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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Cleland Overpass demolition will result in road closure of N3

Pietermaritzburg, 15 January 2024 – The N3 will be closed from 18h00 on 20 January 2024 until 06h00 on 21 January 2024, to facilitate the demolition of Cleland bridge on the N3, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced. This is part of the improvements to the road which will benefit road users in the medium- to long-term.

“Full closures will take place at Ashburton and Market Road interchange with both the Northbound and Southbound traffic being unable to access the N3 during said times. The closures are due to the demolition of the Cleland Bridge on the N3 North and South Bound as part of the N3 construction process. The traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will manage and monitor the diversion of traffic to the R103,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

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

20 January 2024

18:00 to 00:00 – Close N3 and proceed to break the bridge structure.

21 January 2024

00h00 to 06h00 – Complete breaking, clean and reopen N3 allowing for traffic to flow.

The available alternative routes to traffic are:

1. Northbound traffic to be taken off at the Ashburton Interchange onto R103 and back onto the N3 at Market Road Intersection.

2. Southbound traffic to be taken off at the Market Road Interchange onto R103 and back onto the N3 at the Ashburton Intersection.

The closure may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions on the day. SANRAL will keep the travelling public updated on progress and changes to the above 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 road improvements. Attempts have been made to minimise disturbances as far as possible and closures have been restricted to hours when traffic is at its lowest level,” said Lowe.

Motorists are urged to be patient while driving through the alternative routes, to plan and adjust their route trips ahead of time and to adhere to signage and speed limits.

MEDIA RELEASE
SANRAL CEO Reginald Demana announces R28 billion worth of tenders to be put on the market

PRETORIA, 12 January 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced an injection of up to R28 billion into the construction industry in the first half of this year. As part of SANRAL’s efforts to deepen transformation and in terms of its Interim Preferential Procurement Policy (PPP), at least 30% of these will be allocated to smaller black-owned construction companies. Through these contracts, SANRAL aims to ensure that small businesses graduate to become major construction companies.

SANRAL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Reginald Demana, said that wherever the SANRAL projects are, the agency has a mandate that sees value flowing through to small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), local contractors and local communities.

The announcement comes after SANRAL closed 77 tenders worth R6.43 billion in December 2023. The agency is on a mission to accelerate work in the construction industry early in the first half of 2024. Demana says SANRAL intends to put out at least another 70 tenders to the market in the next couple of weeks. This will result in about R28 billion of tenders advertised under the Interim PPP in the current 2023/2024 financial year.

“There is quite a lot of work we want to dish out. By March, we want to have about R28 billion worth of tenders in the market. However, some will be closed towards April when we enter the new financial year,” said Demana.

As an implementing agency of government, SANRAL’s processes have been clean, transparent and fair.
“The projects are always on time and within budget, the contracting methodologies of SANRAL are internationally recognised. As a 25-year organisation, the agency also has qualified project managers who track the projects and monitor expenditure and the quality of execution,” he said.

He stressed that the work that SANRAL has put out to market is spread across the entire country through its four regions:
• The Western Region (Western Cape and Northern Cape) will get contracts worth R600 million.
• The Southern Region (Eastern Cape) will get its contracts worth R2.8 billion.
• The Eastern Region (Free State and KwaZulu-Natal) will get contracts worth R2.1 billion.
• The Northern Region (Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West) will get contracts worth over R500 million.

The Eastern and Southern regions are allocated much bigger portions as they encompass significant infrastructure projects such as the N2/N3 expansion in KwaZulu-Natal and N2 Wild Coast project in the Eastern Cape.

“The full rollout of the additional contracts, that we are going to issue will include dividing the R28 billion across the entire country, in all provinces. We try and make sure that we are distributing work and tenders equitably so that we don’t leave any part of the country feeling that we are not looking after the national road network in their area,” said Demana.

As SANRAL embarks on this extensive rollout of tenders, the aim is to stimulate economic growth, promote infrastructure, development and create opportunities across the country.

