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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Lane and shoulder closures on N2 Section 11 from Linton Grange to St Albans in Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 23 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road users that lane closures and shoulder closures have been implemented on the N2 Section 11, from Linton Grange to St Albans where the road maintenance project is currently underway.

These lane and shoulder closures are effective date from 13 May 2024 and will continue until 31 July 2024.

There will be a minimum of two 24-hour lane closures and two-day closures, and two shoulder closures which can be expected throughout the project length from St Albans to Linton Grange on the west bound and east bound carriage ways.

Motorists can expect the movement of construction plant along the temporary lane closures.

“This project involves texture and rut corrections, recycling the base with bituminous emulsion, base patches, and resealing the road surface. While these activities may cause temporary inconveniences, they offer significant long-term benefits by preserving infrastructure,” said Mr Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Regional Manager.

SANRAL appeals to motorists to adhere to the warning signs, to reduce speed when approaching the construction zones and to plan their trips accordingly.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL R364 million investment towards major road upgrades in Mpumalanga

Pretoria, 23 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has invested over R364 million for developing critical road infrastructure in the Gert Sibande District Municipality in Mpumalanga.

SANRAL has set aside about R191 million for the restoration of the national road N17 section 5 from Km 85.0 to Oshoek (Km 122,7) near Oshoek border post. A further R173 million will go towards resurfacing a section of the N17 near Chrissiesmeer.

This is investment is part of the roads agency’s plan to roll out new infrastructure projects worth R9 billion in the Gert Sibande District Municipality which will include, the upgrading of the N2 national route – a total of about 150,7km from the KwaZulu-Natal/Mpumalanga border to Camden, near Ermelo (Msukaligwa). Other projects entail upgrading of the Pan Bult Interchange and construction of a Ring Road in Mkhondo Local Municipality.

In line with SANRAL’s transformation objectives, 30% of the contract value is earmarked for subcontracting to smaller black contractors, in particular those owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities. About 30% (R56 million) has been allocated to targeted enterprises for the Oshoek section and 6% (R10,4 million) for local labour. Around R53 million was allocated for SMMEs for Chrissiesmeer and R10 million for labour.

With the unemployment rate currently sitting at 32.9%, SANRAL is confident that this investment will boost the local economy, through the creation of jobs, training and development of local small businesses, empowerment of women and youth-owned businesses, including opportunities for people with disabilities.

Transport Minister Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga was in the area to conduct an oversight visit of the work being done on the projects, including the patching of potholes through the national Vala Zonke campaign.

Chikunga said roads are a crucial component of South Africa’s economy and the delivery of road infrastructure has a direct bearing on the ease of movement of goods and people across South Africa, which impacts on overall economic growth.

“We have placed infrastructure development at the heart of its Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan to secure an economy where there is dignified work for all, inclusive growth and social protection for those in need. South Africa is on a path to unlock more than R1-trillion in infrastructure investment over the next few

years as part of our massive infrastructure investment drive to revitalise the economy and create employment. SANRAL, as an organ of the state under the Department of Transport, is a major contributor to this drive,” she said.

Progress Hlahla, SANRAL’s Northern Regional Manager, said good roads require constant maintenance and to this end, there are currently 12 routine road maintenance (RRM) projects servicing the province.

“Maintenance of the road is an ongoing exercise and is the only consistent activity within the SANRAL road network that is critical for creating jobs for local communities and subcontracting opportunities for targeted businesses on an ongoing basis,” he said.

The current RRM projects in the region include,

• The R33 from Msukaligwa Municipal boundary, near Waburton over Carolina to Belfast.
• The R38 from Steve Tshwete Municipal boundary over Carolina to Mbombela Municipal boundary.
• Maintenance of N17 from Msukaligwa Municipal boundary near Warburton to Oshoek border post.

Hlahla said it will require everyone to work together to help build the economy and to ensure that more people can share in the wealth of the country. The opportunities created by these road upgrade projects in Mpumalanga will help to make that a reality.

