helped us financially. I am not an only child and I was very happy I could take the burden off my parents. I am very grateful for this scholarship.”

While participating in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Pipeline Project (STEM PP), she discovered the scholarship and applied.

“This has motivated me to work so much harder. I make sure that I do my best in these activities and with my grades. If I commit to something I see it through, that’s my motto.

“I am grateful for this event. Before listening to the project engineers in training I was going to pursue a career in science, but I am now considering pursuing a career in civil engineering,” she said.

Luzuko Mavela from KwaDwesi also learned about the scholarship through the STEM in Action project. He then applied and was awarded the scholarship.

Mavela’s dream to become a chemical engineer or a civil engineer pushed him to earn the scholarship. “This has been a blessing. It has been more than a financial relief for my family. My parents can now focus their money elsewhere.

“This has pushed me beyond my limits. It has motivated me to pursue my goals head on.

“I am involved in a number of activities including drama and music. I just have to make sure I manage my time well.”

Framesby High School head boy, Tiaan Coetzee, is grateful for STEM in Action as it exposed him to the scholarship opportunity.

Coetzee is interested in a career in mechatronics and mechanical engineering. “I would like to study here at Nelson Mandela University,” he said. “I currently have rugby and cricket as my extramural activities. I, however, make sure my school work does not suffer.

“This scholarship has meant my parents are able to save for my university fees. It has helped me out with my current fees, books, sport equipment and school uniform.

Increase in beneficiaries

Nationally, SANRAL has increased the number of scholarship beneficiaries from 172 in 2014/15 to 196 in 2015/16. Spending on the programme also rose, albeit in proportion to the increase in beneficiaries, from R2.37-million to R2.99-million.

The programme pays for school fees, school uniform, books and stationery costs. It also covers additional mathematics classes at the Nelson Mandela University Missionvale campus where they attend the STEM PP.

Learners can apply for the SANRAL scholarship programme, which supports academically deserving applicants in grades 10 to 12. The minimum requirements are an overall aggregate of 75% – with at least 70% in mathematics and science and 65% in English.

Roads to boost intra-regional trade

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SANRAL, a PIARC member for the past 18 years, has a strong presence in the various working structures of the association.

Transport infrastructure – road, rail, shipping and air cargo – will be a vital ingredient of the free trade agreement that 26 Africans countries are rapidly finalising.

In early July this year, a preferential trade agreement was signed in Uganda between the Southern African Development Community, the East African Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.

Its aim is to boost intra-African trade, which is currently low compared to other world regions.

The state of roads in Africa are already a priority. The global roads body, Permanent International Association of Road Congresses (PIARC), also known as World Road Association, is presently focusing on African highway networks as well as updating design standards for rural roads.

These will be vital arteries in boosting intra-regional trade among the member countries, which have a combined population of 625-million and a total GDP of US$1.6-trillion (R212-trillion).

How SANRAL fits in

SANRAL plays a vital role in the World Road Association, a non-profit organisation established in 1909. It brings together governments, regional authorities, collective members and individual representatives from 122-member countries with the aim of promoting international cooperation on issues related to roads and road transport.

SANRAL, a PIARC member for the past 18 years, has a strong presence in the various working structures of the association.

At the helm of the South African delegation is SANRAL chief executive officer, Skhumbuzo Macozoma. He is also a member of the PIARC Council, which is responsible for governance matters.

SANRAL manager for Planning, Toll and Transport, Alex van Niekerk, is also a member and was elected to PIARC’s executive committee earlier this year.

He explained that the committee is responsible for PIARC’s administration in accordance with policies approved by the council. It is supported by three commissions – strategic planning, finance and communication – and the general secretariat, and it also actions recommendations by an advisory group on emerging issues.

“SANRAL’s participation on PIARC conferences and technical forums also enhances the development of the road sector in South Africa,” said Van Niekerk. “For instance, we are exposed to global industry best practices which in turn inform our adjustments to South African design standards related to the road sector.

“In specialised areas like bridges and tunnels, our PIARC experience does not only enhance the existing knowledge in South Africa but also contributes to the growth of the private sector through improved design standards, design principles and construction processes.”

He added that the work of the association is guided by a four-year strategic plan, which is aligned to the needs of member countries.

