The N7 between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam is one of the most picturesque roads in South Africa, winding its way along mountainous terrain at the edge of the Cederberg wilderness area.
The road is not only important from a tourist point of view but forms a vital transport link between the Western Cape, the Northern Cape and South Africa’s northern neighbour, Namibia.
The increase in the volume of heavy vehicle traffic on the N7 as well as the age of the road necessitated the upgrade.
The stretch of road running between the Cederberg/Algeria T-junction and Kransvleikloof over a distance of about 20km is being upgraded. Work on the project started in August 2013 and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016.
Renaldo Lorio, Project Manager, says the project entails the improvement of the existing road by re- aligning and widening the cross-section of the road surface and the provision of climbing lanes on steep sections. “It is designed in such a way as to carry traffic safely for at least the next 20 years.”
Part of the project includes the construction of seven major culverts and a new bridge over the Kransvlei River to replace the current narrow bridge. The new bridge deck will accommodate three
lanes with surfaced shoulders and provide for a right-turn lane on the approach to the Paleisheuwel intersection, adjacent to the bridge.
SANRAL passed the half-way mark on the R61 Mthatha Sprigg Street to Ngqeleni project in June this year.
The project remains on schedule for delivery next year and the estimated date for completion is towards the end of 2016.
It consists of the construction of a new 7.3km dual carriageway between Mthatha and the turn off to Ngqeleni. The eastbound carriageway will be newly constructed while the westbound carriageway entails upgrading of the existing road infrastructure.
As a result of the new carriageway five new bridges, one over the Mthatha River, another over the Corana River, a pedestrian overpass bridge and a new bridge at the Ngqeleni Interchange, are currently under construction. A smaller bridge will also be constructed over the Sidwadweni River on Bernard Schultz Drive.
Through the programme, the safety of the road users and pedestrians will be improved through the closing of unsafe intersections, a new interchange at Ngqeleni turn-off and the construction of formalised and channelized intersections.
This is also an integrated road safety programme which aims to decrease the road hazards, which may lead to accidents and motor vehicle accident (MVA) related deaths.
Many accidents on the R61 between Mthatha and Ngqeleni involve motorists hitting stray animals. In fact, between December 2014 and January 2015, local traffic authorities impounded 266 stray animals including goats, cattle, sheep and donkeys.
To address the problem, SANRAL is busy constructing two agricultural underpass culverts.
The project has already injected a salvo of benefits to members living in villages from Mthatha to Ngqeleni.
“SANRAL has delivered 31 new replacement houses to residents whose dwellings fell under the construction footprint, and in the process replaced poorly constructed homes.”
The project has also brought meaningful initiatives of social development to residents and communities.
Training and skills development initiatives are also advancing members of the local community. Technikon students from the community are being offered an opportunity for on-site experiential training in order to obtain their diploma qualification.
Local SMMEs were mentored in the construction of relocation houses to National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) standards, and also participated in several courses which include construction tendering, basic computer literacy skills, site administration and monitoring.
The workers have been provided with, amongst others, road safety and environmental awareness training.
Ngozwana said the work is carried out in a heavily trafficked and densely populated built-up area, and within a confined construction zone involving the simultaneous construction of earthworks, structures, and the relocation of services.
“The interface between formal and traditional land tenure systems for land acquisition and relocation of communities has produced unique challenges which SANRAL solved through proper planning and continuous stakeholder engagement.”
He said the project is also part of a master plan to unlock the economic potential of the Wild Coast, opening it up for both development of tourism and other long-term mega projects in this region.
The R61 Mthatha Sprigg Street to Ngqeleni project is also one of several projects each with different starting and completion dates in a mega road infrastructure development and safety programme for the R61 which commenced in 2011, and which will be completed by 2020.
This project also links up with other programmes including the conversion of Sprigg Street and Madeira Street in Mthatha’s central business district (CBD) into one-way streets to help improve traffic flow.
There are two projects on important link roads in Mpumalanga near Swaziland of which one has been completed while construction on the other is ongoing.
The R570 between the N4 and Jeppe’s Reef in the Greater Nkomazi Municipal area is under construction while the R571 from the N4 to Esibayeni was completed in February 2015.
The R570 forms an important link in the national road network connecting the eastern parts of South Africa with Swaziland at the Jeppe’s Reef border post. The existing road needed urgent attention due to deterioration and a drop in levels of safety due to increasing volumes of traffic.
Safety was also a major concern and this was taken into account by providing passing lanes and climbing lanes as motorists were becoming frustrated by blockages caused by slow- moving heavy laden trucks.