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MEDIA RELEASE

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expresses concern over bus crash in Nhlazatshe, Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga, 22 May 2024 – Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has expressed deepconcern over the ongoing use of unsafe vehicles for learner transport.

Minister Chikunga said: “Unsafe vehicles will not be tolerated and every effort must bemade to ensure that schools contract with service providers who prioritise safety overprofits,” Minister Chikunga said.

She was speaking earlier today at the scene of a bus crash in Nhlazatshe, Mpumalanga,involving a learner transport bus carrying high school learners to a career expo hosted by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL).
Most of the children were treated for shock, trauma and mild injuries. Of the eight learners who were taken to Embhuleni Provincial Hospital, seven have been discharged. The remaining learner is being kept overnight for observation, as she has underlying medical
conditions.

“It is a relief that there were no fatalities, but this relief should also be a wake-up call for all schools, parents, transport operators and authorities,” said Chikunga.
Early reports indicate that the brakes of a bus failed but detailed investigations will be conducted to establish the exact cause and circumstances behind the crash, which involved two other vehicles.

“More must be done to ensure the vehicles used to transport our children are safe and roadworthy. It cannot be that transport owners risk the lives of our children and get away with it,” said Chikunga.

“These local operators know the road, its curves and condition and we expect them to not only drive safely but also use roadworthy vehicles,” she added.

The Minister visited the learner who sustained serious injuries at the Nhlazatshe hospital this afternoon.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of the SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information contact Melany
Kühn on 078 8877 004 or pressoffice@nra.co.za

MEDIA ALERT

SANRAL Stakeholder Engagement with SMMEs in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 22 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency Limited SOC (SANRAL) will host a stakeholder engagement with small, medium and micro enterprises SMMEs owned by women, youth, people with disabilities, military veterans and people in the affected community on Thursday 23 May 2024 in Motherwell, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.

This engagement aims to introduce SANRAL’s recently appointed contractor for the R335 Motherwell to Addo road infrastructure project. The session will also outline the various economic opportunities this project will create for local and emerging contractors, suppliers and the community at large.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Thursday, 23 May 2024
Time: 10:00 – 13:00
Venue: Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre, Motherwell, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality

RSVP: Jenay Petrus on 081 746 79 OR Jenay.Petrus@fticonsulting.com

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL’s road safety education aims to improve road user attitude and behaviour

Caption: SANRAL took its road safety awareness campaign to road users in KwaNonesi Mall in Komani

Komani, Eastern Cape, 20 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is maintaining a prominent role in road safety education and awareness as it engages motorists in various municipalities across the Eastern Cape.

SANRAL hosted a road safety awareness campaign on Friday 17 May, at the KwaNonesi Mall in Komani in the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, where it targeted all road users, including motorists, passengers and pedestrians.

“Road safety is a national priority and SANRAL has a clearly defined role to provide both safe roads and infrastructure. But our role does not end there. Road safety is a strategic pillar that underpins our organisational strategy,” said Michelle Ah Shene, SANRAL’s Regional Marketing and Communications Coordinator.

“Our efforts are geared at improving road user attitude and behaviour, as well as to engage communities in road safety awareness,” she added.

Under the banner of ‘Road Safety Starts with You’, SANRAL’s campaign emphasises personal responsibility on the roads. Messages such as ‘One look before you cross or overtake, ‘One rest can save your life’ and ‘One call can end it all’ underscore the effort required to mitigate road risks and to ensure safer journeys for all.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 92% of the world’s road fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries where more than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Speaking at a Media Dialogue on the State of Road Safety in South Africa held on 15 May, Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, said research shows that Africa is the least motorised continent containing 2% of the global vehicle population but contributes 16% of the recorded global road fatalities.

“The top 20 hazardous roads in South Africa are our national roads. It is the N1, N3, R61, and the Moloto Road. All these roads are in a good condition. They are the best roads we have in South Africa, probably on the continent and they compare well with the roads that we have internationally. But that is where our accidents happen because of the way people drive,” said Chikunga.