Activities and research of PIARC

For the 2016-2019 cycle, PIARC has packaged its activities and research under five strategic themes: management and finance, access and mobility, safety, infrastructure, and climate change, environment and disasters.

According to PIARC’s strategic plan, these themes represent a continuation of work that remains at the core of the body’s interest.

As such, one of the PIARC’s task forces is focusing on innovative finance, under the management and finance theme. It is currently working on identifying, reviewing, and evaluating alternative, available road funding and financing models which include tolling, public-private-partnerships, use of credit assistance tools and bonds.

“This work is particularly significant considering funding sources have not always kept pace with road investment needs,” said Van Niekerk.

In terms of PIARC’s focus on finding solutions for Africa, the African Regional Task Force is addressing two topics in this current four-year cycle: design standards for the Trans-African Highway network and updating design standards for rural roads.

PIARC task force at SANRAL tunnel seminar

This year SANRAL welcomes delegates attending a seminar on tunnels in October. Titled “Road Tunnels in Low and Medium Income Countries”, the seminar will feature speakers covering a wide range of road tunnel operation subjects from safety design and operations of tunnels, sustainable funding for safe tunnels and tunnel construction choices.

PIARC’s task force will be at the seminar covering case studies on The Huguenot Tunnel Project, which constitutes a major transportation link between the coastal plains of the Western Cape and the interior. The tunnel is one of the most strategic infrastructure assets of South Africa’s national road network.

The 3,9km long tunnel reduces the distance between Paarl and Worcester by 11km and eliminates a climb of some 500m over the Du Toitskloof Pass, which, by nature, imposes severe constraints and safety concerns for the road user.

A total of 19 representatives from SANRAL serve on various technical committees. These drive the study and development of knowledge in areas such as intelligent transportation systems, transport system economics and social development, environmental considerations in road projects and operations, as well as design and operations of safer road infrastructure.

Freeway lights on for your safety

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Considering there are 4.2-million registered vehicles in Gauteng and 1.49-million vehicle trips recorded on the e-toll road network daily, lighting is very important.

There are some 16 000 lights on the inner-Gauteng freeways, 90% of which SANRAL manages to keep burning continuously. Without them, motorists will be less safe.

Maintaining this target does not only contribute to the safety of motorists, it is a cost-effective measure designed to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents on highways at night. It also saves costs when it comes to emergency services, maintenance and repair costs, and more important, loss of life.

Hardy Johnson, head of SANRAL’s Electrical Maintenance in the Northern Region (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West), said: “A fundamental aspect of ensuring safety of all road users is visibility: ensuring road users can see the entire road surface clearly and can also be seen by other road users at any time of day.

“Having well-lit freeways enables people to drive home safely late at night without finding it too stressful.”

Considering there are 4.2-million registered vehicles in Gauteng and 1.49-million vehicle trips recorded on the e-toll road network daily, lighting is very important.

Johnson adds: “Besides ensuring improved visibility, highway lighting also improves accessibility; the ease with which road users can travel between destinations. It also enhances mobility, which refers to the ability to reach a destination with minimum delay.

“Maintaining the lights on our freeways is not without [its] challenges as the lights are subjected to damage from accidents, theft, weather and power outages. But at SANRAL we manage to keep our burn rate above 90% for the benefit of all who use our roads.”

SANRAL Scholarship produces bright star

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Luzuko Jack has a passion for technology and hopes to use mechatronics and technology to benefit South Africa one day.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has made Luzuko Jack’s dream to study engineering a reality through its scholarship.

Jack, who matriculated from Victoria Park High School last year, is registered at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in Port Elizabeth.

He joined the university’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Pipeline Project in Grade 11. It was at the STEM classes that he learned about the scholarship programme.

Making the family proud

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Luzuko with his older sister, granny and younger sister.

Jack is the first in his family to pursue an engineering degree. “I was looking for funding for high school as it was very expensive for my family,” he said. “I wanted to relieve them of the pressure of paying for school fees as my mother is unemployed and we all depend on my sister, and that’s why I applied. Even though I knew it wasn’t going to be easy.”

In terms of role models, Jack’s big sister has that covered. She ensures that their family of six never goes to bed on an empty stomach.

“I will always be grateful for that,” he said. “She has managed to keep the family together and happy; I admire her for that. I hope to do just the same one day.

“I am also inspired by my late father. I want to be as successful as he was. He was able to provide for our every need. He was an exceptional father and I am studying hard, partly as a tribute to him, for raising us the way he did. I hope to make him proud.”

