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Traffic disruptions expected as construction begins on N3 between Westville and Paradise Valley

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MEDIA RELEASE
Traffic disruptions expected as construction begins on N3 between Westville and Paradise Valley

Durban, 4 September 2023 – Motorists travelling on the N3 between the Westville viaduct and the Paradise Valley Interchange will experience traffic disruptions as major construction and upgrades are set to begin on 1 October 2023, according to the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL).

The R4.7 billion project is expected to extend over approximately 51 months.

“We will endeavour to keep at least three lanes per direction open on the N3 route at all times and on applicable ramps, at least one lane will be kept open,” said Andrew Ssekayita, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The project includes the provision of additional one and two lanes to create a varying four to six-lane dual carriageway plus auxiliary lanes where required. There will also be upgrades to Eden Road, Paradise Valley Interchange, including the Provincial Route 13 (M13), and the Westville Interchange including Spine Road. There will be major bridge construction works including widening of the Westville and Paradise Valley Viaducts that are between 25 to 30m in height above both valleys.
“Traffic accommodation will commence immediately and will continue for the duration of the project. There will be contraflow for the construction of the bridge overpasses and there will be short road closures at night during demolitions with alternative routes available,” said Ssekayita.

“SANRAL would like to apologise to all road users for the inconvenience caused due to the necessary road construction and upgrades. Safety and security for all road users is the ultimate priority of the agency and we will ensure that we will keep the disruptions at a manageable level. During this period, we would like to thank road users for their patience and understanding,” said Ssekayita.

Work on the 5.74 kms stretch of the N3 route will include:
i. Erection of temporary road signs, Stop/Go signals and other traffic control devices.
ii. Provision of pedestrian and public transport facilities (pedestrian walkways with concrete barriers and taxi layby).
iii. Relocation of services affected by the capacity improvement.
iv. Construction of mass earthworks for pavement widening, bridge upgrades on affected interchanges, drainage (both cross and road surface).
v. Construction of gravel pavement layers, including selected layers and stabilised subbase.
vi. Construction and widening of new overpasses and bridge structures, consisting of Westville Viaduct, Langford Road Overpass, Lancaster Road Overpass, Dudley Road Overpass, St James Avenue Bridge, Eden Road Bridge and Paradise Valley Viaduct.
vii. Electrical works including the installation of street lighting along the entire section.

SANRAL has embarked on a three-month mobilisation period which includes community liaison and procurement planning for targeted enterprises. These engagements are expected to end on 30 September 2023.

The areas that will be affected are Pinetown, Westville, Hillcrest, Kloof, Marrianhill and Pavillion Mall. The construction will also impact all road users that travel to major destinations including the Durban Port and King Shaka International Airport. SANRAL has also embarked on an extensive communication plan to ensure that the public are fully aware of the N2/N3 upgrading and various considerations to reduce travel time over the next eight to 10 years.

During the construction period, the following alternative routes can be considered for use by motorists: M1, M5, M7, M10 M13, M19 and St James Avenue/Harry Gwala.

Stop/Go traffic accommodation on the N1 between Bontebok and Hanover

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Stop/Go traffic accommodation on the N1 between Bontebok and Hanover

Northern Cape, 25 August 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) would like to inform road users that Stop/Go traffic accommodation will be implemented on the N1 sections 10 and 11, between Bontebok and Hanover, from 28 August 2023.

The works will involve the periodic maintenance (pre-treatment and re-seal of the existing road surface) of the N1 on sections 10 and 11 as well as the improvement or replacement of existing drainage and ancillary works infrastructure.

Speed restrictions of 60km per hour will be applied at the work zones and the repairs are expected to be completed by end of May 2024. Motorists may make use of alternative routes or allow extra time when travelling between those towns.

“SANRAL would like to appeal to road users to adhere to the warning signs, reduce speed when approaching the construction zones and to plan their trips accordingly,” said Ms Jabulile Nyatela, SANRAL Project Manager.

