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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

No blasting scheduled in December for the N2 upgrade between Makhanda and

Fish River Pass, Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 10 December 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users that no blasting operations are scheduled for December 2024 on the N2 upgrade between Makhanda and Fish River Pass, in the Eastern Cape.

However, please note the following road conditions and closures:

• Partial closures will be in effect between km 84 and km 79 with single-lane traffic flow allowed 24 hours a day until Thursday, 12 December 2024.
• From 12 December 2024 to 6 January 2025, the road will reopen for two-way traffic.

Motorists are encouraged to consider alternative routes to minimise delays:

• Westbound travel East London to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth): From East London, take the R72 through Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea, continuing to Nanaga. At Nanaga, turn left onto the N2 and proceed to Gqeberha.
• Eastbound travel Gqeberha to East London/Qonce: From Gqeberha, follow the N2 to Nanaga and turn right onto the R72. Travel via Alexandria and Port Alfred to East London. From East London, turn left onto the N2 to continue westward to Qonce.

“Motorists are requested to plan their journeys in advance, consider alternative routes and exercise caution while on the roads,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Regional Manager for the Southern Region.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N2 Garden Route open to traffic this festive season

Cape Town, 6 December 2024 – Work on several periodic maintenance and construction projects currently underway on the N2 Garden Route will cease on Friday, 13 December 2024 to ensure that roads are open and traffic free flowing during the festive season break, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

In Plettenberg Bay, the traffic circle at the Beacon Way Intersection on the N2 is fully open to traffic in both directions. The remaining ancillary works not impeding traffic flow, will be completed in the new year.

The work on the N2 between Kraaibosch and Touw River is well on track and traffic will be free flowing both in Kaaimans Pass and on the N2. Road users travelling from George to Victoria Bay must take note of the change in lane configuration. The posted speed between Kraaibosch and Touw River will be 60km/h.

Periodic maintenance on the N2 between Mossel Bay and Dekriet is at an advanced stage and is earmarked for completion early in 2025. No Stop/Go closures will be in place during the holidays.

Between Swellendam and Riversdale traffic will be accommodated via Stop/Go operations. Waiting time will be kept to a minimum, taking into account the increased traffic volumes.

Three Stop/Go traffic accommodation points are currently in place on the N2 between Botrivier and Caledon, where periodic maintenance is being done. These will be removed on Friday, 13 December. In Houwhoek Pass, the full road width will be open to two-way traffic during the year-end construction shutdown period. A 3km section of the R43 from the Kleinmond interchange on the N2 (Exit 90 to Kleinmond & Hermanus), will however remain closed during the festive break. Traffic will be accommodated via the Botrivier interchange on the N2 (Exit 92) which is a mere 2km away from the closure.

“Every effort will be made to ensure increased road safety as well as improved mobility during the holidays. 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 holiday. 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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MEDIA ALERT

SANRAL launches mega road safety campaign to encourage road users to

be vigilant on the roads this festive season

 Mpumalanga, 4 December 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) invites members of the media to the launch of its mega road safety campaign on Friday, 6 December 2024.

The launch will take place along the N4 national road, which covers the route from Gauteng to the Lebombo Border post in Mpumalanga.

The event will bring together key stakeholders, including the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), the Road Accident Fund (RAF), the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, and the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, among others.

The campaign emphasises the critical importance of road safety ahead of the festive season, which is often characterised by high traffic volumes and an increase in road fatalities.

The festive season sees an increase in long-distance travel as motorists visit loved ones or embark on holiday journeys, making it important to promote safe road practices.

The launch will also highlight the importance of roads as a critical component of South Africa’s economy. The development of road infrastructure directly impacts the ease of movement for goods and encourages tourism across the country – and beyond – thereby contributing to overall economic growth.

Statistics from the 2023/2024 festive season revealed that 1 427 lives were lost on South Africa’s roads between 1 December 2023 and 11 January 2024.

