Blog

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Blasting on the N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass

Eastern Cape, 31 January 2024: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users that the N2 will be intermittently closed between Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) and the Fish River Pass due to blasting operations taking place between 1 February and 26 February 2024.

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

Blasting operations are planned for the following dates:
• Thursday, 1 February 2024
• Monday, 5 February 2024
• Thursday, 8 February 2024
• Monday, 12 February 2024
• Thursday, 15 February 2024
• Monday, 19 February 2024
• Thursday, 22 February and
• Monday, 26 February 2024

Motorists travelling westwards between East London or Qonce (formerly King Williams Town) 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’s Southern Region Manager.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Routine road maintenance on CH Mitchell Bridge will result in intermittent closure of R61

Port Edward, 29 January 2024 – The CH Mitchell Bridge across the Mtamvuna River at the Wild Coast Casino on the R61 will be closed daily up to two hours at a time during the month of February 2024, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“Intermittent full closures of the CH Mitchell Bridge will take place from 6 February 2024 on the R61. The north and south bound traffic will be unable to cross the bridge at the said times. The planned closures are necessary for the replacement of bridge supports and structural element refurbishment and replacement of the bridge,” said Siphesihle Mthembu, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The intermittent full road closures are proposed to take place as follows:

06 February 2024

12h00 to 14h00 – Bridge support replacement and structural element replacement.

09 February 2024

12h00 to 14h00 – Bridge support replacement.

22 February 2024

12h00 to 14h00 – Bridge structural element replacement.

26 February 2024

12h00 to 14h00 – Bridge support replacement.

There are no immediate alternative routes for these scheduled road closures and road users are requested to plan their trips for the stated disruption.

“The local traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) will manage the process. Information boards on both sides of the bridge, confirming the closure times, will be erected for early notification,” said Mthembu.

The closure dates and times may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions leading up to the proposed closure. SANRAL will keep the travelling public updated on the progress and changes to the abovementioned dates and times through further media statements.

“SANRAL apologises to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused during the road closure. This is an unavoidable consequence of the maintenance work that is essential. We have attempted to minimise disruptions as far as possible and have restricted closures to hours when traffic is at its lowest volume,” said Mthembu.

Motorists are urged to be patient during the bridge closures, plan and adjust their route trips ahead of time and to adhere to signage and speed limits.

 

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Road closure along the R75 south bound near Kariega

Eastern Cape, 25 January 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road users that the R75 near Kariega (formerly Uitenhage) at Union Avenue, travelling south- bound towards Gqeberha, is closed until 6 March 2024, to allow for the replacement of bridge bearings and joints as well as other roadworks.
• Traffic will be diverted off the R75 at the Union Avenue/R367 off-ramp at Kariega and proceed via the R367 to Despatch. Traffic can then rejoin the R75 or travel via Algoa Road to Despatch.
• The on-ramp used for entering the R75 south-bound from Union Road/R367 will also be closed.

Traffic to Kariega off the R75 will remain unaffected. Motorists are advised that information sign boards and all other speed-limiting temporary signs for the road closure will be placed along the construction zone.
The contractor’s traffic safety officer as well as the site safety officer will be present for the duration of this activity. Flag personnel will be placed at various locations along the R75.

“Road users are requested to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and practice caution when using the alternate roads,” said Mbulelo Peterson, Regional Manager for SANRAL Southern Region.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused in this regard.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Blasting cancelled on the N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass in January

Eastern Cape, 25 January 2024 – The blasting planned on section13 and 14 of the N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass has been cancelled for this month, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.
The blasting was scheduled to take place on Thursday, 25 January and on Monday, 29 January 2024. This effectively means there’ll be no blasting before the end of January on the two sections.

SANRAL says a new traffic advisory for February will be issued to advise motorists of the blasting dates and times. The upgrades to that section of the N2 will include improvements to the horizontal and vertical alignments, the provision of climbing lanes and construction of community access roads in three villages on the Peddie side of the project.

“The temporary road closures are unavoidable as SANRAL continues its work to upgrade the N2 in the Eastern Cape, which will ultimately benefit road users. 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 in anticipation for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closures.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Stop/Go on N2 Section 16 from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction

Eastern Cape, 25 January 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road users that a Stop/Go system will be implemented on the N2 Section 16 from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction (formerly Komga), where a periodic road maintenance project is currently underway.

The one-way Stop/Go will be implemented on two-segments. The dates are as follows:
• Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction (63-67 Kms): 29 January to 4 February 2024.
• Mooiplaas to Qumrha T- Junction (52-56 Kms): 29 January to 4 February 2024.

Motorists can expect 10- to 20-minute delays at each Stop/Go.