SANRAL hosts scholarship and bursary induction for recipients

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL hosts scholarship and bursary induction for recipients

Western Cape, 21 August 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) recently hosted an induction for recipients of its Scholarship and Bursary programme at the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Milnerton. In this academic year, the Skills Development Unit is funding 252 scholarships and 95 external bursaries.

Given the overwhelming response the unit receives annually when applications are open for bursaries and scholarships, this event was a celebration of the successful candidates who managed to outperform all the other applicants.

SANRAL’s investment into education is driven by its transformation policy. “The decision to expand our external bursaries beyond Civil Engineering, to cover all educational streams that feed our auxiliary operations, among others Law, Finance, Supply Chain, Marketing and Human Resources, is evidence of meaningful transformation that expands our net of social inclusion,” said Heidi Harper, SANRAL’s General Manager for Skills Development.

Furthermore, the scholarship programme that had previously focused on only Mathematics and Science and supported learners with a 70% aggregate, now supports learners with a 60% aggregate, irrespective of their subject choices.

Isabella Smithdorf, a Grade 12 learner at Fairmont High School, excitedly explained how she is looking forward to pursuing a degree in Law, and is super grateful to SANRAL for supporting her academic journey at school.

Reabestswe Sekgothudi, currently a candidate engineer at SANRAL’s Technical Excellence Academy in Gqeberha, had the crowd entertained with her reflections of how she made the transition from a dream to be a doctor to living her best life as an aspirant civil engineer. She encouraged the African girl child to keep dreaming.

Cara Van Heerden, a final-year Civil Engineering student at Stellenbosch University, expressed deep gratitude to SANRAL for taking the financial pressure off her parents and acknowledged that she would not have been able to pursue her degree without the bursary.

All bursary and scholarship recipients have access to additional support services that assist with their overall wellbeing, including mental health.

“I am so grateful to SANRAL for the financial support they are giving me. However, their support goes beyond money. The wellness programme was an incredible support to me when my dad passed away and really helped me through a very difficult time,” said Azola Khoboyi, a final year Civil Engineering student at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Azola is no stranger to SANRAL as he was also supported with a scholarship during his high school years at the Centre for Science and Technology in Khayelitsha.

Ulrich Witbooi, a junior Project Manager at SANRAL, had also come through the bursary programme and encouraged the current intake to never give up and to draw inspiration from those who had achieved great things.

SANRAL is currently accepting applications for scholarships and external bursaries for the 2024 academic year. Application forms are available on the SANRAL website and close on 30 September 2023.

 

Blasting Works on N2 Sections 13 & 14 for next 12 months

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Blasting Works on N2 Sections 13 & 14 for next 12 months

Eastern Cape, 21 August 2023: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is notifying travellers that blasting operations are planned every week on a Wednesday at 14h00 for the next 12 months on sections 13 and 14 of the N2 between Makhanda (Grahamstown) and the Fish River Pass.

Blasting operations on national route N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass Section 13 km 92.6 to km 103.6 and Section 14 between km 0.0 and km 5.05 start on Wednesday 23 August 2023 and run until the end July 2024.

The road will be closed on these days from 14h00 for a maximum period of three hours, up to 17h00, to allow sufficient time for cleaning the existing N2 and making it safe for the travelling public.

Motorists travelling westwards between East London or eQonce (King William’s Town) and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) may consider using the following alternative route:
• From East London, follow the R72 to Port Alfred and Kenton on Sea through to Nanaga and turn left onto the N2 and continue on to Gqeberha.
Motorists travelling eastwards between Gqeberha and eQonce or East London may consider using the following alternative route:
• From Gqeberha, follow the N2 to Nanaga and turn right onto the R72 at the Nanaga junction 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 use caution when making use of the roads,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Regional Manager.
SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

N3 reopened following truck incident

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N3 reopened following truck incident

Durban, 11 August 2023 – The National Road 3 (N3) is again open to traffic between Pietermaritzburg and Durban following an incident that occurred around 03h10 on Thursday morning (10 August 2023) which resulted in all four lanes being closed, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has said.