Human factors, including speeding and driving under the influence, were identified as the leading causes of these incidents. More than 50% of the fatalities were drivers and passengers, while pedestrians and cyclists accounted for 40.9% and 0.8% respectively.

The details of SANRAL’s mega road safety campaign are:

1. Media Briefing (Friday, 6 December 2024):

• Time : 07h00 – 08h00
• Venue : Shell Ultra City Middleburg (on the N4)

2. Road Safety Activation – eNtokozweni (Friday, 6 December 2024):

• Time : 11h00 – 12h00
• Venue : Astron Energy Milly’s N4, eNtokozweni (LOCATION LINK)

Members of the media can confirm attendance with:

Thabiso Senatla : 071 227 6254 or Thabiso.Senatla@fticonsulting.com

Hendrik Tolomo : 067 410 4329 or Hendrik.Tolomo@fticonsulting.com

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Phase 2 of the R336 upgrade between Nqweba and Addo, Eastern Cape

Caption: The upgrade is taking place between Bezuidenhout River and Addo – the route marked red on the map.

Gqeberha, 4 December 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has updated road users on the ongoing road upgrade project on the R336.

This project extends from the Bezuidenhout River, approximately 13km from Nqweba (formerly Kirkwood) to the intersection of the R336 and R335 near Addo. The upgrade is expected to continue until November 2025.

Covering 17.7km of the R336 between the km 30.5 and km 48.2 markers, Phase 2 includes significant improvements such as widening lanes and shoulders, upgrading intersections, widening two bridges, constructing a new bridge, and adding pedestrian facilities where required.

These enhancements aim to improve mobility and ensure a safer driving experience.

During the festive season, motorists should note that a one-stop-and-go system will be in place over a 1km stretch at the Bezuidenhout’s bridge structure, located 13km from Nqweba and 17km from Addo.

While the rest of the route remains open to traffic, temporary line markings and signage are in place, and the entire stretch is designated as a no-overtaking zone.

As the road remains a construction site, motorists must adhere to a temporary speed limit of 60km/h. Extra caution is advised when crossing the narrow Sundays River Bridge.

Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys with the roadworks in mind and drive safely at all times.

Some valuable information

In the event of an emergency, motorists should use the route markers positioned along the roadside to provide their location. These markers, spaced at every 200 metres, contain precise details about the exact route and location, ensuring assistance can reach them promptly.

“Motorists are advised to exercise heightened caution while traveling on the R336,” said Mbulelo Peterson, Regional Manager for SANRAL Southern Region. “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused during the road construction. Every effort has been made to minimise disruptions wherever possible.”

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Surface Repairs on R75 Mati Road Intersection

Gqeberha, 3 December 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users about the surface repairs on the R75 at the Mati Road intersection in Gqeberha, which commenced today (Tuesday, 3 December 2024) and will be completed on Friday, 6 December 2024.

The work will be carried out under the routine road maintenance contract of the national roads within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

During this period, traffic will be impacted as one to two lanes will be affected and closed to traffic. To minimise the disruption, the repair work will be done outside peak daily traffic, with the planned commencement after 08h00 and completion by 16h00 each day.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Traffic Department has been engaged and will assist with traffic management. Motorists are urged to be cautious when driving on this section of the R75.

“Attempts have been made to minimise disruptions as far as possible. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused to the motoring public during the road repair works,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Regional Manager.

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MEDIA STATEMENT

More Free State provincial roads declared national roads to fall under SANRAL

Caption: From left to right: Fezile Dabi Executive Mayor Cllr Dennis Khasudi, Thandeka Ngema (SANRAL Eastern Region Acting Stakeholder Relations Coordinator); Acting Premier of Free State Jabu Mbalula; Kwanele Ncalane (Eastern Region Stakeholder Coordinator) and Sipho Khoza (SANRAL Eastern Region Project Engineer) posing for a photograph at the Taking SANRAL to the people’s engagement held in Trompsburg.

