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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.

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga steps up government’s war on potholes with Vala Zonke War Room

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MEDIA RELEASE
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga steps up government’s war on potholes with Vala Zonke War Room

Centurion, 30 July 2023 – Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has stepped up government’s war on potholes with the introduction of the Vala Zonke War Room in Centurion today.

Minister Chikunga led the media on a tour of the Vala Zonke War Room, which is located at the SANRAL Central Operations Centre (COC) in Centurion.

“The introduction of this Vala Zonke War Room is the natural progression to ensure success in the war against potholes, following the launch of the Vala Zonke campaign nearly a year ago,” said Minister Chikunga.

“We have reflected on the progress made through the Vala Zonke campaign, observed learnings from the processes and addressed some of the practical challenges. Through this War Room, we are re-affirming government’s commitment to this campaign aimed at eradicating potholes across South Africa’s Road network,” she said.
Minister Chikunga also said that several private sector entities, particularly in the freight industry, had made commitments to partner with government to improve the state of South Africa’s roads.

In June this year, the Minister directed the Department to address the current state of roads in an integrated way through the ‘War Room’ approach. This is part of a holistic response to the rapid deterioration of the condition of the road network.

SANRAL’s Chief Executive Officer, Reginald Demana, said the national roads agency would coordinate the war on potholes and work in close cooperation with other roads agencies at provincial and municipal level. “The Vala Zonke War Room is equipped to capture and report on all information that will be uploaded via the Pothole APP by road users,” said Mr Demana. “The data captured will be important for SANRAL to respond appropriately. For example, if we get recurring potholes in a specific area, that could be a sign that there is a need for a longer lasting solution, perhaps a redesign of the road to ensure that it is suitable to current traffic needs.”
The basic principle of a war room is to gather everyone responsible for carrying out the intervention by the Department of Transport, as directed by Cabinet, for the road maintenance, refurbishment and the Vala Zonke Campaign, in one room, where they can coordinate the most appropriate response.

Its benefits include:
? Communication – the war room will enable effective communication between members of the team and the public.
? Information management – Visual information will be conveyed more effectively with visualisation of the data and facts. On-site specialists will be able to analyse the data and respond appropriately.
? Focus – The team works exclusively on the Vala Zonke Campaign.
? Centralised – The Vala Zonke War Room is the central hub where all pothole-related issues are addressed and resolved. This will be done in real-time, as information flows into the centre and is swiftly responded to.

SANRAL was appointed as the coordinating agency to drive the Vala Zonke Campaign, which includes the harmonisation of all data and information on potholes and providing the technology and technical knowledge to ensure quality delivery on the campaign.
“An entity such as SANRAL, is one whose place, in the service of the country, is immeasurable. Of course, I want to emphasise that we execute our work not as an independent entity, except administratively so, but as an integral component of government, and actually, as an agent of government,” said Themba Mhambi, SANRAL Board Chairperson.

South Africans are encouraged to continue reporting potholes via the Pothole App, as this is the start of a meticulously documented process flow that assists government in identifying the problem but simultaneously assists with holding various roads authorities accountable to the people of South Africa, said Mr Mhambi.

Partial road closure of the R21, Section 2, Northbound

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Partial road closure of the R21, Section 2, Northbound

Sunday, 30 July 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform motorists of a partial road closure which is scheduled to take place along the R21 national road, Section 2 kilometre 16,5, near the Flying Saucer Interchange in Centurion. This is to allow for emergency repairs on the road.

Two lanes will be closed off, however, one lane will be open to accommodate traffic. The closure will be effective from 09h00 to 12h00 on Monday, 31 July 2023.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused during this period and will continue to provide updates to road users as information becomes available. The agency takes seriously its mandate from government to manage and maintain the national road network. In so doing, the safety and wellbeing of road users and the communities in which it operates are paramount.

Partial road closure of the R30 in Klerksdorp

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Partial road closure of the R30 in Klerksdorp

Sunday, 30 July 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform motorists of a partial road closure which is scheduled to take place along the R30 between Von Wielligh and Ian Street in Klerksdorp. This is to allow for emergency repairs on the road.

There will be a stop-and-go introduced to accommodate traffic. The closure will be effective from 10h30 to 12h00 on Monday, 31 July 2023.

SANRAL appeals to motorists to be patient during this period and apologises for any inconvenience caused. The agency takes seriously its mandate from government to manage and maintain the national road network. In so doing, the safety and wellbeing of road users and the communities in which it operates are paramount.

SANRAL Career Expo roadshow visits rural Wild Coast

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MEDIA RELEASE
SANRAL Career Expo roadshow visits rural Wild Coast

Eastern Cape, 28 July 2023: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) hosted a career expo in Khanyayo Village in the Wild Coast on Wednesday, 26 July 2023.

Hosted by Ms Nwabisa Gxumisa, SANRAL’s Wild Coast District Office Manager, the expo targeted grade 12 learners from around the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality where SANRAL’s mega project, Msikaba Bridge, is being constructed since 2019.

Nearly 700 learners attended from Zwelibongile Senior Secondary School, Mhlanga Senior Secondary School, Mpingana Senior Secondary School, Gebhuza Senior Secondary School, Jikindaba Senior Secondary School and Ngwenyeni Senior Secondary, which are within Khanyayo Village, Thahle Village and Cele Village, in the vicinity of the Msikaba Bridge road infrastructure development project.