“The N3 was reopened at Lynnfield Park at around 15h26 yesterday afternoon and was highly congested on the Durban bound road in Ashburton. This was expected as road users were anxious to go to their destinations after being stuck in traffic. The top layer of the affected area, as a result of the fire yesterday, was removed so the road could be open until rehabilitation,” said Nomsa Modise, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Projects Manager and Socio-Economic Development and National Coordinator for RIMS.

Motorists should proceed cautiously through the entire construction area.

“SANRAL apologises for the inconvenience caused by these incidents and wish to appeal to motorists to adhere to the warning signs and reduce speed when approaching the construction sites,” said Modise.

 

Blasting works scheduled on N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Immediate
Blasting works scheduled on N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass

Eastern Cape, 9 August 2023: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to notify travellers that blasting operations are planned on the N2 between Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) and Fish River Pass, every Wednesday at 13h00 for the next 12 months up to end of July 2024. Blasting is scheduled for today, Wednesday, 9 August 2023.

The road will be closed on these days from 13h00, for a maximum period of three hours, up to 16h00 to allow sufficient time for cleaning of the existing N2 and making it safe for the travelling public.

Motorists travelling westwards between East London or Qonce (formerly King Williamstown) and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) may consider using the following alternative route:

• From East London, follow the R72 to Port Alfred and Kenton on Sea through to Nanaga, turn left onto the N2 and continue to Gqeberha.
Motorists travelling eastwards between Gqeberha and Qonce or East London may consider using the following alternative route:
• From Gqeberha, follow the N2 to Nanaga, turn right onto the R72 at the junction at Nanaga and travel on via Alexandria and Port Alfred to East London.
• From East London, turn left onto the N2 and travel westwards through to Qonce.

“Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and use caution when making use of the roads,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Regional Manager.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

N2 night-time road closure at Thembalethu Bridge in George extended for one week

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N2 night-time road closure at Thembalethu Bridge in George extended for one week

Western Cape, 7 August 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) would like to inform road users traveling on the N2 George, that the night-time road closure on the N2 at the Thembalethu Bridge, is extended until 11 August 2023, for westbound traffic (direction Cape Town) only.

“These closures are required to remove form work and steel beams used during the casting of the new bridge across the N2,” said Petronella Theron, SANRAL Project Manager.

During the lane closures, motorists will be able to use the off ramps at the bridge to gain access to the N2 on the other side, in order to continue their journey. Closures are expected to be in place from 19:00 to 05:00.

Furthermore, one lane (the left lane) will remain closed during the entire day for the period 10 to 11 August 2023. This daytime closure is required with respect to the maximum height restriction that has been imposed on vehicles.

“We appeal to road users to reduce speed in the construction area and to be vigilant. We have opted to execute these works that necessitate a lane closure, under night- time conditions, so as to minimise the inconvenience to road users,” said Theron.

 

The R216 million Montrose interchange – a revolution on the N4 – nears completion.

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The R216 million Montrose interchange – a revolution on the N4 – nears completion.

Its construction has already changed the lives of local small businesses and residents by providing much-needed jobs, and the soon-to-be completed R216 million Montrose Interchange is about to revolutionarise the experiences of motorists, pedestrians, businesses and communities around Mpumalanga.

Not only that. The interchange, which is receiving its first upgrade in 30 years and nestles between the Crocodile as well as the Elands rivers on the N4 National Road, is set to also boost the economies of three countries – South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana – by enhancing the movement of goods and people.

According to TRAC’s Executive Manager for Engineering and Technical, Wimpie Janse van Rensburg, the 23-month long project was necessary to ensure road safety and mobility along the route.

“The existing level cross T-Junction is being upgraded to a free flow level split interchange as Montrose is a critical crossing in the TRAC concession as it joins Elandsvallei and Schoemanskloof on the Eastern side where the route splits,” he said.