MEDIA RELEASE
Construction begins on N2 Beacon Way Intersection in Plettenberg Bay

Western Cape, 11 January 2024 – In a bid to improve mobility and road safety, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has awarded a R98 million construction contract for road improvements on the N2 Beacon Way intersection in Plettenberg Bay, in the Bitou Local Municipality.

The contract was awarded to Martin & East in December 2023. Construction is expected to take 10 months to complete, of which a two-month period is for site mobilisation, which will shortly be underway. During this time, the main contractor will develop a labour database from which to source local labour, as well as do an assessment of the skills available for subcontracting purposes.

The scope of works entails the construction of a three-leg traffic circle with a dedicated eastbound through lane. Dedicated left turn lanes are also provided into and out of Beacon Way. A double lane is provided for the westbound traffic through the traffic circle. The right turn movement from Beacon Way into the traffic circle joining the N2 eastbound traffic, is accommodated with a double lane.

Randall Cable, SANRAL Western Region Manager, said the improvement should bring relief to the congestion that is experienced at the intersection during peak demand periods. “This project is not only about improved mobility and road safety, but will also bring some limited, but much-needed economic opportunities in the region,” he said.

In line with SANRAL’s Interim Preferential Procurement Policy, at least 30% of the final contract value is earmarked for subcontracting to targeted enterprises (SMMEs). Some of the work to be subcontracted includes traffic accommodation, construction of concrete kerbs and channels, stormwater facilities, erection of guardrails, segmental block paving, landscaping, fencing and road signs.

Training, coaching, guidance and mentoring will also be provided to subcontractors who work on the project. Because of the limited duration of the contract, it is hoped that accredited training will assist recipients with accessing further employment upon completion of this project.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
TEMPORARY SHOULDER CLOSURES ON N2 SOUTH BOUND PHONGOLO RIVER BRIDGE, KZN

Phongolo, 11 January 2024 – The South African National Road Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced that barriers will be placed on the N2 South Bound shoulder of the Phongolo River Bridge as part of ongoing infrastructure repairs.

“The barriers will be placed on the South Bound shoulder between Tuesday, 16 January 2024, and Thursday, 18 January 2024. During this period, traffic will be accommodated by means of a Stop/Go control between 9am and 3pm,” 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 airports.

“We 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 we work to make the necessary upgrades,” said Serisha Sukraj.

MEDIA RELEASE
Toll fee collections to resume at N2 oThongathi North Ramps on 15 January 2024

Pietermaritzburg, 5 January 2024 – Toll fee collections at the N2 oThongathi north ramps will resume on 15 January 2024, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced. This follows the reopening of the M4 Tongaat River Bridge on 14 December 2023.

“The M4 Tongaat bridge suffered major damage during the devastating floods of April 2022 and motorists had to use the alternative N2 national highway. The collection of toll fees on the N2 oThongathi north ramps were therefore suspended as per a Government Gazette issued on 17 March 2023. The bridge has now been reopened and access along the M4 has now been restored. We will therefore resume levying the tolls once again on 15 January 2024 on the north ramps so that these fees are able to maintain our national roads,” said Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL’s Eastern Regional Manager.

“The Government Gazette with regard to the resumption of the levying of toll fees from 00:00 on 15 January 2024 at N2 oThongathi north ramps for all vehicles was published on 29 December 2023,” said Mr Nkabinde.

The Government Gazette previously issued by the Department of Transport on 17 March 2023, also suspended the collection of toll fees at N2 oThongathi Mainline and south ramps and N2 uMvoti Mainline and all ramps for all vehicles due to the floods that engulfed the KZN province in April 2022. The toll fee collection on these roads resumed on 1 April 2023, in terms of the SANRAL and National Roads Act.

“Road users now have a choice to either use the N2 or the M4 and, with the reopening, we hope that communities and businesses of Zimbali, Ballito, Salt Rock, Shaka’s Head and other locations within KwaDukuza Local Municipality can once again resume normal operations,” said Mr Nkabinde.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
One lane closed on N12 between Britstown and Strydenburg in Northern Cape

Northern Cape, 6 January 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is attending to a localised road failure that has developed on the N12 Section 7, between Britstown and Strydenburg in the Northern Cape.

