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A movie about roads

The Invitation shows how we are connected to the roads we travel on.  

The film shows a family’s journey to discovery.  It tells one of many similar stories of our people.

A lot of our lives are spent on the road, whether it is going to the shops, picking your kids up from school, going to and from work. Imagine the stories our roads could tell us. 

As far as government agencies go, expectations of what they do are kept at delivering a service. 

Be it water, electricity or transport – purely utilitarian expectations. It is with this thinking that despite providing services to the broader population, with interesting constraints when it comes to resources, creativity and thinking beyond your job is often overlooked. 

It is the same with SANRAL: we are often perceived as an agency that should just build roads. 

Beyond roads 

While that mandate remains unchanged, what has changed is the adoption of “Beyond Roads”, a slogan that carries an essential truth to what SANRAL aims to provide to society. 

The nation in which we live has changed so much, few think that a couple of kilometres of asphalt could become a vehicle for change and reparation by connecting people to people, people to places and people to opportunities. 

Which is why we invite you to watch our film The Invitation which shows how we are connected to the roads we travel on.  

See it here: www.movingpictures.co.za 

The film shows a family’s journey to discovery.  It tells one of many similar stories of our people. 

Tragedy befalls a family in the city when their patriarch-father and husband dies.  

They then come to the realisation that for them “putting the pieces back together” includes a trip to a village that changes their lives forever. 

Stories such as these have taken place on our roads since the inception of SANRAL 20 years ago.  This shows how SANRAL goes ‘Beyond Roads’ and connects people and families.  

For SANRAL, a road built is more than engineering done right. It is about all the lives and the legacy left for a brighter future.  

With this film, take a moment to see how SANRAL’s everyday work is experienced by you.

Free-flowing traffic on the R72

Residents of Port Alfred and motorists travelling on the R72 between Port Alfred and Fish River, during the December holiday period are requested to please be aware of road signs, speed restrictions and other safety measures in place during this period. 

Traffic lines and markings will be painted after completion of the asphalt re-surfacing. A small portion of climbing lane is outstanding from the Port Alfred Marina to the Port Alfred High School, but this should be complete before the contractor closes for the December holiday. 

There will be no stop-and-go sections on the R72, between Port Alfred and Great Fish River in the Eastern Cape, from 13 December until 9 January next year, SANRAL announced. 

The project, which started in March 2015 is expected to finish in May next year and comprise the major rehabilitation of the R72 Section 3 and is located between Port Alfred at Km 1.30 and the Great Fish River at Km27.50. 

Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Region Manager, said: “This upgrade includes the construction of two 3.7m driving lanes, with auxiliary (climbing) lanes, and a surfaced shoulder on both sides of the new road. The new geometric design of the road has made the upgraded road safer for motorists.”  

A safer road 

The completed work in the urban area of Port Alfred consist mostly of a new bitumen treated base resurfacing.  

An asphalt wearing course layer will complete the resurfacing. The placing of the asphalt wearing course layer will start soon but will only be completed next year.  

Traffic lines and markings will be painted after completion of the asphalt re-surfacing. A small portion of climbing lane is outstanding from the Port Alfred Marina to the Port Alfred High School, but this should be complete before the contractor closes for the December holiday. 

Peterson said: “Work is in progress at the new Port Alfred High School entrance. The construction of the Park Avenue intersection was delayed due to an unknown waterpipe that was damaged and will resume in the New Year.” 

Sidewalks, kerb storm water inlets and kerbs from Van Riebeeck Street to Main Street including sidewalks and kerbs in the section in front of the Marina should  be complete before the contractor shuts down from 13 December 2018 to 09 January 2019.  

Any incomplete work in the urban and rural section will be made safe and maintained by an emergency team.   

Peterson said: “Work on the rural section is in progress and the right-hand carriage way is in an advanced stage of completion. Ancillary work like concrete side drains and other works are in progress. The completion of all work will be dependent on weather conditions. 

“Residents of Port Alfred and motorists travelling on the R72 between Port Alfred and Fish River, during the December holiday period, are requested to please be aware of road signs, speed restrictions and other safety measures in place during this period.”

Cameras installed to curb crashes on N1 to Limpopo

The system uses average-speed-over-distance (ASOD) technology which calculates the average speed of a vehicle, measured from the time it passes a camera, until it reaches a second camera at a fixed distance away. 