Free State, 4 December 2024 – Over 670 kilometres of provincial roads in the Free State have been declared national roads, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

SANRAL made the announcement during a Taking SANRAL to the People stakeholder engagement session held in Trompsburg in the Xhariep District Municipality on Tuesday, 3 December 2024.

The Government Gazette, published on 22 November 2024 (Gazette 51639), reported that the newly incorporated roads would now fall under SANRAL’s management.

Acting Regional Manager for SANRAL’s Eastern Region, Dudley Mbambo, said: “Incorporating the 674 kilometres of provincial roads into SANRAL’s national road network is a crucial step towards enhancing South Africa’s transport infrastructure.”

Mbambo said by integrating these roads into its national network, SANRAL could “ensure a more cohesive, efficient and safer transportation system that supports economic growth, job creation and regional development. This alignment will also facilitate better access to essential services, improve logistics and foster greater regional connectivity – all of which are essential for driving national progress”.

These provincial roads form vital links between rural areas, urban centres and key economic hubs – including Lesotho. Road P92 Section 1 goes right up to the South Africa and Lesotho international border at the Caledonspoort Border Post.

“These areas are the lifeblood of our agricultural economy and as SANRAL, we have to ensure continuous road upgrades and maintenance, which enables farmers and rural communities to transport their goods, services and produce to the markets on roads that are safe to use,” said Mbambo.

Mbambo said this was a significant step towards alleviating pressure on the province and making roads safer. “The upgrades to these road corridors will provide a massive boost to the economy of the region and will greatly increase the road capacity in the area,” he said.

SANRAL aims to provide a comprehensive view of its operations in the region, including current and upcoming projects and transformation in the construction industry. Through its Taking SANRAL to the People programme, the roads agency shared details about its vital role in infrastructure development, job creation and skills development initiatives.

“SANRAL would like to encourage a dialogue with the communities to ensure smooth running of our projects and eliminate any possible problems. We would not like any of you to stop any of our projects because of unhappiness. We are working with government to fight the scourge of unemployment and there will be several job opportunities for the community from these projects,” said SANRAL’s Acting Stakeholder Relations Coordinator in the Eastern Region, Thandeka Ngema.

“SANRAL also wants to equip the SMMEs with skills with our pre-tender training that has been going on for a couple of years. The community will have these skills long after the project has finished,” Ngema added.

Acting Premier of the Free State, Jabu Mbalula, provided a message of support for the engagement and welcomed SANRAL’s continued investment in the province.

“We want to make Free State a construction site. As government, we are working on a developmental approach. When SANRAL is building a road in Xhariep, the people in that area must benefit directly. In that way, we are not only building a road but building a community,” said the Acting Premier.

SANRAL used this session to inform SMMEs on how they could benefit from the recently incorporated roads. An emergency projects contractor will be appointed for six months before a permanent service provider takes over the incorporated roads.

The supply chain management (SCM) instruction note provides the procedure to be followed for procurement of goods, services or works on an emergency or urgent case basis.

“Emergency case means a serious and unexpected situation that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or environment which calls for urgent action and there is insufficient time to follow a competitive bidding process,” Sipho Khoza, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Engineer explained.

The roads agency is no stranger to the province as it has handled road construction projects in the past. The upgrading of the N6 from Rouxville to Smithfield brought about local job creation and opportunities to implement programmes around skills development and empowerment.

Mbambo said the multimillion-rand N6 project further displayed SANRAL’s “commitment to giving economic development opportunities to SMMEs and the creation of employment opportunities for local community members”.

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MEDIA RELEASE

Introduction of SANRAL road development projects lauded by Buffalo City Metro

Caption: BCM Mayor Princess Faku and her team at the Project Introduction in East London

East London, 1 December 2024 – The mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Councillor Princess Faku, has welcomed the introduction of two road projects, as fostering socio-economic growth, not only in the metro but also in the Eastern Cape.

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) recently introduced the projects to the municipal leadership including the Mayor, Municipal Manager, MMC for Infrastructure and Ward Councillors in the East London City Hall.

