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UPDATED TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Gradual progress with rescue and recovery operations

KwaZulu-Natal, 21 September 2024 – Disaster management teams are making gradual progress with rescue and recovery operations, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and its concessionaire, the N3 Toll Concession (Pty) Ltd (N3TC), have announced.

With snowfall having eased slightly, graders are now slowly approaching the top of Van Reenen’s Pass. They are being followed by emergency services and humanitarian relief workers who will provide much needed assistance to stranded road users.

However, road users are warned that conditions along the N3 Toll Route remain treacherous despite the current break in the incessant snowfall. Visibility along the route is poor as cold and wet weather conditions continue.

The risk remains high for more snowfall and the formation of black ice as temperatures drop into the night.
“We therefore, reiterate our appeal to road users to delay all travel to the affected region until advised by authorities that it is deemed safe to do so,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL General Manager for Communications and Marketing.

For regular, verified traffic updates follow @N3Route on X or contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 for emergency assistance. Also follow updates from SANRAL via X and Facebook.

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

TRANSPORT MINISTRY URGES MOTORISTS TO COMPLY WITH TRAVEL ADVISORIES AND DELAY NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS

The Minister of Transport, Ms. Barbara Creecy, and the Deputy Minister, Mr. Mkhuleko Hlengwa, are advising motorists traveling between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to delay their trips due to severe weather conditions.

Heavy snowfall continues to blanket the N3 highway, particularly between Warden and Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, making travel extremely hazardous. The Ministry is deeply concerned about the situation, especially as many travelers spent the night stranded at filling stations and along the N3, unable to move due to the road closures.

Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Hlengwa are receiving regular updates through the Road Traffic Management Cooperation and SANRAL on the ongoing rescue efforts coordinated by state agencies and other stakeholders. Emergency services, including paramedics and other necessary personnel, are being deployed to assist those affected.

The N3 Toll Route remains CLOSED between Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State due to the dangerous snowy conditions.
Motorists are urged to avoid the affected areas, and follow the guidance of authorities, and prioritize their safety by delaying non-essential travel.

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ISSUED BY: National Department of Transport

Media Contact:
Collen Msibi
National Spokesperson
066 476 9015

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL working with National Disaster Management Centre to respond to dangerous conditions caused by snow on KZN roads

KwaZulu-Natal, 21 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and its concessionaire, the N3 Toll Concession (Pty) Ltd (N3TC), have closed the N3 national road at the Van Reenen’s Pass because of dangerous conditions, including black ice. The matter has been escalated to the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) and is being given the utmost priority, to ensure the safety of road users.

SANRAL and N3TC have mobilised operations to clear the snow on the affected sections of the N3, while several other emergency response teams are responding to various incidents on the road.

A full road closure remains in place between Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State. Icy conditions, wet weather and poor visibility are also being reported along other sections of the route causing dangerous driving conditions from KwaZulu-Natal through the Free State, the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Traffic is being stopped at the Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith South Interchange in the Free State. The snowfall and sudden drop in temperature are causing black ice to form, making the roads at Van Reenen’s Pass slippery. There have already been reports of trucks losing traction, especially on the uphill sections. “Road users are advised to avoid the affected areas and delay or cancel any travel plans where possible, as more inclement weather is expected,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL General Manager for Communications and Marketing. Follow @N3Route on X for regular, verified traffic updates or contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 to report problems or for emergency assistance. SANRAL will also carry updates on its various digital platforms, including X and Facebook.
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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

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N3 full closure to facilitate blasting between Ashburton and Market Road

Pietermaritzburg, 19 September 2024 – Part of the N3 will be fully closed on 26 September and 1 October 2024. This is to facilitate blasting next to the N3 at the Ashburton Interchange as part of the Ashburton to Market Road upgrade project, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“The N3 closure will take place between the Ashburton and Market Road Interchanges. Closures will also be necessary on Pope Ellis Drive from R103 intersection to Ashburton Interchange which is in the vicinity of the blasting activities,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

Traffic accommodation team with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will monitor the diversion of traffic during the closure.

The road closure will take place as follows:

26 September 2024 (Thursday):
14h30: Close N3 and secondary road and blast.
14h30 to 14h55: Clean up any debris on all roads.
14h55 to 15h00: Final Road Safety Inspection
15h00: Re-open N3 and secondary road for all vehicles.

1 October 2024 (Tuesday):
14h30: Close N3 and secondary road and blast.
14h30 to 14h55: Clean up any debris on all roads.
14h55 to 15h00: Final Road Safety Inspection
15h00: Re-open N3 secondary road for all vehicles.

The R103 route will be available as an alternative route during the blast. Substantial delays are, however, likely as the R103 is unable to handle the same volume of traffic as the N3.

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.