Apart from the rehabilitation of pavement layers for 41 kilometres of existing road and the construction of these lanes to cater for the increase in volume of traffic, the following works will be done:
• Demolishing existing drainage culverts and installing new and wider culverts
• Installation of subsoil drains
• Widening of four bridges, replacement of joints and parapets
• New road markings, road studs, road signs and fencing
• Finishing off the road reserve
• Establishment of borrow pits and a hard rock quarry
• Landscaping and rehabilitation of grass
• Desurfacing of the road, and
• Adding of additional lanes.
Tumelo Nkosi of the black-owned sub-contracting firm said:
“I would like to thank my partner for the opportunity given to me and the community of Buffelspruit in particular.
They have granted me the opportunity to work with them and a chance to change many lives by creating job opportunities and reducing unemployment in the community. I would also like to thank SANRAL for making all this possible”.
Stuart Tanner, Site Agent for the contractor, had only praise for Nkosi.
“Tumelo approached us when we started our establishment for the site camp on the R570 project in January 2015. We gave him a go and he produced good results, no task or operation requested of him was too big or too small.
It is a pleasure working with a contractor that is hard working with a focus on high production and good quality of work.”
The R571 from the N4 to Esibayeni (28km) also forms an important link in the national road network and provides mobility for transport of sugar cane to the mills in the area, and for international travelers moving between Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland.
The improvements include the partial reconstruction of pavement layers for 20km of existing road and the following:
• Upgrading of storm water drainage and installation of prefabricated culverts
• The installation of new guardrails
• The erection of new fencing
• Construction of new road markings, road signs and road studs
• Finishing off the sites, roads and road reserves.
Traffic flow in Rustenburg is about to improve. The R24 on the west side of the town is being upgraded.
It is currently a single-lane road that has recently been incorporated into the national road network. It serves as a link between Rustenburg and other towns and provides access to the N4, Rustenburg’s industrial area as well as various smallholdings along the road.
Rustenburg has experienced significant growth in recent years. A great deal of the development occurred along the R24, which has changed the road’s status to an urban arterial.
Hennie Kotze, SANRAL’s Senior Project Engineer for this upgrade, said the North West province has identified the need to upgrade the R24 from a single to a dual carriageway in order to cater for the increased traffic volumes as a result of numerous developments in the area. He said:
“The increased capacity will also reduce heavy congestion during peak hours that is currently being experienced on the road and also on feeder roads as a result of the lack of capacity of the R24.”
The scope of work involves the construction of new road works, structures and road lighting as well as the rehabilitation of the existing road.
The project started in March 2013 and will be completed in October 2015. Kotze said as part of the contract, SANRAL requires that the contractor allocates work to local SMMEs and employment of local labour – a move which will contribute to job creation and skills development in the area.
These upgrades are done in part to create improved accessibility to adjacent properties, businesses and the potential for further development on vacant land which will have a major impact on economic growth in the area.
SANRAL has welcomed a ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASASA), dismissing a complaint regarding a SANRAL advert flighted to create awareness around the 60% discount on the new e-tolling dispensation.
“We are pleased with ASASA’s decision to dismiss the complaint,” said Vusi Mona, spokesperson for the roads agency.
“SANRAL has seen a concerted campaign against its adverts over the last 20 months or so by those opposed to the e-toll system. This is clear as complaints are laid only against our e-toll ads.
Despite this, we have an obligation to communicate with the public and will continue doing so in order to balance what is read, heard and seen by road users.”
Mona said that the 60% discount is an important next phase of the new dispensation. It has so far brought relief through the implementation of a uniform rate of 30 cents per kilometre for light vehicles, a 50% reduction in the monthly maximum for registered account holders and now for those with outstanding e-toll debt incurred from 3 December 2013 until 31 August 2015. All have been given a six-month period to settle their accounts, or make payment arrangements.
“We urge motorists to take up the 60% offer. Check your debt. You may be surprised to learn that it is not as much as you fear.”
SANRAL would like to advise motorists of traffic disruptions taking place from tonight, Thursday, 19 November, in Port Elizabeth.
Roads will be closed during the evenings in order to complete the asphalt patching operations. At each road to be closed, a variable message sign (VMS) board will be in operation.
The following roads will be closed during night time:
Herewith some assistance with regard to alternate routes:
Alternative routes: St Georges
From the west to Motherwell and Wells Estate Bluewater Bay interchange: turn left into Weinronk Way, left into Hillcrest Right into Riverside, left into Tipper’s Creek, right into Amsterdamhoek Drive and right into Grahamstown Road (R102)
Going east from Motherwell: Turn left (west) onto R102 off Addo Road (R335), then right into Neptune Road, and left onto N2 at Neptune interchange
Going east from Wells Estate: turn right (west) onto R102 off Addo Road (R335), right into Neptune Road, and left onto N2 at Neptune interchange
Alternative routes: Commercial Road
From west approach Kempston Road interchange, turn right onto Commercial Road (R75).