One lane (approximately 21.8 km north of Britstown) on the N12 is currently closed, and the Road Maintenance team is on site, providing traffic accommodation via a Stop/Go system.

“We are assessing the scope and extent of the failure which is currently impacting one lane of travel. The outcome of the assessment will provide guidance on the most appropriate remedial action to be taken,” said Naashif Mowzer, SANRAL Project Manager.

“We appeal to road users to strictly adhere to the reduced speed limits as they approach the Stop/Go and proceed with utmost caution. SANRAL will keep road users updated as more information becomes available,” said Mowzer.

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL to inject billions into construction industry early in 2024 as officials work through holidays to adjudicate 77 tenders

Pretoria, 20 December 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has started adjudicating R6.43 billion worth of tenders which will be awarded early in 2024 and provide a welcome boost to the construction industry.

SANRAL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Reginald Demana, says 77 tenders for various road construction projects officially closed on 14 December 2023 after they were advertised at the end of November 2023 under the roads agency’s Interim Preferential Procurement Policy (PPP).

“SANRAL is currently adjudicating 77 tenders which will give the construction industry a shot in the arm and get it off to a good start in the new year, helping to create thousands of jobs and inject billions of rands into the economy,” said Mr Demana.

“While the rest of South Africa is winding down for the festive season, SANRAL is working hard to get South Africa’s construction industry off to a flying start in the new year. The fact that our officials are working through the holidays to adjudicate these tenders is an indication of our commitment to fulfilling the promises we made to the South African public and it shows that we are getting back to business as soon as possible. We understand the role that construction and infrastructure development plays in the construction industry and we are determined to overcome the disruptions which resulted from court challenges to our PPP adopted in May 2023. We are squarely focussed on developing, maintaining and improving the national road network in line with our mandate from government.”

After several court challenges launched by construction companies, SANRAL announced on 24 October that it was withdrawing the PPP adopted in May 2023 and embarked on a countrywide consultation process with interested and affected parties to adopt an Interim PPP. The 77 tenders which are currently being adjudicated were advertised in line with the interim policy.

Mr Demana stressed that SANRAL was making every effort to catch up on time that the industry had lost by putting out 86 of the less complex consulting and construction tenders that were cancelled and subsequently re-advertised at the end of November.

The CEO said 1,040 bids were received for the 77 tenders and this illustrated the significance of SANRAL projects in the construction industry.

The breakdown of the 1,040 bids is as follows:

• • 124 bids for national contracts with an estimated value of R350 million;
• • 279 received for the Northern Region (Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North-West) with an estimated value of R548 million;
• • 247 received for the Eastern Region (Free State and KwaZulu-Natal) with an estimated value of R2.1 billion;
• • 240 received for the Southern Region (Eastern Cape) with an estimated value of R2.83 billion, and;
• • 150 for the Western Region (Northern Cape and Western Cape) with an estimated value of R600 million.

“We are encouraged and at the same time humbled by this overwhelming response. It also tells us that the numerous engagements we had with interested and affected parties across the country has paved the way for more effective collaboration with all our stakeholders in the industry,” said Demana.

The official shutdown period for the construction sector commenced on 14 December 2023 and will end on 9 January 2024. While all conventional road construction will be suspended during this time, SANRAL’s Routine Road Maintenance teams remain on standby to respond to any incident on the national road network.

“We wish to thank all our consultants and contractors for working around the clock to keep our projects on track and within budget. May you all have a well-deserved break with your loved ones and stay safe wherever you may travel,” said Mr Demana.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

CLELAND OVERPASS DEMOLITION WILL RESULT IN ROAD CLOSURE OF N3

Pietermaritzburg, 19 December 2023 – The N3 will be closed from 18h00 on 20 January 2024 until 06h00 on 21 January 2024, to facilitate the demolition of Cleland bridge on the N3, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced. This is part of the improvements to the road which will benefit road users in the medium- to long-term.

