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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL TO INJECT OVER R500M IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN THE FREE STATE

Free State Province, 13 June 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) injection of just over R500 million in road construction and maintenance will go a long way in bringing much-needed job opportunities for SMMEs and local community members in the Free State Province’s towns of Jacobsdal, Koffiefontein, Jagersfontein and Trompsburg.

SANRAL will embark on an emergency routine road maintenance (RRM) project of the national road R48 intersection to Jacobsdal, the R704 national road from Trompsburg to Jagersfontein, the R704 national road from Jagersfontein to Trompsburg, as well as the R705 national road from Jacobsdal to the Free State and Northern Cape provinces border.

These roads were handed over to SANRAL by the Free State Provincial Government in November last year. The Government Gazette, published on 22 November 2024 (Gazette 51639), reported that a total of 674 Free State provincial roads would now be incorporated and fall under SANRAL’s management.

Speaking at information sessions that SANRAL convened with local SMMEs and community members in Jacobsdal, Koffiefontein and Trompsburg this week, Sipho Khoza, SANRAL’s Project Manager, said the RRM project will provide much-needed job opportunities for local communities.

“Our aim at SANRAL is to ensure that previously marginalised communities, including women, young people, and people with disabilities, play a meaningful role and benefit from the construction industry.”

“Key works that will be done on the project include pavement layer repairs, pothole repairs, crack sealing, edge break repairs, shoulder repairs, surface treatment, slope repair, cleaning of drainage structures, grass cutting and bush clearing, fence and guardrail repairs, road marking, among others,” said Khoza.

The project started in April this year, and it is expected to be completed in April next year.

In addition to providing job opportunities for local communities, Khoza said that the RRM project is crucial because the areas in which the roads traverse through are the lifeblood of the province’s agricultural economy. “As SANRAL, we must ensure continuous upgrades and maintenance of these roads, which enables farmers and rural communities to transport their goods, services and produce to the markets on roads that are safe to use. The upgrades to these road corridors will provide a massive boost to the economy and will greatly increase the road capacity in the area,” he said.

Working together with the Department of Labour and South African Revenue Service (SARS), SANRAL also used the information session as an opportunity to share information about how local SMMEs can be tax compliant, and how they can also be trained and equipped to enhance their business acumen and tendering skills.

“We want to encourage active dialogue with yourselves as the project progresses. This is important because we want to ensure smoothing running of these projects, with maximum benefits for all those that are affected. Working together through the Project Liaison Committee (PLC), we will continue to ensure that information is shared among yourself and that there is ongoing transparency on matters relating to subcontracting, project execution and employment of local community members,” said Thandeka Ngema, Acting Stakeholder Relations Coordinator for the Free State Province.

Over the next two years, SANRAL will also embark on other road maintenance projects in the Free State such as the maintenance of the N1 national road from Fonteintjie to Wurasoord, and the N8 national road between Alexanderfontein.

-ENDS-

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR BLASTING ON THE N2 BETWEEN KWABHACA AND EMAXESIBENI

12th June 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 KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni on the following dates:

• 18 June 2025 at approximately 12,7 KM from KwaBhaca when travelling towards EmaXesibeni.
• 20 June 2025 at approximately 13,6 KM from KwaBhaca when travelling towards EmaXesibeni.

Blasting will take place at 12h00 and the road will be closed during the blasting activities for a maximum of 30 minutes.

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

• Go onto the R56 route and travel past Matatiele and then past Tlokoeng until Nqanqarhu. Then take the R396 towards Tsolo until you join the N2 and then proceed to Mthatha.
• Stay on the N2 till Pakade (18km out of Kokstad) then turn left onto the R394 and join the R61 at Magusheni. Slip right onto the R61 towards Flagstaff, Lusikisiki and Port St Johns and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha. Similarly, motorists travelling from Mthatha towards Kokstad may consider using the same routes.

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

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

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR BLASTING ON THE N2 BETWEEN KWABHACA AND EMAXESIBENI

9th June 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 KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni on 13 June 2025 at 12h00.

• The blasting will take place at approximately 8,8 KM from KwaBhaca when travelling towards EmaXesibeni.

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

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

• Go onto the R56 route and travel past Matatiele and then past Tlokoeng until Nqanqarhu. Then take the R396 towards Tsolo until you join the N2 and then proceed to Mthatha.
• Stay on the N2 till Pakade (18km out of Kokstad) then turn left onto the R394 and join the R61 at Magusheni. Slip right onto the R61 towards Flagstaff, Lusikisiki and Port St Johns and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha. Similarly, motorists travelling from Mthatha towards Kokstad may consider using the same routes.

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

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

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

CLOSURE OF THE LOOTSBERG PASS (N9) AND WAPADSBERG PASS(R61) DUE TO SNOW

Eastern Cape, 9 June 2025: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that the Lootsberg Pass on the N9 national road, section 6, between km 59 and km 65 and Wapadsberg Pass on the R61, section 2, between km 11 and km 16 has been closed for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) due to snow. Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) are to proceed with caution.