“We ask motorists to be patient during the closure and to plan and adjust their trips, especially their leaving times, to accommodate the closure while still adhering to speed limits. SANRAL apologises to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused and thanks them for their patience during the ongoing road construction,” said Lowe.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES:

FIGURE 1: ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR BLASTING.
NOTE: ASHBURTON/ POPE ELLIS WILL BE CLOSED FOR BLASTING TRAFFIC WILL BE DIRECTED VIA THE R103 ROUTE.THE TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE MARKET ROAD OFFRAMP TO THE N3 MAINLINE AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 1 ABOVE IN RED.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Stop/Go on N2 Section 16, from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction, in the Eastern Cape

Gqerberha, 18 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road users that a Stop/Go system has been implemented on the N2 Section 16, from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction (formerly Komga), where a periodic road maintenance project is currently underway.

The Stop/Go system will be in place from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T- Junction from 19 September to 1 December 2024. Motorists can expect a 10- to 20-minute delay at the Stop/Go.

“Motorists should adhere to the warning signs, reduce speed when approaching the construction zones and plan their trips accordingly as there are no alternative routes available,” said Mr Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Regional Manager.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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MEDIA STATEMENT

Stakeholder engagement the centre of SANRAL’s effective infrastructure service delivery
Caption

Caption: Stakeholders at a SANRAL stakeholder engagement session held in the Winnie Madikizela Mandela municipality on 30 August 2024

Gqeberha,15 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has emphasised the critical role of proactive and continuous stakeholder engagement in its road infrastructure build programme.

The Regional Manager for SANRAL’s Southern Region, Mbulelo Peterson, stressed the roads agency’s stance following claims by the Amadiba Crisis Committee that Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s proposed deployment of the army to the Eastern Cape was SANRAL’s “strategic response” to the Amadiba Crisis Committee.

“SANRAL has engaged the Amadiba community from the outset of its consultative processes in 2001 to date and we will continue to do so. We remain open to engaging with any stakeholders affected by the N2 Wild Coast Road project to facilitate transparency in the execution of our mandate,” he said.

“We have always been big advocates for public consultation and regular engagement of our stakeholders and, to this effect, SANRAL’s public consultation on our flagship N2 Wild Coast Road project in the Pondoland was hailed by the courts as having exceeded legal requirements,” said Peterson.

In April 2019, the North Gauteng High Court denied an appeal against an earlier judgment, where Judge Cynthia Pretorius found in SANRAL’s favour and confirmed the validity of the public participation processes during the environmental impact assessment for the N2 Wild Coast Road project.

“Our organisational approach is underpinned by stakeholders as a key strategic pillar to enable our infrastructure service delivery. We have an open-door policy to facilitate continuous stakeholder engagement to ensure we are aligned to our stakeholders’ needs,” Peterson stressed.

“In addition, all SANRAL projects have Project Liaison Committees in place to facilitate communication between the affected communities, SANRAL and the contractor. Our communication platforms remain open to all our stakeholders and communities impacted by our road infrastructure build programme,” he said.

Peterson added: “SANRAL is mandated with the management, maintenance and development of South Africa’s national road network. Our work is a major driver of economic activity and development in the province. Communities living alongside where we construct roads are front and centre beneficiaries of the job opportunities we create, particularly designated groups such as women, military veterans, people with disabilities and previously marginalised individuals in general.

“The subcontracting opportunities we create for targeted enterprises – including emerging contractors, service providers and suppliers – is a large contributor to small enterprise development and advancing government’s transformation agenda,” he said.

Peterson continued: “SANRAL is cognisant of the major socio-economic impact of its N2 Wild Coast Road project, worth in excess of R20 billion, in the province and the Wild Coast. We have been intentional about consistent involvement of the affected communities throughout the project’s life cycle so that there is a sense of ownership by the community.”

According to a survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council in 2015, more than 98% of residents interviewed supported the building of a new road between Lusikisiki and Port Edward. This included the majority of people in the Mdatya and Sigidi communities.

Peterson said the N2 Wild Coast Road project had received overwhelming support from the communities living in the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Ingquza Hill and Port St Johns municipalities who realise its impact on local economic development and opportunities for eco-tourism, conservation and the hospitality sector.

“SANRAL will continue to engage all affected stakeholders on the N2 Wild Coast Road project. We invite all stakeholders, including the Amadiba Crisis Committee, to a stakeholder engagement session where we will give an update on the various work packages that we are undertaking on the project,” said Peterson.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

SANRAL cautions motorists of possible temporary closure of section of N2 Highway in Gqeberha

Gqeberha, 16 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced that the westbound carriageway of the N2 highway, between John Tallant and Settlers Way in Gqeberha, may be temporarily closed or reduced to one lane due to forecasted high sea swells from Tuesday, 17 September 2024 through to Friday, 20 September 2024.