“Full closures will take place at Ashburton and Market Road interchange with both the Northbound and Southbound traffic being unable to access the N3 during said times. The closures are due to the demolition of the Cleland Bridge on the N3 North and South Bound as part of the N3 construction process. The traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will manage and monitor the diversion of traffic to the R103,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The full road closures are proposed to take place as follows:
20 January 2024
18:00 to 00:00 – Close N3 and proceed to break the bridge structure.

21 January 2024
00h00 to 06h00 – Complete breaking, clean and reopen N3 allowing for traffic to flow.

The available alternative routes to traffic are:
1. Northbound traffic to be taken off at the Ashburton Interchange onto R103 and back onto the N3 at Market Road Intersection.
2. Southbound traffic to be taken off at the Market Road Interchange onto R103 and back onto the N3 at the Ashburton Intersection.

The closure may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions on the day. SANRAL will keep the travelling public updated on progress and changes to the above 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 road improvements. Attempts have been made to minimise disturbances as far as possible and closures have been restricted to hours when traffic is at its lowest level,” said Lowe.

Motorists are urged to be patient while driving through the alternative routes, to plan and adjust their route trips ahead of time and to adhere to signage and speed limits.

MEDIA RELEASE
M4 Tongaat River Bridge Opens in Time for Festive Season

Pietermaritzburg, 14 December 2023 – The M4 Tongaat River Bridge in Ballito was reopened today, (14 December 2023) after it was badly damaged during the April 2022 floods, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced. The reopening of the bridge will provide great relief for road users in the vicinity.

The national road network was badly affected by the torrential rains and flooding that swept through the province in April 2022. The then Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, tasked SANRAL to be the lead agency in rebuilding the road infrastructure in KZN.

“Today is an important day for residents and businesses along the M4 in Westbrook and Tongaat who were seriously affected by the bridge closure. The reopening comes at an opportune time as the festive season is upon us,” said Mr Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL’s
Eastern Regional Manager.
“I want to express my gratitude to the local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding throughout the duration of these repairs. Repairs to the damaged bridge began in July 2023 and was completed on schedule. The bridge is a crucial transportation
which will now continue to service the needs of the community well into the future,” said Mr Nkabinde.

“Road users had to take longer routes and with the reopening we hope that communities and businesses of Zimbali, Ballito, Salt Rock, Shaka’s Head and other locations within KwaDukuza Local Municipality can once again resume normal operations.”

SANRAL has appealed to the freight industry, especially the double tipper trucks, not to use  the M4 until further notice.
With the busy Christmas season underway, SANRAL is encouraging all road users to take care and be extra vigilant and to respect all road users and help make this a safe and happy festive season for everyone.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Reduced lane widths and shoulder closures on N3 northbound between M13 interchange and Hammarsdale interchange

Durban, 13 December 2023 – Short-term single lane closures will be applied between the M13/N3 and Hammarsdale Interchanges between 12 December 2023 and 29 February 2024, for the placement of the concrete barriers and for the remarking of traffic lanes, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) has announced.

The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), with the assistance of our contractor’s traffic accommodation team, will manage and monitor traffic during these closures.

Furthermore, the traffic lanes on the N3 Northbound (Pietermaritzburg-bound) between the M13 and Hammarsdale interchanges will have long-term reduced lane widths from 10 January to 29 July 2024, as part of the construction process for the realignment of the N3 between Key Ridge and Hammarsdale.

Concrete barriers will be used to separate public traffic from the construction areas where the works will take place. Traffic will be flowing on the slow, middle, and fast lanes, which will be reduced in lane width from the M13/N3 merge up to the Hammarsdale off-ramp.

“Motorists are urged to be patient during the closures and to plan and adjust their trips to ensure they arrive at their destinations on time, while adhering to sign posted speed limits. SANRAL apologises to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused and thanks them for their patience during road construction,” said SANRAL project manager, Jason Lowe.