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Safer roads for Pretoria pedestrians and cyclists this Easter

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Its elegant structure, with an arched steel plate girder substructure and a cast in situ concrete deck, has been engineered to international standards with pedestrians and cyclists in mind. 

A team of 20 workers and 3 cranes lifted the ready-made substructure into place.

A new, and attractive bridge will soon be ready for use by pedestrians and cyclists near Hoërskool Waterkloof in Pretoria. 

Progress Hlahla, Northern Region Manager for the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL), said: “Safer roads for everyone means safer roads for both pedestrians and motorists.” 

This comes in the wake of the erection of the new pedestrian bridge over the N1 at Erasmusrand which took place this past weekend. 

“When pedestrians attempt to cross our highways, they place their lives and those of other road users at risk. The number of road fatalities we see throughout the year is very worrying. It is our hope that this new bridge will reduce the chances of pedestrian crashes on our roads”, said Hlahla. 

A team effort 

SANRAL constructed the new pedestrian bridge in just 20 hours this weekend. 

A team of 20 workers and 3 cranes lifted the ready-made substructure into place. All that needs to be done now to make the bridge operational, is to cast the in-situ concrete deck which will take about a month.  

The bridge will cost about R 22,3-million and should remain standing for decades to come as SANRAL’s world-class bridge management system ensures proper inspection. 

“The new bridge has been in design to replace an old damaged one which was demolished in May 2016 due to safety concerns. Its elegant structure, with an arched steel plate girder substructure and a cast in situ concrete deck, has been engineered to international standards with pedestrians and cyclists in mind,” said Alan Agaienz, SANRAL’s Project Manager: Design and Construction. 

Design 

The bridge was designed by Gerard du Plessis of Superstructures (Pty) Ltd and is a wholly South African design effort.  

SANRAL required the design to be manufactured off-site, and to be self-supporting without any central pier in the median. 

The original bridge was an elegant steel portal frame design with a pre-cast concrete deck, which served the residents and workers of Erasmusrand and pupils of Hoërskool Waterkloof for many years before it was badly damaged by a truck in January 2015. 

Agaienz said that the structure was erected in two separate sections and welded in the middle to create the permanent structure. 

“The temporary middle support pier will be removed after 28 days when the concrete in the deck has cured. This design was chosen out of five possible options because it was the most cost effective and aesthetically pleasing solution”, he said. 

The costs of the demolition of the old structure and construction of the new bridge are covered by SANRAL’s insurance. 

SANRAL career expo to kick-off in Mangaung

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The expo seeks to expose schools to career opportunities, internships, scholarship and bursary programmes available in SANRAL. 

SANRAL continues to make available relevant information to school learners in order to assist them to make wise career choice decisions.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) will host a Career Expo for grade 10 to 12 learners who are undecided about a career to follow. 

Learners will gain valuable insights at the expo to be held from today 12 April 2019 from 9am to 2pm at the Mangaung Indoor Sports Centre, Bloemfontein, Free State. 

The expo seeks to expose schools to career opportunities, internships, scholarship and bursary programmes offered by SANRAL. 

Skills development 

SANRAL is committed to developing skills of learners who express an interest in studying and building a career with SANRAL or similar organisations, within the built environment; specifically, in the fields of road infrastructure, environmental management and the civil engineering industry. 

In addition to developing and managing the national road network, SANRAL continues to make available relevant information to school learners in order to assist them to make wise career choice decisions. 

Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL Eastern Region regional manager said: “SANRAL needs specialists in fields ranging from engineering to the environment and, more recently, in electronics as it increases the use of technology to detect and respond to incidents, and to keep road users aware of conditions on the national network. The Career Expo will provide a platform for well-established businesses and organisations to educate and engage with young people.” 

In addition to SANRAL, several other exhibitors will showcase what opportunities are available for learners within their respective organisations, and will delve into the minimum requirements enabling them the possibility of building a career at these organisations. 

Spinoffs from N2WCR project

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Once completed, the road will improve access, mobility for all road users including tourists. 

Skhumbuzo Macozoma, SANRAL CEO, said economic development opportunities for local SMMEs and local businesses, both direct and indirect, will be created.