During the full closure, westbound traffic will be diverted via the John Tallant Interchange along Old Grahamstown Road as well as the temporary cross-overs on the median island to a two-way traffic system on the eastbound carriageway.

SANRAL is implementing these measures to reduce the impact (delays) to road users in the event of overtopping of the sea wall (dolosse) which usually results in debris deposits on the westbound carriageway. Motorists are urged to cooperate and drive with extreme caution.

“The road maintenance team will be on standby to ensure that the effects of the high waves on the shoreline do not impact road users for a longer period. SANRAL and a special operational Task team will continue to monitor the sea conditions. We urge motorists to obey instructions from traffic officials for diversions,” said Danfred Adams, Project Manager for the routine maintenance of the N2 in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Temporary lane closures on N2 in Pongola and Nseleni

Pongola, 16 September 2024 – Various activities including line marking, removal of barriers, bridge joint repairs and repairs are due to take place on N2, on the Pongola and Nseleni river bridges.

These repairs form part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance, the South African National Road Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“As part of the casting of concrete parapet process (building the concrete barrier on the bridge), temporary lane closures with stop-and-go control will be implemented,” said Serisha Sukraj, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The dates for the Pongola River Bridge closures are:

16 September 2024 (Northbound) from 09h00 to 14h00
17 September 2024 (Northbound) from 09h00 to 14h00
18 September 2024 (Southbound) from 09h00 to 14h00
The date for the Nseleni River Bridge closures are:
21 September 2024 (Southbound) from 09h00 to 14h00

Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and allow for extra travel time, especially when accessing travel hubs such as airports.

Sukraj advised, “We further appeal to road users to adhere to the road signs and speed limit when approaching and travelling through the construction site. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and asks for your understanding as we work to maintain our infrastructure assets.”

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MEDIA RELEASE

RRM contract ripe with economic opportunities for Tsantsabane and Kgatelopele Municipalities

Caption: SMMEs attended SANRAL’s information session in Postmasburg to understand the project participation opportunities.

Northern Cape, 15 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has this week introduced the contractor on the R128-million Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) contract that spans the Tsantsabane and Kgatelopele Local Municipalities in the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality, to its stakeholders at information sessions in Postmasburg and Danielskuil.

The five-year project, which covers 177km, includes maintenance on the R31 from Kgatelopele/Ga-Segonyana border to Kgtatelopele/Dikgatlong border, the R385 from Danielskuil intersection to Postmasburg and the R325 from Postmasburg to the N14/R325 intersection.

Speaking to small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Postmasburg, SANRAL Transformation Officer for the Western Region, Morné Windvogel, introduced Ndoko Projects (Pty) Ltd, the main contractor who started this project on 1 September 2024.

“Ndoko Projects was once a subcontractor, just like many of you but today they are the main contractor on this maintenance contract. So, when we say that SANRAL is committed to enterprise development, supporting, mentoring and growing small contractors to become big contractors, it is not just talk,” said Windvogel.

SANRAL Project Manager, Martin Maswanganyi explained that the project is currently in the mobilisation period, which spans six months. During this time, the main contractor will, among others, establish the site office, determine the extent of the work and the related requirements, do a skills audit of the target area, compile the contract participation goals (CPG) plan and advertise work packages for subcontracting.

“In line with SANRAL’s transformation objectives, at least 50% of the contract value must be awarded to local subcontractors,” said Maswanganyi.
In Postmasburg, the SMMEs were champing at the bit to sink their teeth into the work and were keen to understand exactly when the packages would be advertised so they could submit their tenders.

Elizabeth Tshazibana from Umhlobo General Traders and Hillie Lekhula-Olyn from Hillarious Trading (Pty) Ltd agreed that working on this project would give them the opportunity to” show their worth and make their mark”.

“This is exactly the break we need to prove ourselves,” they said.

Members of the Project Liaison Committee (PLC) were also introduced and given the opportunity to address the community on their commitment to ensuring fair and transparent processes for the appointment of subcontractors and local labour.

“Over and above having oversight of the processes, our work entails taking this information to all the relevant wards so that nobody misses out on potential opportunities. We will also make it very clear that there is no place for nepotism and favouritism. Knowing a member of the PLC will not guarantee you a job on this project,” said PLC member Simozana Mdala.

Luphelo Ngalo, SANRAL Stakeholder Coordinator for the Western Region, explained that a labour database as well as a database of targeted enterprises will be compiled under the careful oversight of the PLC.

“If you’re worried that we’ll simply take the existing databases, let me assure you that we will not. This project will have its own database, created from scratch,” he said.

SANRAL will continue using its procurement power to roll out more projects into the market, not only to improve infrastructure development but to use those infrastructure projects to unlock economic benefit at scale.

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