Tackling studies and making a difference

Jack said: “I am proud of myself. I have a passion for technology and I hope to use mechatronics and technology to benefit South Africa one day.”

His mechatronics course includes 10 modules, some of which covers mathematics, physical science, computer science, engineering drawing and materials science.

“The workload is really a lot,” he said, “but I’d like to think I have good time-management skills because I’m still coping and still have time to learn everything I need to know. University requires a lot more self-discipline than high school. I worked hard on keeping my work ethic [then], so I will definitely use that skill now.”

In his spare time, Jack enjoys reading and playing sport in his local community of Zwide. “I also enjoy cooking and playing video games in my spare time.”

But despite his many outside interests, he is passionate about learning and would like to go as far in his studies as possible.

Jack has some great advice for other young up-and-comers. “I think people should study after high school, even though the pressures of studying further are great. Once you have your degree, you will reap the rewards. And you’ll be able to make the world a better place by contributing your knowledge and applying your passion.”

With his attitude toward studying and hard work, there’s no doubt this student will make his whole family exceedingly proud.

Safety a priority when constructing

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The pedestrian facilities are designed to cater for the substantial pedestrian traffic using a section of the N2 south to commute between residential areas and places of employment and schools in the area.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited continues to put the safety of all road users into consideration during construction on the N2.

In an effort to improve the safety of pedestrians along a section of the busy N2 south, SANRAL has constructed proper walkways and bus bays.

Developing locals

Gavin Harrison, SANRAL Eastern Region Project Manager, said the construction of pedestrian facilities was designed to cater for the substantial pedestrian traffic using a section of the N2 south to commute between residential areas and places of employment and schools in the area.

He said: “Part of our community development initiatives are the provision of pedestrian facilities and safe access points for communities living next to the national road network. Such projects include the upgrading of access roads that link to a national road, the upgrading of existing gravel service roads to surfaced roads and the construction of pedestrian walkways.

“Apart from the social development that these projects facilitate, SMMEs undertake the construction of the community access roads.”

Harrison said the construction of the sidewalks for pedestrians between Oribi Toll Plaza and Albersville Bridge on the N2 south completes the section between the Oribi Toll Plaza and the existing pedestrian sidewalk (constructed two years ago).

This project also included the construction of two taxi/bus bays and strategically placed reinforced-concrete stairways. These stairways provide a safe link between the sidewalk facilities and the existing access points.

Three SMMEs were appointed to carry out works involving road marking, signage, hand railings, concrete works and erosion protection works, at a cost of R3.4-million.

Local labour was used a total of 21 women and 42 men. This is in keeping with SANRAL’s commitment to support efforts by government to curb poverty and improve the lives of South African citizens in general, by promoting community development.

Competition entices youth to pursue engineering career

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Ntadonkazi Baxana (18), Sonwabiso Nyanga (18) and Litha Nohashe (17) show off the bridge designs of their teams during the third annual SANRAL bridge building competition hosted in conjunction with leadership development and youth accelerator iGEMs.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) presented its third annual bridge-building competition in Port Elizabeth during the July school holidays.

The event was hosted at SANRAL Southern Region’s Road Materials Testing Lab in Struandale. It partnered with Unity in Africa Foundation’s Incubating Great Engineering Minds (iGEMs), a leadership development incubator and education to employment programme.

The programme promotes engineering career fields among youth in high schools who have potential to go on to undergraduate engineering studies at a tertiary level, and then enter future engineering fields after graduation.

Holiday programme

The SANRAL bridge-building competition was one of a series of workshops, site visits and projects during the July school holiday for the iGEMs learners. The holiday course is an integral first phase in a four-stage leadership development programme, which incubates incumbents for about seven years.

Around 34 academically-deserving Grade 11 and 12 pupils from 18 schools in the city – who are from disadvantaged backgrounds – participated in the competition. The event offered a glimpse into the world of civil engineering and also allowed learners to put their creativity, team skills and future engineering skills to the test.

Based on the format and rules on the South African Institution of Civil Engineering’s (SAICE) bridge-building competition, learners had to design and then build model bridges using only wooden sticks, rope and glue in a limited time frame following functional specifications and construction methods.