The R61 between Komani and Cofimvaba is one such road that is frequented by road crashes due to factors including speeding, stray livestock, j-walking and reckless driving.
“We want to drive the message home that safer roads are a collective responsibility for all road users to play their part. We want to encourage safe behaviour among all road users, whether drivers, pedestrians and residents,” said Ah Shene.

A motorist from Komani, Nico Morwane, says patience on the road is key to safe driving and could save South Africa from the road carnage.
“You must be patient and always be aware of other motorists. Drivers tend to be in a hurry all the time and this affects their judgement. This results in serious crashes that could be avoided. Thanks to SANRAL for reminding us on how to behave on the roads.”

Young people took turns testing their driving skills on the racing simulators inside a tent.

“The simulator taught me that speeding can be dangerous on both straight roads and on bends,” said 15-year-old Lisakhanya Stengile as he tested his driving skill. “Keeping to the speed limit will take you home safely. As a pedestrian, the message I took from here is to be alert while walking along the road because some of them don’t have pavements.”

SANRAL publications containing information about road infrastructure projects, the tender process and transformation policy were distributed to motorists and pedestrians alike to drive the safety message home.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

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

Gqerberha, 20 May 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 4km one-way Stop/Go system will be in place from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T- Junction from 20 May to 28 May 2024. Motorists can expect a 10- to 20-minute delay at the Stop/Go.

“The road maintenance encompasses routine upkeep, surface repairs, handling minor damages, resealing, and adjusting textures. Although these activities may lead to temporary inconvenience, their substantial long-term benefit lies in preserving the infrastructure,” said Mr Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Regional Manager.

SANRAL appeals to motorists to adhere to the warning signs, to reduce speed when approaching the construction zones and to plan their trips accordingly as there are no surfaced alternative routes available.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL and Provincial Traffic collaborate to improve safety and mobility at high-risk intersection – N2 Knysna Road and Urbans Boulevard

Western Cape, 16 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and Western Cape Government Provincial Traffic are working together to improve safety and mobility during the R700 million upgrade of the N2 between Kraaibosch and Touw River, where a pointsman, supported by Provincial Traffic will be dedicated to direct traffic during peak travel times.

The current road improvement construction contract starts at Kraaibosch at the N2 George Interchange and ends at the Touw River, just past Wilderness. As part of the improvement contract, a 3km section of the N2 between Kraaibosch and the turn-off to Victoria Bay will be reconstructed as all pavement layers needs to be replaced. This section of road will also be widened in places to accommodate four lanes (two in each direction).

The existing intersection (previously a traffic circle), between Urbans Boulevard and Rademachers falls within this section of road. “Given the significant traffic volume, every effort is made to maintain two-way traffic and minimise one-way traffic accommodation sections by means of a Stop/Go traffic control,” said David Le Cordeur, SANRAL Project Manager.

“Furthermore, for the contractor to do the required work on this section of road, while maintaining two-way traffic, certain lanes needed to be closed. This resulted in the temporary removal of the traffic circle and replacing it with the existing intersection to Rademachers and the Urbans Boulevard. Once the road surface improvements have been completed, the traffic circle will be reconstructed.”

Le Cordeur explained that the N2 traffic currently has right of way with a 60 km/h speed limit and the adjoining traffic from Rademachers and the Urbans Boulevard is controlled by means of Stop signs.

“The frustration experienced by road users, particularly the adjoining traffic from Rademachers and Urbans Boulevard is noted and to this end, Provincial Traffic will henceforth be on site during peak travel times, to assist the contractor’s pointsman in directing the traffic at this intersection,” said Le Cordeur.

The contractor will also have flagmen in place to assist the pointsman, who will be in place between 07h00 and 17h30 on weekdays. However, if the traffic situation requires the availability of the pointsman for longer hours, this will be considered.

It is anticipated that the construction period will last for approximately seven months on this section of the road, and road users are encouraged to make provision for additional travel time between George and Wilderness.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

SANRAL N2/N3 EB CLOETE UPGRADE • ROAD CLOSURES • ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Durban, 14 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced the following temporary road closures for the placement of bridge beams for the new King Cetshwayo Bridge on the M13 over the N2.