The cameras are carefully calibrated, and the technology can recognise the vehicle’s number plate.

Cutting-edge technology has been installed by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) on the N1 to Limpopo in time for the busy festive season traffic. 

The technology is designed to improve the safety of road users. The infrastructure include the installation of gantries, cameras and message boards to monitor speed on critical sections near the Kranskop Toll Plaza in Modimolle.. 

Progress Hlahla, the Regional Manager for SANRAL’s Northern Region, said these are urgent steps to improve safety, influence driver behaviour and strengthen law enforcement on a section of the freeway which has seen horrific crashes in recent months. 

In September 2018 a tire burst on a truck carrying cement caused the driver to lose control and collide with four other vehicles including a 22-seater bus. The crash claimed the lives of 27 people including two young children. 

Hlahla said: “We immediately responded to investigate steps we can take to make the road safer and to add infrastructure that encourages good driver behaviour. 

“Speed is a major concern and we worked closely with the Limpopo provincial government and local law enforcement to find ways to identify unsafe behaviour and apprehend offenders.” 

The N1 between Pretoria and the border with Zimbabwe is one of the busiest freeways in the country and traffic volumes rise sharply at the start of the December holidays and close to the festive season. 

Sophisticated technology 

The new measures include the installation of four gantries equipped with sophisticated camera and monitoring technology. The system uses average-speed-over-distance (ASOD) technology which calculates the average speed of a vehicle, measured from the time it passes a camera, until it reaches a second camera at a fixed distance away. 

The cameras are carefully calibrated, and the technology can recognise the vehicle’s number plate.  

Time-stamped pictures are taken at both locations. Should the vehicle pass by the second camera in a shorter time than what it should, given the speed limit, it indicates that the driver was speeding. 

Hlahla said ASOD technology is already used with great success by SANRAL on freeways in the Western Cape where there has been a marked reduction in the crash rate.  

Visible ASOD signs warn road users that they are about to enter a monitored stretch of road and carries messages that encourage safe and sensible behaviour. 

ASOD is leading-edge technology which supports the global objective to cut down on road deaths through the provision of safer road infrastructure greater awareness about road safety. 

SANRAL is also providing training for law enforcement officials responsible for the monitoring of the freeway.

Transforming the construction industry, a kilometre at a time

SANRAL is contributing towards creating a safe road transport network, while extending opportunities for black-owned enterprises to participate in construction projects. 

Nontobeko Mathenjwa (SANRAL), Madoda Mthembu (SANRAL), Melba Geca (SANRAL), Cllr Kenneth Mkhonto (City of Mbombela), Cllr Nkumba (City of Mbombela), Khulile Ngombane (TRAC), Wimpie Janse van Rensburg (TRAC).

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is driving the transformation of the construction industry by creating opportunities for smaller businesses and entrepreneurs. 

This was the message conveyed by Madoda Mthembu, the Northern Region Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) Manager for SANRAL when he addressed leaders in local government, community members and business in Mbombela during a ‘Taking SANRAL to the People’ event. 

“We want to make space for the small guy in business. We are transforming the construction industry one kilometre at a time through the greater involvement of black-owned SMMEs in road construction, maintenance, services and supply chains,” Mthembu said. 

Taking SANRAL to the people of Mbombela 

The gathering held at the Mbombela Stadium, focused on current and upcoming SANRAL road construction projects opportunities in the area.  

A comprehensive view of the roads agency’s operations was presented, with a special focus on its Transformation Policy.  

This policy sets clearly defined targets for a procurement approach which aims to commit a sizeable value of contracts to suitably qualified black-, youth- and women-owned enterprises. 

During the 2017/2018 financial year, SANRAL implemented contracts worth R15.3bn nationally. SMME’s earned a total of R3.8bn through the road’s agency and over R2bn went to 1079 black-owned businesses. 

“Our message is simple: we are committed to engaging, consulting and partnering with our stakeholders to ensure that there is a positive impact on everyone affected by the work that we do,” said Progress Hlahla, SANRAL Northern Regional Manager. 

The Agency currently manages around 2 478 kilometres of road in Mpumalanga and has made a considerable impact on infrastructure development with various projects at different stages.  