The bridges were judged on aesthetics, weight and structural strength. In relation to the latter, suspended weights literally stretched the bridges to breaking point in an ultimate showdown between the 10 teams.

Learners appreciate the experience

Motherwell resident and Woolhope High School pupil, Litha Nohashe, is eager to become an entrepreneur to help reverse his family’s dire financial situation one day, he said.

“Civil engineering is interesting and I strongly recommend it to those who think it is boring. The bridge-building competition surprised me because I am not a creative person. The event opened my eyes in terms of understanding my character and the way I do things.

“As the world goes on, things have to be developed to keep with [the] times. Engineers are the ones responsible for that. Everything revolves around engineering if you think about it. We are the people that make everyone’s lives easier,” said Nohashe.

Sonwabiso Nyanga, a student from Newton Technical High School and resident of Kwa-Dwesi, implied that the competition helped her find a career.

“For me, the event was an eye opener because I was not sure which career to choose.  So, by doing things practically it was fun to actually see what goes in when building and materials you have to take into account.

“Engineering is a very vast career field because you can see how things are developing now. More technology is being used and engineering guarantees that there is something to do and something to look forward to, because we are moving the world forward,” she said.

Awarding excellence

SANRAL announced that later in August it will host an induction event for the scholarships and bursaries that will be awarded to pupils in the Eastern Cape.

In the past financial year, SANRAL awarded 180 bursaries to learners in various schools and 300 scholarships for engineering-related studies at a tertiary level with an estimated combined value of approximately R8-million.

Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Region manager, said: “The first question would be: why is SANRAL channeling funds in scholarship and bursary programmes? There is a simple answer. Engineering is a high-level scarce skill in the country. If we don’t invest in creating talent pipelines from high school and university for the future, we face the risk of not having engineers building and maintaining South Africa’s national road network.”

He went on to explain SANRAL takes an integrated approach at development of South African youth for future roles and careers in engineering.

“We begin with initiatives like today’s iGEMS programme which supports the development of youth in high schools. In addition to this, we offer scholarships and a maths and science programme for high school learners. When high school learners enroll for formal studies, SANRAL offers bursary options.”

It’s all systems go at Moloto

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The Moloto Road project offers economic benefits across the board, ranging from unlocking the mineral belt to improved transportation.

The Moloto Road Imbizo held at the KwaMhlanga Local Municipality in Mpumalanga was successful in fast-tracking the R573 upgrade.

This development will benefit the 50 000 daily commuters and 33 communities that live along the Moloto Road.

Transport minister, Joe Maswanganyi, said: “The R4.5-billion allocation for the project, announced in the 2017 State of the Nation Address, shows the government’s commitment to South African citizens.

“This upgrade is one of the strategic infrastructure projects (SIPs) being undertaken by government to revive the SA economy. It is also part of the Moloto Corridor, which will include investment in passenger rail services to connect Gauteng with Mpumalanga and Limpopo.”

The project offers economic benefits across the board, ranging from unlocking the mineral belt to improved transportation.

Executive mayor of Thembisile Hani Municipality, councillor Nomsa Mtsweni, said: “When the area is easily accessible, it will also be easy for tourists to visit. It must never be forgotten that this area is known for its rich Ndebele culture. A good road will contribute to tourism, which will translate into job creation.”

This upgrade is being built with safety in mind and promises to reduce the countless accidents and deaths on this road.

Limpopo premier, Stan Mathabatha, said: “This will enable Limpopo to achieve its developmental targets and reshape the structure of our economy with a strong focus on industrialisation.”

According to the revised Procurement Act, SANRAL, along with other government entities, has put aside 30% of the total project cost to create opportunities for small black-owned businesses.

This shows SANRAL is committed to bringing radical economic transformation to the road construction sector.

Residents have been recruited and contractors and service providers have now been appointed for the first phase in Mpumalanga.

“I fully support this project and ask that communities do the same,” said Maswanganyi.

The Moloto Road will not be tolled. National Treasury is funding the upgrade and maintenance of the road.

Permanent barrier on R61 eliminates illegal U-turns

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No more illegal U-turns will translate to less accidents on the R61.

Good news for residents of KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast: the erection of a permanent crash barrier over five kilometres will prevent illegal U-turns.

This will include the notorious Shelly Beach/Izotsha off-ramp on the national route 61 (R61) where several accidents have occurred when motorists made illegal U-turns to avoid paying toll fees.