“This project’s scope of work is extensive, encompassing periodic road maintenance, surface patches, minor rehabilitation, resealing of existing road surfaces and texture correction. While these tasks may cause temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits are substantial, with a primary focus on infrastructure preservation. Preserving and enhancing the road infrastructure not only ensures smoother travel, but also contributes significantly to the economic and social well-being of the community,” said Mbulelo Peterson, Regional Manager for SANRAL Southern Region.

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.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Repairs to N2 between Izingolweni and Harding in KwaZulu-Natal set to begin

Durban, 20 January 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has begun to excavate a portion of the damaged section of the N2 between Izingolweni and Harding in KwaZulu-Natal to address the drainage issues and prevent further deterioration of the road.

“Following further inspection and consultation with the engineering consultant, it was agreed that the most effective solution is to start with the excavation immediately to allow for drainage from the dam to facilitate the necessary repairs to commence soon,” said Samantha Dladla, SANRAL’s Project Manager responsible for Routine Road Maintenance in the Eastern Region.
The Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) contractor has been instructed to begin with the work.
SANRAL, together with the engineering consultant, is currently in the process of designing a temporary detour and formulating plans for the road repairs.

The detour is approximately 800m and runs adjacent to the area of the N2 that collapsed. This will ensure minimal disruptions to the flow of traffic. The alternative route adjacent to the N2, once completed, will allow access to light (passenger) vehicles while heavy motor vehicles will continue to use the current alternative route via the P58/P59.

“The construction works on the detour and N2 repairs are scheduled to begin by end of January 2024. We understand that this closure may cause inconvenience to the public, and we apologise for any disruption it may cause. However, the safety of road users is our utmost priority, and we are committed to undertaking the repairs as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Dladla.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Traffic to be diverted on the N2 near Umfolozi River

Durban, 22 January 2024 – Barriers will be placed on the N2 and vehicles will be diverted off the N2 Section 29 before and after the Umfolozi River as part of ongoing infrastructure repairs, the South African National Road Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“Barriers will be placed on the N2 North and South-bound lanes on Tuesday, 23 January 2024. During and after the placement of the barriers, traffic will be accommodated by means of a diversion. The diversion will be in place for a minimum period of five months from January to May 2024,” said Serisha Sukraj, SANRAL Eastern Region Project Manager.
Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and allow for extra travel time, especially when accessing travel hubs such as the airport.

“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 ask for your understanding as they work to make the necessary upgrades,” said Sukraj.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Switchover of traffic at N2 Thembalethu Bridge in George

Western Cape, 18 January 2024 – The switchover of all traffic from the eastern side to the newly constructed western side of the Thembalethu Bridge in George over the N2, is scheduled for either Thursday 18 or Friday 19 January 2024 between 11h00 and 13h00, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“The exact date and time of the switchover – which affects vehicles and pedestrians – will depend on conditions on site, including the weather,” said Petronella Theron, SANRAL Project Manager.
Once all traffic is diverted onto the new road, construction activities will commence on the eastern side, where vehicles have been travelling up to this point.

There will only be one lane open to traffic in each direction.

“We appeal to road users to reduce speed in the construction area and to be patient. We have opted to execute the switchover outside of peak traffic times, to minimise the inconvenience to road users,” said Theron.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Upgrading of the N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass

Eastern Cape, 17 January 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road users that the N2 will be intermittently closed between Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) and the Fish River Pass due to blasting operations from 18 to 29 January 2024.

SANRAL says the road will be closed on four days for a maximum of three hours, from 14h00 to 17h00 in the afternoon. The road closures are planned for:
• Thursday, 18 January 2024;
• Monday, 22 January 2024;
• Thursday, 25 January 2024; and,
• Monday, 29 January 2024.

The blasting operations will take place on sections 13 and 14 of the N2 between Makhanda and the Fish River Pass.
Motorists travelling westwards between East London or Qonce (formerly King Williams Town) 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 and 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 and 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.

“The temporary road closures are unavoidable as SANRAL continues its work to upgrade the N2 in the Eastern Cape, which will ultimately be to the benefit of road users. 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.”
The upgrades to that section of the N2 will include improvements to the horizontal and vertical alignments, the provision of climbing lanes and construction of community access roads in Lewiswood, Mabofolweni and Nobumba villages on the Peddie side of the project. The route will continue to serve as a crucial link between Gqeberha and East London, as well as connecting the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces via the Eastern Cape.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY UPDATE

Both lanes open on N12 between Britstown and Strydenburg in Northern Cape

Northern Cape, 17 January 2024 – Both lanes on the N12 between Britstown and Strydenburg are now open, following a temporary lane closure due to localised road failure, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

The pavement failure, caused primarily by high rainfall, was temporarily repaired, which is sufficient to handle the current traffic load. The contractor is sourcing the required materials in order to commence with permanent repair works as soon as possible.

“Once the permanent repairs are underway, we may need to maintain traffic accommodation via a Stop/Go system again, but will keep