Estimated at R1.65 billion, the Msikaba Bridge forms part of SANRAL’s flagship programme in the Eastern Cape, the N2 Wild Coast (N2WC) Road Programme. Once completed in 2026, it will be the highest single-span cable-stayed bridge in Africa.

Exhibitors included the Walter Sisulu University, University of Fort Hare, Durban University of Technology, the Independent Electoral Commission, the Department of Transport – Maritime Branch, Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury, Tsolo Agricultural College, Nelson Mandela Museum and KwaZithina Publishers.

Ms Nombuyekezo Mdutshane, Circuit Manager of the Department of Education’s Mthontsasa Circuit, said the area is known for producing good results. “We perform above 65% every year in all the schools. We are challenged because we are in a deep rural area, therefore our learners are not often exposed to such career expos and information on the variety of career options. Some don’t have access to television, nor social media. From all the grade 12 learners here, we want quality results. You have to make wise decisions and have more than one option,” she advised.

“SANRAL is here to create awareness around its investment in education and young people, as well as to expose rural learners to stimulating career and bursary opportunities,” said Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL Regional Stakeholder Coordinator, encouraging learners to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them while time is still on their side.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury said that they have bursaries for students in commerce, internal auditing and ITC which cover 100% of all of the student’s needs. Their bursary is targeted at learners with a level 7 pass rate. WBHO, one of the contractors constructing the road between the mega bridges, also spoke of their bursaries offered to high performing second year students studying towards a BSC degree in quantity surveying, civil engineering or construction management at selected institutions. H&I Construction spoke of their civil engineering bursary programme that identifies top performing beneficiaries at high school level.

Learners were exposed to unique career options such as the animal health technician qualification available at the Tsolo Agricultural College, a career as a historian as highlighted by Nelson Mandela Museum, a career in publishing, as highlighted by Kwazithina Publishers and career opportunities in the maritime industry as explained by the Department of Transport – Maritime Branch.

Motivating the learners, Hlawula Mgilane, a 24-year-old Civil Engineering graduate who took part in a SANRAL training programme on the Msikaba Bridge project, said, “It is important to choose a career that you love without being influenced by friends or parents. Many people have dropped out because they were studying something they had no passion for.”

Qaqamba Sidikame, owner of Jayile Concrete, a subcontractor on the N2WCR programme who graduated with a BSC and honours degree in Construction Management from Wits University, shared some information around her career path which led to her opening her own business and motivated the learners to “always put in the hard work to succeed”. She has come full circle as a former bursary recipient from Concor, which she is now subcontracted to on the Msikaba Bridge contract.

Learners were taken on a virtual tour of the Msikaba Bridge to not only inspire them on the world of engineering, but to demonstrate SANRAL’s engineering excellence that is a work in progress on this project.

The schools participated in a quiz competition where the first prize of R50 000 was taken by Mpingana Senior Secondary School, the second prize of R20 000 was won by Mlhanga Senior Secondary School, and the third prize of R10 000 went to Zwelibongile Senior Secondary School. The prize money will be used to address the respective schools’ needs.

Thanking SANRAL for the career expo, the principal of Zwelibongile Senior Secondary School, Ms Nompiliso Duduma said “this circuit has six high schools, and we are a well performing

circuit. As teachers we want to encourage the grade 12s to perform well and take our circuit to number one. We thank SANRAL for this occasion and for providing a platform for all our grade 12s to receive this information themselves. We appreciate the wall murals SANRAL is painting around our schools, as well as the prizes won today that will go a long way in addressing shortage of resources.”

Blasting works scheduled on N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pas

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

Eastern Cape, 28 July 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, commencing on Wednesday, 2 August 2023, up to end of July 2024.

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.

    – Ends –

 

N7 reseal between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam has full community support

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MEDIA RELEASE

 

N7 reseal between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam has full community support

Western Cape, 27 July 2023 – The R69 million upgrade of the N7 between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam is set to create much-needed economic participation opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) as well as local labour in the Cederberg Local Municipality.

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) recently held a series of community meetings and engagements with SMMEs to introduce the periodic maintenance project that is currently in site mobilisation and going into construction in August.

“The community has been incredibly positive about the opportunity and is working well with the Project Liaison Committee (PLC) to raise any issues or questions they may have with regard to the project,” said Daniel Govender, SANRAL Project Manager.

“We are also currently in the process of appointing the Project Liaison Officer (PLO) so that we can work with haste to get local labour trained and working on the project,” he said.

The scope of works entails the construction of a texture slurry over the full surfaced and recycled areas, temporary road markings, resurfacing of the road with a 20/10mm double seal and reinstatement of road markings and road studs upon completion along with traffic accommodation for the construction works.

“Some of the work we identified for subcontractors include the texture slurry, transport of seal stone, road markings, removal and installation of road studs, site inspection transport, site security services, traffic accommodation, clearing and grubbing, loading and hauling as well as clearing of drainage systems,” said Govender.

This project, which will be completed within the next six months, is the precursor to further upgrades on the N7, as part of SANRAL’s continued efforts to maintain world-class road infrastructure on this very popular Cape-Namibia route.