The N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) is a catalytic route for regional, local and socio-economic development.  

As a flagship project of South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL), the N2WCR is expected to bring much-needed changes to the local and national economy, boost tourism and improve transport nodes. 

In terms of transport, we can expect to see significantly faster delivery times and lower transportation costs. It is estimated that approximately R1.55-billion will be saved per annum in time costs savings for motorists and freight operators.  

The project will have a major positive impact on GDP through accelerated business development and income-multiplier effects. For every R1 invested by Government approximately R3.15 will be generated in GDP (ROI of 3.15). 

The N2WCR greenfield portion will be an investment of over R9-billion.  

This, together with local socio-economic development, will provide job opportunities, (8 000 full time equivalent direct jobs and 16 to 18 000 indirect jobs) during construction.  

Economic development opportunities for local SMMEs and local businesses, both direct and indirect, will be created.  

There will be positive impact on the economies of Port St Johns, Lusikisiki and Mzamba, as well as towns such as Flagstaff, Bizana and Holy Cross.  

Mobility and development 

In addition to SMME development and local socio-economic growth, the project will also improve access for agriculture, health care, education and other social and economic opportunities.  

Once completed, the road will improve access, mobility and will attract more tourists to the area. This will lead to major eco-tourism and conventional tourism opportunities.  

This project currently includes two 24-month training and development programmes for 20 SMMEs. Three programmes have already been completed where 31 SMMEs received similar training.  

There are other training and development projects in the planning stages and they will be rolled out over the next three years.  

Current disputes about the Mtentu Bridge contract will, unfortunately, lead to delays. SANRAL is disappointed by the decision of the contractor to terminate construction activities. 

However, we remain committed to this project because of its potential to contribute to the economic transformation of the Eastern Cape. 

This is an opinion piece by Skhumbuzo Macozoma, SANRAL CEO.

Erection of new pedestrian bridge at Erasmurand

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The N1 South-Bound will be closed to motorists on Sunday until Monday and motorists are advised to make use of alternative routes.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify travelers that the N1 South-bound is scheduled to be closed from Sunday, 14 April 2019 at 18h00 until 04h00 on Monday, 14 April 2019 for the erection of a new pedestrian bridge at Erasmusrand.

The road will be closed between the Rigel Avenue and R21 interchanges. This bridge is to replace the Bridge that was demolished in 2016. Travelers are advised to make use of alternative routes during these times.

Should motorists still wish to use this route, travelers using the N1 South-bound will be diverted as follows:

  • Off-ramp at and turn left onto Rigel Avenue towards Delmas (R50).
  • Turn right onto Solomon Mahlangu Drive (M10).
  • Turn left onto the R21 towards Kempton Park/ OR Tambo International
  • Turn right back onto the N1 South towards Johannesburg
  • Off-ramp left onto the N1 South towards Johannesburg

“We encourage road users to plan their trips ahead of time and to practice caution as they make use of the detours during this time,” said Progress Hlahla, SANRAL’s Northern Region Manager.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused during the erection of this bridge.

Be aware of roaming animals

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With winter approaching, motorists are warned to be aware of roaming animals close to the road reserve. 

Although roaming animals are solely the responsibility of their owners, it is in TRAC’s interest to keep the N4 Toll Route animal-free as safety on our road is our primary concern.

With a large portion of the N4 Toll Route between Tshwane and Mozambique running parallel to farmlands and highly-populated rural areas there is always a risk of livestock or pets roaming onto the road.  

With winter approaching, the problem is expected to escalate as livestock move closer to the road reserve in search of better grazing land.  

This problem concerns TRAC immensely as it has a direct impact on safety on the road. 

Although roaming animals are solely the responsibility of their owners, it is in TRAC’s interest to keep the N4 Toll Route animal-free as safety on our road is our primary concern.  

Community assistance 

However, we need assistance and support from communities along the route to address the issue effectively. 

Despite our efforts to resolve the problem through various methods – such as erecting fences and barriers to keep animals off the road – the problem persists.  

This is attributed largely to two factors – the lack of support from community members who allow their animals to roam free and the ongoing theft of the erected barriers. 