One such project is the upgrade of a section of the N4 under the concessionaire Trans African Concessions (TRAC), between Crossroads and Montrose in the Lowveld. Several other construction and rehabilitation projects are ongoing, and others are soon to commence. 

SANRAL’s Stakeholder Coordinator in Mpumalanga, Melba Geca said: “For us, there is no question about the empowerment of locals. Although we are in the business of building roads, we have the mammoth task of building a better South Africa for everybody. That starts by earmarking opportunities for the small businesses and residents of communities in our jurisdiction”. 

An upcoming project in the City of Mbombela is the development of the Karino Interchange, located east of Mbombela in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality.  

This will entail the construction of a new interchange replacing the existing T-junction which links the road from White River to the N4 highway.  

The interchange will provide a safer way for traffic to be regulated and better access to the N4 highway. 

SANRAL is looking into the packaging of future projects in aid of the drive for better inclusion of exempted micro enterprises or qualifying small enterprises owned by black people, youth, women, people with disabilities living in rural areas, underdeveloped areas or townships and military veterans.

No delays expected on the N1 ‘Great North’ this season

Road users urged to follows safety tips and take extra care during the festive season. 

Travelling to the Zimbabwean border should be a breeze for travelers on the N1.

Travelling on the N1 freeway from Pretoria to the Zimbabwean border should be trouble free during the festive season and road users will not experience any delays caused by road works. 

Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s communications manager, called on road users to follow important safety tips when they take to the country’s main roads during the festive season.  

“The main message is to remember that a road is a shared space and that you should be respectful towards your fellow road users,” said Mona. 

Traffic on national roads 

Peak traffic on the country’s national roads may occur earlier than normal because of the days on which December and January public holidays fall.  

In addition, all public schools close on December 12, a Wednesday, and open on a Tuesday, a week after January 1. 

Traffic will begin to pick up in the week of school closures and traffic volumes will become heavy from Friday, 14 December – the beginning of a long weekend as Monday is a public holiday with December 16 falling on a Sunday. It is also when the building industry closes. 

As Christmas falls on a Tuesday, it can be expected that traffic will start peaking on the Friday before (December 21). 

The end of the holiday period is also somewhat different: New Year’s Day is on a Tuesday, as is the day public schools re-open on January 8. This may mean peak traffic on the Mondays before. 

Speed limits are clearly indicated on the 22 214km of roads managed by SANRAL in all nine provinces. “These are maximum limits and drivers should adjust their speeds according to conditions such as rain or visibility.” 

Road users are encouraged to take a break during long distance journeys to prevent fatigue and lack of concentration. 

“Fatigue is one of the major causes of road crashes, especially when travelling over long distances – road users should #KnowYourWhoa #TakeABreakStayAwake,” said Mona. 

“Road user behaviour contributes a lot to road crashes, and we appeal to motorists to respect the rules of the road and to also ensure their vehicles are roadworthy,” he said. 

Motorists can visit the SANRAL website – www.nra.co.za – for help in planning their journeys.  

SANRAL has made available a series of videos to help motorists plan on their journeys – what route to use, what to expect on the road and the estimated expenditure for tolls and rest spots on the route. 

Motorists can also download the SANRAL App for the convenience of topping up their e-tag accounts from the comfort of their cars. 

Mona said: “The app is linked to the tag inside a vehicle and enables motorists to pass through the tag-only lanes at toll plazas across the country.  

“This eliminates congestion at the tag-only lanes at toll plazas and contributes to a safer and more enjoyable travel experience for road users.” 

Incidents should be reported to the South African Police Services (10111) or the National Traffic Call Centre (NTCC) on 012 665 6075.

Clear run on the N4 east for holiday travellers

Road construction suspended for the festive season. 

Roads are in good condition and no delays are to be expected.

Road users will not experience any delays as a result of road construction on the N4 freeway from Pretoria to Mozambique as it has been suspended for the duration of the festive season.  

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) said that the road is in good condition, but motorists should take care, especially when they are driving during the typical highveld thunder storms. 

SANRAL calls on road users to follow important safety tips when they take to the country’s main roads during the holiday period.  

“The main message is to remember that a road is a shared space and that you should be respectful towards your fellow road users.” 

Peak traffic on the country’s national roads may occur earlier than usual because of the days on which December and January public holidays fall.  