The Montrose Interchange connects two high speed freeways and forms part of the N4 Maputo Development Corridor. According to TRAC, which manages the N4 on behalf of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), the upgrade is aimed at ensuring road safety and mobility along the route while also improving trade between South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.

The interchange has created 350 jobs and provided subcontracting opportunities for at least 10 local companies.

Work on the interchange includes the construction of four new interchange ramps and the widening of the existing two-lane Crocodile Bridge from two to five lanes. In addition, two new arch bridges supported by adjacent rock cut faces will be constructed to cross the existing Elands Valley section and to accommodate two new ramps.

Five 25m-high masts will illuminate the interchange, increasing visibility and road safety. Approximately 560m of the existing Schoemanskloof Road is being realigned to accommodate the interchange. This upgrade will ensure free flowing movement of traffic to and from Mbombela, Schoemanskloof and Elandsvallei in all directions.

The interchange has been welcomed by the taxi industry, which transports thousands of commuters on a daily basis. John Mavundla, Chairperson of Top Star Taxi Association in Mbombela said the interchange would improve the experience of drivers and passengers using the N4 toll road. “We’re very happy that TRAC continues to upgrade the N4, making it safer and easier to use. Our drivers spend many hours traveling up and down the N4 so the state of this road has a direct impact on how they do their work,” he said.

For Dumisane Ngobeni, who drives a coal haulage truck between Mozambique and various mines in South Africa, the construction of the interchange is a welcomed addition to the N4. “I really appreciate the fact that this area will be so well lit, making it safer to navigate at night.

Nothando Sithole, a business owner who frequently travels between Mbombela and Gauteng, said she was happy to see that the construction of the Montrose Interchange would soon be completed. “I use the N4 a lot and I’ve always been disappointed by the nature of the Schoemanskloof and Elandsvallei split in Mbombela, especially during peak traffic periods. I think this new Interchange will make navigating the N4 so much easier,” said Sithole.

Sithole’s sentiments were echoed by Mbombela-based photographer, Bongani Ndlovu, who only recently became aware of the construction of the Montrose Interchange as he’d been using alternative routes to avoid the split. “I join the N4 in Ngodwana, using the Kaapsehoop road from Mbombela to avoid possible congestion at the Schoemanskloof turn-off and was surprised to see how much had been done in the past year to improve that area,” he said.

According to Van Rensburg, while the upgrading of the interchange will lead to improved traffic mobility and safety of road users, no major pedestrian facilities are catered for or foreseen. “Pedestrians are not permitted to walk along freeways and it is not encouraged,” he said.

Minister of Transport hosts DRC delegation in Durban

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MEDIA RELEASE
Minister of Transport hosts DRC delegation in Durban

Durban, 7 August 2023 – South Africa’s roads infrastructure construction agency is a world-class organisation whose technical skills and expertise are much sought after by African countries and beyond, said Minister of Transport, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, at a meeting with her counterpart from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Addressing a high-level transport delegation from the DRC in Durban, Minister Chikunga lauded SANRAL for “the world-class work you are doing and we would like to congratulate the agency for its involvement in projects that showcase your excellence and expertise”.

The meeting comes after the 12th Bi-National Commission on 6 July which was co- chaired by President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the DRC and President Cyril Ramaphosa. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on transport-related matters was subsequently signed on 16 July and this engagement is part of implementing the agreements set out in the MOU.

The delegation conducted a site inspection of the Mount Edgecombe Interchange which was completed in 2018 at a cost of just over a billion Rands. The Interchange was described as “a veritable engineering work of art”.

“This event today is an important milestone because it puts into action the collaboration between South Africa and the DRC, one of the countries very close to us on the African continent. Roads form an important part of any country’s economy. It helps to connect people from different cities and provinces and, in the case of our continent, different countries. But roads can do more than that, it can also help to develop the economy of the country, province or city,” said Minister Chikunga.