We therefore  appeal to owners to do their part in keeping their animals off the road by confining them to enclosed areas.  

According to law, the onus to prevent livestock or pets from straying, falls on the animal owner. If damage is caused by an animal straying onto a public road the animal owner can be held liable.  

We further urge community members to report the theft of SANRAL infrastructure to TRAC’s Whistle Blower Hotline on 082 900 2447. Callers remain anonymous and could be rewarded with up to R10 000 for information that leads to the recovery of infrastructure and/or legal action. 

Safety tips 

We also urge road users to be wary when driving on the route, and to observe the following road safety regulations and tips: 

  • Always obey the speed limit and wear safety belts;   
  • Take special care near animal crossing warning signs; 
  • Be vigilant and alert. Get into the habit of scanning the roadside as you drive; 
  • Be especially cautious at night; 
  • If you see one animal, expect that there are others nearby; 
  • If you see an animal near the road and think you have time to avoid hitting it, reduce your speed, tap your brakes and sound your hooter to warn other drivers;  
  • If an animal is in your path, brake firmly but do not swerve to avoid it. Sound your horn in a series of short bursts to frighten it away. Provided you can slow down with control, steer around the animal – watch out for oncoming traffic – but stay on the road if possible; 
  • If a collision seems inevitable, don’t swerve to avoid the animal; your risk of injury may be greater if you do.  

Road users are also urged to play their part in combating this problem, by reporting stray animals to the TRAC 24-hour Helpdesk on 0800 87 22 64 or 082 881 4444. 

SANRAL supports the 5th annual IGEMS water engineering competition

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Learners were taught the importance of teamwork and how to brainstorm creative solutions using the theoretical and practical parts of civil engineering. 

WATER WINNERS: Professional Technologist for SMEC Tronel Strydom (centre) joined the winners of the iGEMS Water competition, from left, Sanctor High School learner Cursty Adams, Ethembeni High School learner Basetsana Malie, Douglas Mbopa High School learner Xhanti Qandana and Chapman High School learner, Matthew Human.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) supported high school learners in Port Elizabeth as they participated in the water engineering competition hosted by iGEMS. 

SANRAL, together with SMEC, Labco and iGEMS, collaborated in hosting the fifth annual iGEMS water engineering competition, which educated high school learners on the skills required to plan and build a water distribution network.  

The competition was held at the SANRAL’s Regional Training Laboratory on 25 March. 

Brainstorming and practical solutions 

The Port Elizabeth learners were taught the importance of teamwork and how to brainstorm creative solutions using the theoretical and practical parts of civil engineering in order to build infrastructure to provide clean water. 

“This competition is very practical, and it gives learners the opportunity to work in teams, with their hands and look at practical issues in the civil engineering sector,” said Tronel Strydom, Professional Technologist for SMEC, who judged the water competition. She added that civil engineers understand that all communities deserve good reliable infrastructure. 

The 15 participating schools included Alexander Road, Douglas Mbopa, Cillie, Ethembeni, Hillside, Khwezi Lomso, Molly Blackburn, Newton Tech, Chapman, Sanctor, Uitenhage, Daniel Pienaar, Woolhope, Lawson Brown and Ndyebo. 

The teams of grade 11 and 12 learners were required to build a water distributor to distribute three-litre bottles equally between three points on a grid, making use of different connections and two different diameters. The learners were then judged according to a penalty point system. 

Learner’s speak 

Basetsana Malie (Ethembeni High School), Xhanti Qandana (Douglas Mbopa), Cursty Adams (Sanctor) and Matthew Human (Chapman) were the winning team. 

Malie, an 18-year-old grade 12 learner, said her team started off not knowing what to do.  

“We told ourselves to enjoy the competition. We also considered each other’s opinions which helped us win the competition.” 

Second-prize winner, Xhanti Qandana, a 16-year-old, grade 11 learner at Douglas Mbopa, said: “At first I thought civil engineering was about building roads, but now it has taught me that it also has to do with water affecting roads and how civil engineers would have to deal with such situations.” 

Samkelo Ngobese, a 17-year-old, grade 12 learner from Daniel Pienaar, said: “Civil engineering is the most important skill to have because it will give me the opportunity to build homes and distribute equal amount of water to communities.” 