Going West
West onto Chase Drive to Stanford Road interchange.
Alternative routes: Stanford Road interchange
Follow Stanford Road to Kempston Road, turn left (east/north-east) onto Kempston Road interchange.
Alternative routes: Kragga Kamma interchange
If on Cape Road, proceed to Cape Road and Disa Avenue intersection, turn north onto Disa Avenue to the William Moffett/Cotswold interchange.
If on N2, take William Moffett/Cotswold interchange. Proceed to Disa Avenue and Cape Road intersection.
Motorist are advised to travel with caution and to plan their trips in advance.
Plenty of space, long distances between towns, very few people, warm to hot summer days and cold winter nights, brightest stars ever and, once a year, spectacular flowers. If that sounds enticing, it is time to visit the Northern Cape.
It is the country’s biggest province but has the lowest population. A number of national routes run through it, including the N14, stretching from Springbok to Upington, via Kakamas and ending in Gauteng.
1. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
One can reach most of the provincial tourist highlights, including the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, from these wonderfully maintained highways. The 37,000 km2 stretches across South Africa and Botswana, with plans to link the park to the nearby Augrabies National Park, the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Conservation Area, Namibia’s Sperrgebiet National Park, as well as the Namib Naukluft National Park – already one of the largest conservation areas in the world.
That will be really spectacular! A nature conservation area larger than most countries in the world.
Already, the Kgalagadi is known for its space – everything is far away from anything else – and you can feel peace descending on you as you gaze at the red sand dunes, the sparse vegetation, the occasional tree and dry riverbeds, the gemsbok and the black-maned lion.
2. Augrabies Falls
Nearby – in Northern Cape terms, that is – are the Augrabies Falls where the water thunders through a gorge, making you feel small and vulnerable. There are several buck species – from klipspringer to eland – as well as smaller predators such leopards and wildcats, and a rich offering of endemic and indigenous plants.Plus splendid accommodation.
3. Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
Then there is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, which borders on the Ai-Ais Park in Namibia, and encloses the world-famous Fish River Canyon.
The Richterveld’s best-known plants, among the thousands of other species, are the stem succulent (or halfmens) and the giant tree aloe. Plus, of course, antelope, wild cats and rare bird species. It is co-managed by the local Nama communities.
4. Namaqualand
Namaqualand is known for its stunning display of wild flowers, somewhere between July and September, depending on the rain, which becomes a massive carpet of scent and colour stretching to the horizon.
5. Kimberley
The Northern Cape’s provincial capital, Kimberley, has a fascinating history dating back to the country’s early diamond days. And thus, it is home to the Big Hole, probably the biggest man-made one in the world, mined for its deep kimberlite pipes.
6. Sutherland
And then, of course, there is Sutherland, with its vast astronomical observatory. It’s probably too much to do in one trip, so come back again – and again.
Even on the safest of roads, incidents will occur – a vehicle will stall in mid-traffic or, worse, a driver will be distracted and bump into the vehicle in front of him. That can cause huge disruptions to traffic, may lead to material losses and even serious injuries.
Essentially, just building an excellent highway is not all a road agency has to do. It also has to manage it, to ensure the safety of road users but also enhance the flow of traffic.
SANRAL does this through the Central Operations Centre at Samrand along the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria. It is the operational nerve centre of the e-toll system for the roads agency. It is from here that the Gauteng Freeway Management System (FMS) is operated.
It uses high definition cameras which are all linked to this command centre. They monitor the country’s first multi-lane free-flow toll system. The system is managed by Electronic Toll Collection (ETC), providing road users with a smoother and safer journey, and is an important contributor to keeping South Africa’s economic hub moving.
Improved lighting, real-time signage and management of the traffic flows are elements in enhancing road safety while making the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria user-friendly due to instant information being available to road users.
Traffic flow monitoring also highlights immediately where a road incident or accident is occurring, or has just occurred, and activates SANRAL’s on-road services – providing medical responses and towing services while reducing the impact of incidents on the flow of traffic.
These services are decentralised at strategic positions across the road network to allow for a rapid response to incidents. The services are operated 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Information about traffic conditions is also available via twitter (@itrafficgp).
There are also freeway management systems in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
So, when you’re on the road, for business or leisure, keep an eye out for the traffic messages that may just make your trip easier.
Developing and expanding small, medium and business enterprises lies at the heart of how the government sees job creation in the country. SANRAL has, over many years, been deeply involved in doing exactly that.
