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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

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N2 road closure between Izingolweni and Harding in KwaZulu-Natal

Pietermaritzburg, 15 January 2024 – The N2 between Izingolweni and Harding is currently closed due to a part of the road being damaged due to heavy rainfalls, the South African National Road Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“The closure of this part of the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of road-users as that is our top priority,” said Samantha Dladla, SANRAL’s Project Manager responsible for Routine Road Maintenance in the Eastern Region.

As a result of this closure, motorists are advised to use the alternative route via the P58 road between Booker and Harding. This route has been identified as the most suitable detour.

Furthermore, heavy vehicles are specifically urged to seek alternative routes via Umzimkulu, Ixopo, and Bizana. These routes have been deemed more suitable for heavy motor vehicles (HMV) and will help prevent congestion, potential delays and related risks.

“SANRAL is currently assessing the extent of the damage and will be working around the clock to repair the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Updates on the progress of repairs will be provided to the public in due course,” said Dladla.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and to follow all detour signs and instructions provided by traffic officials.

 

 

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.