In addition, all public schools close on December 12, a Wednesday, and open on a Tuesday, a week after January 1. 

Traffic will begin to pick up in the week of school closures and traffic volumes will become heavy from Friday, 14 December – the beginning of a long weekend as Monday is a public holiday with December 16 falling on a Sunday. It is also when the building industry closes. 

As Christmas falls on a Tuesday, it can be expected that traffic will start peaking on the Friday before (December 21). 

The end of the holiday period is also somewhat different: New Year’s Day is on a Tuesday, as is the day public schools re-open on January 8. This may mean peak traffic on the Mondays before. 

According to Vusi Mona, SANRAL Communications manager, speed limits are clearly indicated on the 22 214 km of roads managed by SANRAL in all nine provinces. These are maximum limits and drivers should adjust their speed according to conditions such as rain or visibility. 

Mona said: “Speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are some of the major causes of road crashes – road users heed the call to #KnowYourWhoa #DontDrink&Drive. 

“Road user behaviour contributes a lot to road crashes, and we appeal to motorists to respect the rules of the road and to also ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.” 

Travel help tools 

Motorists can use a variety of SANRAL tools to help plan their travel better. They can visit the SANRAL website – www.nra.co.za – for help in planning their journeys.  

SANRAL has made available a series of videos to help motorists plan on their journeys – what route to use, what to expect on the road, the estimated expenditure for tolls and rest spots on the route. 

Motorists can also download the SANRAL App for the convenience of topping up their e-tag accounts from the comfort of their cars. 

“The app can be downloaded for free on all Android and iOS devices and also offers users information about road conditions, traffic congestion and incidents on the road enabling motorists to plan their journeys in advance,” explained Mona. 

Incidents should be reported to either the South African Police Services (10111) or the National Traffic Call Centre (NTCC) on 012 665 6075, alternatively to the TRAC Rescue team at 0800 872264 (0800 TRAC N4).

SANRAL erects a fence to protect the world’s smallest desert

The Red Desert Nature Reserve also comprises several habitats ranging from coastal marine, grasslands, coastal forests, swamp forests, krantzes, desert and riverine to wetland.  

Matt Williams, a fourth-generation member of the family that has owned the land where the Red Desert is situated for more than 100 years, said myth and legend surrounded the origin of the desert, including stories that aliens had landed on the site. 

One of South Africa’s best-kept conservation secrets, the smallest desert in the world, lies 170km south of Durban. 

The Red Desert gets its name from the scarlet colour of the sand and is situated on a hillside overlooking the Mtamvuna River, which divides KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape near the Wild Coast Sun casino complex.  

Only 200-metres in diameter and resembling a miniature version of the Arizona Desert in the United States of America, the man-high hills and valleys of naked red soil bare stark contrast to the surrounding lush and tropical vegetation. 

Artefacts 

Archaeological artefacts going back millions of years can be found and the locals are pleased this is now an internationally-protected heritage site. 

Matt Williams, a fourth-generation member of the family that has owned the land where the Red Desert is situated for more than 100 years, said myth and legend surrounded the origin of the desert, including stories that aliens had landed on the site. 

“Truth be told, the origins of this desert are found in the location of a Zulu tribe in the 1800s, with vast cattle herds stolen from the Pondos. The terrain became severely over-grazed and subsequently eroded by wind, resulting in the desertification of the area with wind-sculpted dune formations. 

“The underlying soil has very high iron content, which does not allow vegetation to thrive,” he said, adding that tools from the Stone Age once used to chop up plants and seafood have been discovered. 

The Red Desert’s description was contained in navigation manuals as a sighting landmark for ships on their way up the Natal coast. 

In 2005, the Williams family, which is committed to nature conservation, formed a partnership with the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, which consented to 105 hectares of municipal land being joined with the family’s 75 hectares for the purpose of creating a nature reserve. 

Red Desert Nature Reserve  

Negotiations then began with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and in 2015 the Red Desert Nature Reserve was established as a biodiversity stewardship nature reserve.  

This would ensure the effective management of land use outside existing state-managed protected areas, including privately-owned land, to ensure that natural systems, biodiversity and the ecosystem are maintained and enhanced for present and future generations. 