North Bound Closure: 20:00, Saturday 18 May 2024 to 04:00, Sunday 19 May 2024.

South Bound Closure: 20:00, Sunday 19 May 2024 to 04:00, Monday 20 May 2024.

This major road network is and has been under major stress for a number of years, as traffic volumes have exceeded the original design capacity of the EB Cloete Interchange and its feeder roads. The King Cetshwayo Bridge was built in the late 1960s and now cannot accommodate the extra lanes below it.

This current work forms part of a major national road network upgrade that is being undertaken throughout the province to relieve traffic congestion. The N2 Northern and Southern between the EB Cloete Interchange (Spaghetti Junction) and the Umgeni Road Interchange will be closed respectively on Saturday and Sunday nights for eight hours.

These closures are to enable the placement of bridge beams for the new King Cetshwayo Bridge on the M13 over the N2 near Westwood Mall as part of SANRAL’s major upgrade of the N2 North and South bound, and the EB Cloete Interchange. Road closures will take place at various points in a radius outward from the EB Cloete Interchange.

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place and people using this road will have noticed that signage, barriers and traffic calming are already being installed.

Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period and/or find suitable staging areas over this timeframe to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators must ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routings.

Light vehicle traffic, as well as emergency services and traffic management are advised to make use of alternative routing.

A detailed alternative routing guide can be found on this link: http://www.nra.co.za

All road-users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual.

NORTH BOUND CLOSURE: 20:00, SAT 18 MAY 2024 TO 04:00, SUNDAY19 MAY 2024.

N2 closed as follows at EB Cloete Interchange (AKA Spaghetti Junction) N3/N2 Interchange

N3 West bound (Durban to Pinetown):

• Ramp to N2 North (to Umhlanga/King Shaka International Airport)

N3 East bound (Pinetown to Durban):

• Ramp to N2 North (to Umhlanga/King Shaka International Airport)

N2 North Bound (Amanzimtoti to Umhlanga):

• On N2 North Freeway (to Umhlanga/King Shaka International Airport)

SOUTH BOUND CLOSURE: 20:00, SUN 19 MAY 2024 TO 04:00, MONDAY 20 MAY 2024.

Umgeni Road (M19)/N2 Interchange

• M19: No access to N2 South

Inanda Road Interchange

• N2 South Bound: No access to N2 South

SANRAL appeals to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling past the construction work zones. To prioritise the safety of both the construction workers and road users, the speed limit along the route will be reduced during construction.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Full closure of the N3 to facilitate blasting at the Market Road Overpass Bridge

Pietermaritzburg, 12 May 2024 – The N3 will be fully closed on 22 May 2024, 5 June 2024 and 12 June 2024 between the hours of 14h30 and 15h00, to facilitate blasting next to the N3 Market Road Overpass Bridge in KwaZulu Natal, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

This work will be undertaken as part of the N3 upgrade project from Gladys Manzi Road to New England Road Interchange.

“The N3 closure will take place between the Ashburton and New England Road Interchanges. Closures will also be necessary on the following secondary roads in the vicinity of the blasting activities:

• Market Road at Van Eck Place
• Alan Paton Ave at Blackburrow Road

Our traffic accommodation team with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will manage and monitor the diversion of traffic during all sessions” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The full road closures will take place as follows:

22 May 2024, Wednesday

14h30 to 14h45 – Close N3 and secondary roads and blast.

14h45 to 15h00 – Clean up any debris on all roads.

15h00 – Reopen N3 and secondary roads for all vehicles.

5 June 2024, Wednesday

14h30 to 14h45 – Close N3 and secondary roads and blast.

14h45 to 15h00 – Clean up any debris on all roads.

15h00 – Reopen N3 and secondary roads for all vehicles.

12 June 2024, Wednesday

14h30 to 14h45 – Close N3 and secondary roads and blast.

14h45 to 15h00 – Clean up any debris on all roads.

15h00 – Reopen N3 and secondary roads for all vehicles.

The R103 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.

“Motorists are urged to remain patient during the closure 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.

 

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