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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR BLASTING ON THE N2 BETWEEN MOUNT FRERE AND MOUNT AYLIFF

30th April 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 on the 6th May 2025 at 12h00.

The blasting will take place at approximately 2,9 KM and 16 KM 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 Flecther route or via Flagstaff and Lusikisiki to Port St Johns via the R61 and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha. Similarly, 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 Thandile Makwabe, SANRAL’s Eastern Cape Acting Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

2 Alternative routes
Alternative route no 1 – N2 at Matatiele to Mount Flecther route

Alternative route no 2- via Flagstaff, Lusikisiki to Port St Johns via the R61 and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Slang bridge (crossing the Orange River) closed to light vehicles due to high river levels

Upington, 5 May 2025 – The Slang bridge crossing the Orange River is currently closed to all light motor vehicles due to rising river levels in the area, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced. Only trucks and SUVs are permitted to cross the bridge at this time.

“The water level at the bridge remains high and poses a risk to smaller vehicles. We have implemented this measure purely in the interest of road user safety,” said Emile Du Preez, SANRAL’s Northern Cape Provincial Head.

Motorists in light vehicles are advised to use an alternative route. The detour turns off at km 11 on Section 11 of the R27, and reconnects with the road between Groblershoop and Upington, passing through Lennertsville.

SANRAL is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public should conditions change.

SANRAL apologises for the inconvenience and urges all road users to travel with caution.

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MEDIA ALERT

EASTERN CAPE TRANSPORT AND COMMUNITY SAFETY MEC TO LEAD SANRAL CLOSING CEREMONY OF PORT ST JOHNS LEGACY PROJECT

Gqeberha, 05 May 2025 – Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, will lead a closing ceremony of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) Port St Johns Legacy Project on Tuesday, 6 May 2025.

MEC Nqatha will be accompanied by the O.R. Tambo District Executive Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana; Port St Johns Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Nomvuzo Mlombile-Cingo; SANRAL Board and senior executives, traditional leaders, as well as leaders of local organised business.

The Port St Johns Legacy Project is one of SANRAL’s ongoing endeavours that not only ensures that local communities benefit from its road construction projects at inception through job creation opportunities and skills development, but one that also ensures that they benefit through developmental projects that go beyond road construction, long after road construction projects have been completed.

The Port St Johns Legacy Project focused on uplifting local communities in agriculture and tourism, two key economic drivers in Port St Johns. The agricultural component of the project equipped local farmers in a learnership programme with skills and knowledge to produce vegetables and learn about basic farming skills.

The tourism component, on the other hand, equipped learners with a particular focus on grass weaving and basketry, currently Port St Johns popular products. The legacy project assisted local artists and crafters with additional skills and knowledge to develop such products.

The details of the closing and certificate handover ceremony are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 6 May 2025
Time: 10h00 – 14h00
Venue: Port St Johns Sports Field (Location: https://maps.google.com/?q=-31.623486,29.544075)
RSVP or enquiries: Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305/ MahlaselaL@nra.co.za or Makhaya Komisa on 066 381 8259.

Members of the media are invited to attend.
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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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