“If you are travelling from the south on the N9 towards Graaff Reinet, an alternative route is to turn right onto the R63 just before you enter Graaff Reinet and proceed to the R63/R75 junction. At this junction turn left onto the R63 towards Pearston en-route to Cookhouse. At Cookhouse turn left onto the N10 towards Nxuba (Cradock). If you are approaching from the north, at Middelburg turn onto the N10 towards Nxuba(Cradock) en-route to Gqeberha. If heading to Graaff Reinet, turn right on the N10 at Cookhouse onto the R63,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Eastern Cape’s Provincial Head.

Emergency services are on high alert and road users will be advised once the road has been reopened.

Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and to use caution when making use of the roads.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

– Ends –

MEDIA ALERT

CLOSURE OF THE N6 NATONAL ROAD DUE TO A CHEMICAL SPILL

Eastern Cape, 9 June 2025: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that the national road, N6 Section 3 km 48, between Cathcart and Komani, near the Birch farm area, has been closed due to a chemical spill. The road will be closed until approximately 16h00 today. Road users are advised to avoid this route as the spill is highly toxic and hazardous to health.

An alternative route is to take the R351 road near Cathcart and proceed to the R67 and then towards Whittlesea (Sada) and then towards Komani. Similarly, those travelling to East London from Komani are to take the R67 in Komani and proceed past Whittlesea (Sada) and then turn left onto the R351 towards the N6 at Cathcart.

“Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and to proceed with caution,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Eastern Cape’s Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

– Ends –

CONSTRUCTION OF THE NDABAKAZI INTERMODAL INTERCHANGE ON THE N2 NEAR BUTTERWORTH.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR A TEMPORARY DEVIATION WITHIN THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE

5th June 2025: The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that a new traffic deviation at the Ndabakazi Intermodal Interchange on the N2 national road, Section 17, near Butterworth will be implemented on 6 June 2025 until 11 July 2025.

Traffic on the N2 will be diverted onto the new N2 carriageway and then onto the on-and-off ramps, and back onto the N2.

Traffic on the R409 road will make use of the newly constructed on-and-off ramps and then continue onto the newly constructed N2 carriageway.

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

Below is an illustration of traffic movement within the construction zone.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR BLASTING ON THE N2 BETWEEN MOUNT FRERE AND MOUNT AYLIFF

5th June 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 10 June 2025 at 12h00.

• The blasting will take place at approximately 3,4 kilometres from Mount Frere when travelling towards Mount Ayliff.

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

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

• Exit the N2 at the Matatiele to Mount Fletcher route or via Flagstaff and Lusikisiki to Port St Johns via the R61 and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha. 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 Kayakazi Mafuta, SANRAL’s Eastern Cape Acting Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Rolling Closure on N3 Northbound Between Murray Road Overpass and Market Road Interchange

Pietermaritzburg, June 04, 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of rolling closures to facilitate tree felling activities adjacent to the N3 Northbound. The N3 Northbound will be temporarily closed for 10 minutes every hour on Saturday 21 June 2025 between the hours of 9h00 and 15h00. This work will be undertaken as part of the N3 Upgrade Project from Gladys Manzi Road to New England Road Interchange.

The N3 Northbound rolling closures will take place between the Murray Road overpass and Market Road Interchange for approximately 10 minutes every hour. The rolling closure will reduce the speed of traffic to 10km/h to allow a gap in the traffic for the felling activity to take place.

The rolling closures along the N3 Northbound will take place as follows:

Saturday 21 June 2025 – N3 Northbound (traveling towards Harrismith)

• 09:00 to 15:00 – Trim designated tree branches and, if required, implement a rolling closure for approximately 10 min every hour to clear any debris from the N3.

“The contractors traffic accommodation team, with support from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) will oversee traffic management activities throughout the operation. The R103 is available as a feasible alternative route should the need arise.” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

The closure may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions on the day. If that happens, a second notice with information of the new time will be issued.

“Motorists are urged to remain patient during disruptions caused by the construction and are advised to plan and adjust their routes while adhering to speed limits. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience during the ongoing major road enhancements.” said Lowe.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

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

 

Eastern Cape, 30 May 2025: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that blasting operations are planned for the following dates in June 2025.

• Monday 2 June 2025
• Thursday 5 June 2025
• Monday 9 June 2025
• Thursday 12 June 2025
• Monday 16 June 2025
• Thursday 19 June 2025
• Monday 23 June 2025
• Thursday 26 June 2025
• Monday 30 June 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

– Ends –

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

UPGRADING OF N2 NATIONAL ROUTE BETWEEN GRAHAMSTOWN AND FISH RIVER PASS:

Blasting Works on N2 Sections 13 and 14 for June 2025.

Eastern Cape, 30 May 2025: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that blasting operations are planned for the following dates in June 2025.

• Monday 2 June 2025
• Thursday 5 June 2025
• Monday 9 June 2025
• Thursday 12 June 2025
• Monday 16 June 2025
• Thursday 19 June 2025
• Monday 23 June 2025
• Thursday 26 June 2025
• Monday 30 June 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.