The area contains a significant area of “Critically Endangered” Pondoland-Natal Sandstone Coastal Sourveld found nowhere else in the country.  

The Red Desert Nature Reserve also comprises several habitats ranging from coastal marine, grasslands, coastal forests, swamp forests, krantzes (sheer cliffs), desert and riverine to wetland.  

At least 480 species of plants and 200 bird species have been recorded to date, with many listed as being under some degree of threat. Southern reed buck, common duiker, blue duiker and oribi have been seen. 

Williams, who is chairman of the Red Desert Nature Reserve Committee, said since the nature reserve adjoins the former R61 coastal route, which is now declared as the N2, many buck, deer and bush pigs have been run over by vehicles. 

Boundary  

He approached the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) with a request to fence the eastern boundary of the reserve and was most grateful that the request was granted. 

Ravi Ronny, SANRAL Eastern Region Design and Construction Manager, said discussions about erecting 2,7-kilometres of fencing had been ongoing since 2014. 

“Given the environmental importance of the nature reserve, we agreed to erect a fence along the reserve’s boundary with the road at our cost. 

“The fence will help keep animals away from the busy N2 whilst also combating trespassing and plant poaching problems,” said Ronny. 

He also said this section of the R61 is being upgraded at an estimated cost of R2,5-billion and will see the improved road becoming the “new N2”.   

The new fence has been erected at the revised road reserve boundary, which considers the future upgrading of the freeway. 

Presently, the N2 curves inland, away from the coast, near Port Shepstone and passes Harding and Kokstad before traversing the Eastern Cape. 

The upgrading of a 24km section of the newly-declared N2 from Mbizana River just south of Shelley Beach to the Mtamvuna River, will see this reconstructed road becoming the new N2. 

The new N2 on the KZN side will join with the N2 Wild Coast Highway currently under construction in the Eastern Cape. 

Once completed, the highway will be approximately 85km shorter than the current N2 alignment from Mthatha to Port Shepstone and will reduce travel time by about three hours. 

The existing facility will be upgraded to a divided four-lane facility (two lanes per direction separated by a concrete median barrier). The upgrade will result in the majority of existing accesses being closed and the intersections being replaced by interchanges. 

*** People who wish to visit the Red Desert Nature Reserve and enjoy the scenery, bird watching, archaeology, hiking, mountain biking or trail running may telephone Matt Williams on 0836319331 to book private tours. They may also visit themselves. There is no entrance fee.

Construction work halted to ensure trouble-free travel in the holidays

Peak traffic on the country’s national roads might occur earlier than normal because of the days on which December and January public holidays fall.  

Peak traffic on the country’s national roads may occur earlier than usual because of the days on which December and January public holidays fall. 

There will be no road construction works during the coming festive season, ensuring free traffic flow.  

Peak traffic on the country’s national roads may occur earlier than usual because of the days on which December and January public holidays fall.  

In addition, all public schools close on December 12, a Wednesday, and open on a Tuesday, a week after January 1. 

Traffic will begin to pick up in the week of school closures and traffic volumes will become heavy from Friday, 14 December – the beginning of a long weekend as Monday is a public holiday with December 16 falling on a Sunday. It is also when the building industry closes. 

As Christmas falls on a Tuesday, it can be expected that traffic will start peaking on the Friday before (December 21). 

The end of the holiday period is also somewhat different: New Year’s Day is on a Tuesday, as is the day public schools re-open on January 8. This may mean peak traffic on the Mondays before. 

Construction work halted 

Vusi Mona, general manager: communications at the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL), said road construction work has been halted across the 22 214 km of freeways to improve safety and promote trouble-free journeys for people who will travel to holiday destinations. 

The network stretches from the Beit Bridge Border Post in the north to the Cape Peninsula, and from Alexander Bay in the West to the coastlines of Mozambique, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. 

Mona said an analysis of road volume statistics in previous years shows that high volumes of traffic should be expected on the national and provincial freeway system during specific days in December.  

All three public holidays – the Day of Reconciliation, Christmas and New Year – are celebrated on, or close to weekends and this will result in higher volumes in the preceding days as people travel to destinations in time for celebrations. 

The national road network is, however, in good-to-excellent shape and able to handle increases in traffic and even extremely high volumes at certain times.  