Essentially the roads agency uses as much local labour as possible, assists small businesses, is involved in skills training and always leaves a solid footprint behind it when a specific project is completed. Developing Africa Consulting CC, owned by Nico Kruger, is an SMME that has benefited from SANRAL’s work packages.
Nico currently recruits 50 employees to assist with road construction projects. Among its primary tasks is the development of efficient drainage systems.
Nico has only positive remarks about his relationship with the agency:
“SANRAL has developed us as a company by equipping our team with essential skills and training, resulting in us being considered for additional pipeline projects.
SANRAL has been good to us. My staff was provided with transport to the work site, given valuable lessons on safety as well as information on quantity surveying relating to construction costs and contracts. This has improved our understanding of the various facets of the construction industry.”
Nico says his company’s participation in the projects have given his company and staff a steady income.
“I thank SANRAL for the positive growth of my company. Working on SANRAL projects has given my business strategy and greater clarity.”
Since the company started to work on SANRAL projects it has experienced considerable growth and a constant workflow. He was able to create new jobs by hiring new permanent staff. He now has a dedicated safety officer on board and five team leaders who can successfully execute contracts on their own.
Lindelwa Madyibi says the roads agency has enabled her to grow her emerging civil engineering firm and pursue her goal of turning it into one of the largest black female- owned companies in the field.
Lindelwa is the owner of Yavela Yona Trading Enterprise, a civil engineering firm based in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape which has been involved in the construction of houses, schools and roads since 2005.
With a staff complement of 10 people, her company was subcontracted by SANRAL to help develop the N2 national route between rural Viedgesville and Sithebe. The company’s scope of work involved stone pitching – a technique to interlock large stones to create small irregular steps that blend into the landscape.
Other activities included the construction of walkways and gabions, which are typically wire-mesh baskets compactly filled with rocks and carefully wired together to stabilize steep slopes and prevent erosion.
“Thanks to SANRAL, we are now able to perform a variety of tasks. The four months of training that the agency offered us provided tremendous support, not to mention an essential learning curve for the team.
We were taught how to calculate construction material quantities, develop work plans and how to read and interpret construction drawings. My company has benefited from the training which we continue to apply in our day-to- day work.”
She is grateful for her company’s exposure in the construction industry and the mentorship provided.
Lindelwa says she will not lose sight of her goal to build one of the largest and most prominent black female-owned civil engineering companies in the country.
As this was her first project with SANRAL, she hopes to grow with the agency and continue to build her company’s credibility on future projects. She now has the capacity to offer other SMMEs the opportunity to join her company as a stepping stone to gain valuable knowledge and exposure in the challenging construction industry.
With the confidence placed in her company by SANRAL she is now ready to deliver on large-scale projects as a primary contractor.
SANRAL is one of the biggest investors in people and skills development in Limpopo and other provinces, offering scholarships, bursaries and internship opportunities to hundreds of students. Here are the stories of some of the beneficiaries.
Jansen
Jansen was born and raised in Bela-Bela, previously known as Warmbaths. He grew up having a huge interest in computers and spent a lot of time working on them and games.
“I was also very interested in computers and science – to know how everything in the universe worked. In addition, I also enjoyed playing Rugby and cricket in school.”
Jansen is currently a third-year electronic engineering student at the University of Pretoria, where he is further pursuing his interest in computers, technology and science.
John
When John, who hails from the remote village of Maroteng in Limpopo wrote his matric in 2010, he had no idea then that he would end up studying Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town.
“When I applied to study Civil Engineering at UCT, I honestly didn’t know much about the profession.
Information regarding the SANRAL bursary scheme reached me when I was in my final year of high school. My science teacher came to school one day with about 11 hard-copy bursary application forms and handed them out to us. I applied and the rest is history!”
John has also been awarded the opportunity to work on the N7 upgrade near Malmesbury to gain practical experience. He says he is hoping to learn as much as he can from SANRAL, the work that we do and the contribution we are making to the development of the country’s road infrastructure.
“I will be the first member of my family to attain a higher education qualification. Also many people from my community are looking up to me.”
Phuluphedziso
Phulu, as he is known, did not enter the construction engineering field by accident. Growing up in Mphagane Village in the Vhembe district, he became interested in engineering at a very young age.
Phulu was mostly interested in the construction of roads, bridges, and high-rise buildings.
“I was a very practical person and used to enjoy things like building models and drawing plans. This ultimately stimulated my interest in the construction environment.”
When he was in grade 12, Phulu applied for a SANRAL bursary and was was awarded to him. Today Phulu is a proud third-year student at the University of the Witswaterstrandstudying BSc in construction science. His immediate plan is to complete his degree.
“My long-term career plan is to further my studies in Project Construction Management. I would also like to gain lots of experience in this field.
Thanks to SANRAL for having given me this opportunity.”