Minister Chikunga expressed the hope that this engagement will lead to a sharing of experiences that will enable South Africa and the DRC to implement best practice regarding infrastructure development that would help boost the economies of both countries.

“We hope that our positive discussions today concerning the role both countries can play in delivering road infrastructure has a direct bearing on easing the movement of goods and people across South Africa and into neighbouring countries which impacts on overall economic growth,” said Ms Chikunga.

Reginald Demana, CEO of SANRAL, expressed gratitude to government for recognising the world-class infrastructure projects that are being built in South Africa and beyond the country’s borders.

“We aim to make SANRAL the premier roads agency on the African continent and with our knowledge, skills and technical expertise, we are confident that we are able to compete with the best in the world,” said Mr Demana.

“To be involved in the upgrade of the DRC-Beit Bridge corridor is a testament and huge expression of confidence in SANRAL’s ability to undertake these massive roads and bridge projects. The Mount Edgecombe Interchange is an example of the world-class engineering that exist on our continent, which we as SANRAL can share with the rest of our neighbours in Africa,” added Mr Demana.

The Interchange is one of the major sophisticated interchanges, which was upgraded and completed in October 2018. It forms a notable landmark in the area with one of the flyovers being the longest incrementally launched bridge in South Africa, at a length of 948 metres.

 

Construction kicks off on SANRAL’s R1.2bn N2 KwaBhaca to Ngcweleni River project

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Media Release
Construction kicks off on SANRAL’s R1.2bn N2 KwaBhaca to Ngcweleni River project

 

Eastern Cape, 03 August 2023: Construction works to upgrade the N2 section from KwaBhaca to Ngcweleni River have begun, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

The project, which follows the existing N2, starts in KwaBhaca and ends at the Ngcweleni River Bridge near EmaXesibeni. The R1.2 billion project affects the Umzimvubu Local Municipality and Ntabankulu Local Municipality, both within the Alfred Nzo District Municipality.

The contract was awarded to Rumdel Construction Cape in February this year and is anticipated to be concluded within 45 months.

The scope of works on the project will include rehabilitation of the existing carriageway pavement structure for both N2 Section 19 from km 92.4 to km 95.012 and N2 Section 20 from km 0.0 to km 39.4, widening of the existing road cross section for introduction of climbing lanes, construction of one new bridge and three new major culverts, widening of five bridges and four major culverts, construction of a pedestrian bridge at Phakade, upgrading of intersections to include sheltered right-turning lanes, left turning lanes, and adequate stacking distances based on the traffic impact study conducted to achieve the required Level of Service (LOS), construction of pedestrian walkways, and construction of community service roads.

The anticipated benefits of the road upgrade include enhanced road safety, reduced traffic congestion, and improved pedestrian safety, while considerable socio-economic impact can be expected through job creation, skills development and a cash injection to the local economy.

“Over 75 SMMEs will be subcontracted on this contract, with around 600 job opportunities to be created. A minimum of 30% of the contract value will be subcontracted to SMMEs.” said SANRAL Southern Region Manager, Mbulelo Peterson.

“We have also made provision for training to be given to SMMEs on this project, the modules of which include Site Administration Procedures, Contract Documentation, and Tendering for Construction Projects. This training is intended to capacitate the SMMEs and to contribute to their development to be sustainable beyond the SANRAL project,” he said.

SMMEs subcontracted on the project will be handling civil works, fencing, supply of goods and security.

Siphiwo Sandla, owner of Okonke Security, is an SMME that has been subcontracted to oversee security on the project. The company has employed 12 security guards on the project. “I am grateful for the opportunity brought by this SANRAL project to our community and to us as SMMEs. Through this opportunity we are able to feed 12 families and will be creating around 100 job opportunities throughout the project lifecycle. This is a great opportunity for growth for our young company that was established in 2016. Working on this contract will lift our company profile and open more doors in future,” said Sandla.