Late last year, the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL), which has a mandate to finance, improve, manage and maintain the country’s national road network, erected temporary barriers to ensure there would be some measure to prevent or limit the illegal crossing.

Salome Naicker, SANRAL Eastern Region project manager, said installation of a permanent wire rope barrier has begun and coincides with the resurfacing of the road. “The safety and wellbeing of road users and the communities, in which SANRAL operates, are paramount and motorists are requested to obey the laws on our roads at all times.”

SANRAL is currently resurfacing 20km of the R61 between Mbizana River and the Marburg Interchange.

The project also includes the installation of a median wire rope barrier to eliminate the illegal U-turns taking place at the northern side of the Izotsha Interchange.

Naicker said approximately 1.8km of the wire rope barrier is currently being installed, ensuring illegal U-turns are reduced in the vicinity of the Izotsha Toll Plaza. Installation along the remaining 3.2km is expected to be completed in September 2017.

“Motorists are advised to be observant of the advance warning signs and lane width reduction, and should exercise caution when travelling through the construction works,” said Naicker.

“The speed limit through the construction works is reduced to 60km per hour. Please be patient during the construction, which is due for completion in November 2017,” he said.

Multiple roadworks nearing completion in King Williams Town

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SANRAL continues to change the lives of everyday citizens by giving them opportunities in the road construction sector.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has announced that the roadworks project in King Williams Town is nearing completion.

The 18-month project, which included work on the national roads in the Eastern Cape town and resulted in the employment of 150 people, is expected to conclude in November this year.

Construction ahead

Construction is currently taking place on Grey Street, Cathcart Road, Maitland Road/R63, Buffalo Road, Alexandra Road, the N2/Hargreaves roundabout, and the roundabout-Breidbach intersection.

It is anticipated that the resurfacing and opening of Grey Street intersections will conclude at the end of July.

Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Region manager, said: “The road marking may require traffic to be limited to a single lane at times. There will also be some ancillary works taking place after the road has been opened such as the construction of manholes, kerbing and sidewalks.”

The roadworks are as follows:

  • Cathcart Road requires asphalt surfacing and road markings. The road is also expected to open to motorists at the end of July. This roadwork also includes some ancillary work comprising the construction of manholes and storm water drains, and completion of parking areas, kerbing and sidewalks which may bring about minor lane closures at times.
  • Maitland Road between Alexandra Road and Joubert Street will continue to experience lane closures as a result of asphalt surfacing that is still scheduled to take place. The remainder of Maitland Road/R63 to the Bhisho intersection only requires road marking. This section of road should be open to undisrupted traffic flow by August 2017. There will, however, be some ancillary works taking place after the road is open such as the construction of manholes, kerbing, sidewalks, landscaping and guardrails.
  • Buffalo Road still requires an asphalt surface to be applied and therefore some lane closures should be anticipated. The road is expected to be fully open to undisrupted traffic by October 2017, following the completion of the road marking. Some intersections of the adjoining streets may be closed off in order to construct storm water drains during this time.
    The parking bays in Buffalo Road also require an asphalt surface and each bay will be totally closed off when this activity is taking place. There will, however, be some ancillary works taking place while the road is open such as the construction of manholes and kerbing.
  • Alexandra Road still requires the construction of open concrete side drains. This will limit traffic to a single lane at sections of the road where the activity is taking place. The road should be fully open to undisrupted traffic in September 2017, following completion of road markings.
    The parking bays in Alexandra Road also require an asphalt surface and each bay will be totally closed off when this activity is taking place. Some ancillary works will take place while the road is open, such as the construction of sidewalks.
  • The N2/Hargreaves circle still requires an asphalt surface to be applied and therefore some lane closures should be anticipated. The road should be fully open to undisrupted traffic at the end of July 2017 after the completion of the road markings. Some ancillary works will take place while the road is open, such as the construction of sidewalks and guardrails.
  • The N2 to the Breidbach intersection still requires the application of road markings, which will require traffic to be limited to a single lane at times. There will also be some ancillary works such as the construction of guardrails and fencing, which may require some minor lane closures. It is anticipated that this section of road will be open to undisrupted traffic at the end of July 2017.

Cleaning up and finishing off the road and road reserve will be done continuously until November 2017.

“We apologise for any inconvenience,” said Peterson.