The first project involves the dualling of the N2 from the end of the Freeway near Gonubie River to Brakfontein Interchange, a distance of 5.4 km. The project forms part of the N2 Wild Coast Road development project, which links East London to Port Edward on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.

Assistant Design Specialist from GIBB Engineering, Quinten Cloete, said the Gonubie River bridge will be affected by the development.

“The existing Brakfontein bridge will also have to be reconfigured in order for dual carriageways on both sides to be constructed under it. Underpasses connecting various settlements and farms have also been investigated.”

A pedestrian analysis was done to establish how community members can safely cross the N2 from the settlements in Brakfontein.

The concept design report is complete and under review. It will be submitted to SANRAL in early December. “The actual implementation by the contractor will take place in 2027, due to the amount of work involved in the design phase, especially the structures,” he said.

The 5.6 km dualling from N6 Ducats to Nahoon Interchange includes additional lanes with minimum structural design, a 5m median and two sidewalks on both sides to enhance road safety.

There is a proposal for changes in respect of the N6 and R72 on-ramps to the N2 in Abbosford due to peak traffic congestion. The awarding of the contract for this project is expected to happen in late 2026 to early 2027.

Mayor Faku was grateful for the projects, despite having to wait almost two years for their start dates.

“We are indeed excited, these are huge projects which will create more job opportunities for our people and will build better roads for our pedestrians and public transport users. More projects will be announced by SANRAL in the coming months. We’ve seen the beautiful Breidbach Interchange which is complete, the current R63 development near Qonce and now these new projects also in the Buffalo City Metro,” said Faku.

SANRAL completed two major projects in the metro this year: the Breidbach/Belstone Interchanges and the N2 Green River project near Qonce, worth close to R1 billion.

SANRAL Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, Welekazi Ndika, said there would be engagements with stakeholders to create awareness and to prevent land invasions of road reserves.

“We will establish Project Liaison Committees (PLCs) and we will need stakeholders to be in the PLC to assist with community needs like pedestrian crossings, material sourcing and cattle underpasses for farming areas. We will need a team from the metro, like planning and housing, to guide us where there is land acquisition involved,” noted Ndika.

The mayor added that people should feel part of these developments as they have been oppressed for too long.

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MEDIA RELEASE

Changes in banking systems give road users more reasons to take up a tag and reduce

congestion at toll plazas

Pretoria, 28 November 2024 – As changes to several banking systems come into effect, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is encouraging road users to obtain a tag ahead of the festive season holidays to assist in reducing congestion at the busy toll plazas across the country.

“The holiday season means significantly more traffic on the national road network as people travel to visit family, friends and holiday destinations. Changes to banking systems and potential technical challenges – including delayed/slow processing due to volumes – could have major implications for road users trying to pass through busy toll plazas, especially when their only payment option is a bank card,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL spokesperson.

The tag offers road users the opportunity for faster processing through toll plazas as tag lanes are more efficient. Tags can be used for payment at toll plazas and selected parking lots across the country and have no connection to the recently scrapped e-tolls.

“Some motorists were labouring under the impression that their historic debt would be offset against any funds loaded onto their tag. However, this is not the case. That debt has been ring-fenced. Any funds loaded onto the tag is a fresh start and has nothing to do with any historic e-toll debt,” said Mona.

Mona explained that there were multiple convenient ways to obtain, load or fund the tag through the mobility account to ensure that road users were not caught wanting at toll plazas.

The tag therefore remains the simplest and most efficient way to pay and can be obtained in any of the following ways:

• SANRAL Mobile App (available on Android, IOS or Huawei)
• SANRAL Customer Service Centres, located along the Gauteng freeways
• Selected mainline toll plazas across South Africa
• Self Service Terminals (SST)
• Online at www.mobilityaccount.sanral.co.za.
• Email: info@mobilityaccount.sanral.co.za
• Call Centre 0800 726 725

Tags ordered via the SANRAL App, online, via email or from the Call Centre are delivered to the road user’s door within three to five days.