Human, a 16-year-old grade 11 learner, said it was important to study civil engineering.  

“Civil engineering is important to build infrastructures to provide efficient ways for equal water transportation,” said Human. 

Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Region’s Manager, said in addition to supporting the iGEMS Water competition, SANRAL promotes the importance of civil engineering. 

“By supporting this competition, we commit to the development of young aspiring civil engineers. We also further promote the importance of civil engineering through supporting projects like the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) School of Engineering STEM Pipeline Project, bursary and scholarships and training civil engineering graduates in the SANRAL Southern Region’s Technical Excellence Academy,” said Peterson. 

Vandalism affecting road safety on the R300 and N2

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While the cost of continuous repairs is soaring, of bigger concern is the loss of life as a result of pedestrians crossing our freeways. 

Any acts of vandalism to road infrastructure or incidents along freeways may be reported to the TMC call centre at 0800 65 64 63.

For the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL), road safety is about more than preventing crashes on freeways and to this end we continue to invest in securing them with appropriate fencing.  

Furthermore, SANRAL ensures that the Freeway Management System (FMS) cameras permanently monitor 165km of the busiest freeways in the Western Cape, which includes sections of the N1, N2, N7, R300 and M5. 

Vandalism 

Vandalism of the fencing erected to keep both motorists and pedestrians safe on the freeways remain a huge concern and while SANRAL continues to replace damaged or stolen fences as quickly as possible, an urgent appeal has been made to the public to help safeguard the roads and report vandalism and theft. 

Randall Cable, SANRAL Western Region Manager, said: “Between December 2018 and January 2019 we have seen a spike in the vandalism and our Routine Route Maintenance teams are repairing damaged fences at least once a week.  

“Furthermore, we have deployed security personnel to patrol the areas most frequently affected, particularly the N2 and R300, in a bid to deter would-be vandals.” 

While the cost of continuous asset repairs is soaring, of bigger concern is the loss of life as a result of pedestrians crossing freeways to get to work or school. 

Loss of life 

“Recent research conducted by the FMS operators found that approximately 17 000 pedestrian activities occur on our freeways daily. Of that, about 10 000 include pedestrians walking along the road, while a staggering 7 000 pedestrians cross the freeway at unsafe places. This has resulted in 185 pedestrian crashes in 2018 of which 57 were confirmed pedestrian fatalities,” continued Cable. 

There are currently at least 20 pedestrian bridges constructed over the freeways and, contrary to the perception that pedestrians ignore those bridges, approximately 26 000 pedestrians use the bridges as a safer alternative daily. 

Cable said: “We have also seen success where we erected a 5km fence on the concrete median on the R300 freeway between the Stellenbosch Arterial and the N2, and despite some repairs to fences along the freeway due to vandalism, we have definitely seen a reduction in the number of pedestrian crossings and associated fatalities on the R300.” 

It is also important for motorists to play a role in removing the motivation for criminal elements, by not displaying valuable items in their cars, particularly in slow-moving traffic during peak times. 

“Our FMS operators are now detecting incidents on the freeway in under three minutes on average and are able to notify appropriate law enforcement teams in the shortest possible time. We will continue to work with other authorities to address the issues holistically, and respond proactively to known hotspot areas,” concluded Cable. 

Any acts of vandalism to road infrastructure or incidents along freeways may be reported to the TMC call centre at 0800 65 64 63. 

Bridges connected

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Progress on the N2 Wild Coast project is steady – near the Msikaba bridge a 1.63km single carriageway and four-lane undivided road with two interchanges is being constructed, as is a single carriageway between it and the Mtentu bridge and an 11.5km road toward the Umtamvuna river.

Upgrade planned

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Planning of the upgrades on the N3 between Durban and Maritzburg is on-going: the EB Cloete Interchange will be upgraded, additional lanes will be added between Cato Ridge and Dardanelles as well as from there to Lynnfield Park. Construction will begin in mid-2020.

Talking to stakeholders

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There will be no construction work on the Mpumalanga section of the R573, or Moloto Road, this year. SANRAL is concentrating on stakeholder consultation and information sessions with local communities and SMMEs.