The SSTs are located at convenient locations on all major routes in South Africa. These terminals provide road users with the following functionalities:

1. Access to their registered SANRAL account
2. Ability to register a new SANRAL account
3. Ability to obtain a tag from the terminal and link the tag to the account
4. Perform basic management of the account, like adding funds, adding and removing vehicles, updating key user information etc.

The full list of locations where SSTs are available is on the SANRAL website – https://mobilityaccount.sanral.co.za

The tag can be loaded and topped up in any of the following ways:

Manual options that reflect on your account immediately:

• On the SANRAL Mobile App downloaded from your mobile app store (Android, IOS or Huawei)
• Online, through the SANRAL website, https://mobilityaccount.sanral.co.za
• At selected Mainline toll plazas across South Africa
• At an SST device

Manual options that reflect on your account up to five days after a payment is made:

• Electronic funds transfer (EFT)
• At participating retailers, Pick n Pay and Checkers
• At any advanced FNB ATM which has a note accepting facility

 Automatic:

• You may link the topping up of your mobility account to your credit card or through direct debit
• Once the low balance threshold is reached, the account will be topped up automatically to a balance as determined by you either by your credit card or through debit order.

“We will continue to expand opportunities for road users to obtain a tag swiftly and conveniently. A tag currently costs R50 and upon registration, R50 credit is loaded onto the tag, which effectively renders it free of charge,” said Mona.

As road users prepare for long distance travel, SANRAL appeals for compliance, vigilance and commitment to road safety. Using a tag to reduce queuing time at toll plazas is a great way to reduce frustration so that everyone enjoys their travels this holiday.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Routine road maintenance on N2 Nanaga interchange towards Makhanda-

KwaMaqoma intersection, Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 28 November 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of planned routine road maintenance on the N2 National Road from the Nanaga Interchange towards the Makhanda/ KwaMaqoma (formerly Fort Beaufort intersection).

The maintenance schedule is:

• Friday, 29 November 2024
• Wednesday, 4 December 2024
• Thursday, 5 December 2024
• Friday, 6 December 2024

All routine road maintenance for the above dates will take place between 09h00 and 15h00.

To ensure the smooth execution of the planned maintenance, traffic accommodation measures will be in place with work carried out in a single direction at a time. Milling operations and the deployment of specialist machinery will be concentrated along a 5km stretch of the N2 Section 12.

These measures are designed to prioritise the safety of all road users. Motorists travelling between Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) should anticipate minor delays during this period.

“Motorists are requested to plan their journeys accordingly and exercise caution when traveling through the affected areas,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Regional Manager.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Road users advised of N2 KwaMashu to Umdloti upgrades and road closures

Durban, 28 November 2024 – A temporary slow lane closure on the N2 south of Mount Edgecombe interchange is scheduled for Sunday, 1 December 2024 to allow for pothole repairs, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“The slow lane will be closed to traffic on Sunday, 1 December 2024 on the N2 northbound carriageway from the north of the KwaMashu Interchange until the Mount Edgecombe Interchange between 07h00 and 13h00. This closure will affect the northbound traffic only,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

Drivers are encouraged to consider the M4 and R102 as alternative routes, or to delay their travel over this time.
“The recent high volume of rain has caused noticeable deterioration to the slow lane. To prevent the formation of potholes and provide a better driving experience for road users, the contractor will mill out the old and pave back new asphalt. The fast and middle lanes will remain open and the southbound carriageway remains fully open,” Lowe explained.

Lowe said SANRAL understood the negative impact this will have on the travelling public due to the congestion it will cause.
He said, “To limit the impact, we are conducting the work during the hours of least traffic and in the shortest possible time. SANRAL appeals to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling towards and through the construction work zone.

“Delays are expected; thus all motorists are urged to be patient and courteous to their fellow drivers. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate the public’s patience during the ongoing major road enhancements.”

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za