The quality of the roads and collaboration between SANRAL, law enforcement agencies, provincial traffic authorities and emergency services will, no doubt, contribute to safer journeys. 

Tools for travel 

Motorists can use a variety of SANRAL tools to help plan their travel better. They can visit the SANRAL website, www.nra.co.za for help in organising their journeys.  

SANRAL has made available a series of videos to help motorists with their journeys – what route to use, what to expect on the road, the estimated expenditure for tolls and rest spots on the route. 

Motorists can also download the SANRAL App for the convenience of topping up their e-tag accounts from the comfort of their cars. 

“The app can be downloaded for free on all Android and iOS devices also offers users information about road conditions, traffic congestion and incidents on the road and enables motorists to plan their journeys in advance,” explained Mona. 

Road incidents can be reported to the National Traffic Control Centre on 012 665 6075 or South African Police Service on 10111. 

  • The busiest toll plazas will be Carousel, Pumulani and Kranskop on the N1 north, Middleburg on the N4, Marian Hill and Mooiriver on the N3 and Tongaat on the N2. 
  • The busiest routes will be the N1 to Beitbridge, N3 to Durban, N4 to Maputo and N2 North Coast.

N7 in good shape for festive traffic

SANRAL urges travellers to be respectful towards fellow road users.

The N7 is a dual carriageway between Cape Town and Philadelphia, and a single carriageway through the remainder of the province and the Northern Cape. 

The extensive upgrades of the N7 between Cape Town and the Namibian border will mean travellers can expect a pleasant journey during the festive season. 

There will be no stop/go sections.  

Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s communications manager, said: “Our engineers have rated the route’s expected condition as fair-to-good, barring any unforeseen major traffic incidents or weather conditions.” 

The N7 is a dual carriageway between Cape Town and Philadelphia, and a single carriageway through the remainder of the province and the Northern Cape. 

Motorists are asked to drive cautiously, especially where there are housing settlements next to the road. 

SANRAL also calls on road users to follow important safety tips when they take to the country’s roads during the festive season.  

“The main message is to remember that a road is a shared space and that you should be respectful towards your fellow road users,” said Mona. 

Speed limits are clearly indicated on the 22 214km of roads managed by SANRAL in all nine provinces. These are maximum limits and drivers should adjust their speed according to conditions such as rain or visibility. Road users are encouraged to take a break during long distance journeys to prevent fatigue and lack of concentration. 

Peak traffic on the country’s national roads may occur earlier than usual because of the days on which December and January public holidays fall.  

In addition, all public schools close on December 12, a Wednesday, and open on a Tuesday, a week after January 1. 

Traffic will begin to pick up in the week of school closures and traffic volumes will become heavy from Friday, 14 December – the beginning of a long weekend as Monday is a public holiday with December 16 falling on a Sunday. It is also when the building industry closes. 

As Christmas falls on a Tuesday, it can be expected that traffic will start peaking on the Friday before (December 21). 

The end of the holiday period is also somewhat different: New Year’s Day is on a Tuesday, as is the day public schools re-open on January 8. This may mean peak traffic on the Mondays before. 

Travel help tools 

Motorists can use a variety of SANRAL tools to help plan their travel better. They can visit the SANRAL website, www.nra.co.za for help in organising their journeys.  

SANRAL has made available a series of videos to help motorists with their journeys – what route to use, what to expect on the road, the estimated expenditure for tolls and rest spots on the route. 

Motorists can also download the SANRAL App for the convenience of topping up their e-tag accounts from the comfort of their cars. 

“The app can be downloaded for free on all Android and iOS devices and also offers users information about road conditions, traffic congestion and incidents on the road enabling motorists to plan their journeys in advance,” explained Mona. 

Incidents should be reported to either the South African Police Services (10111) or the National Traffic Call Centre (NTCC) on 012 665 6075. 

 

Coastal road in great shape to handle festive season traffic

Road users urged to take a break during long distances to avoid the dangers fatigue brings.

Peak traffic on the country’s national roads may occur earlier than usual because of the days on which December and January public holidays fall. 

The N2, which connects Cape Town with the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast along the eastern seaboard, is in great shape to handle higher traffic volumes during the coming festive season. 

Vusi Mona, SANRAL communications manager, said road users will be able to travel the entire distance without encountering road works or having to wait for construction activities. 

“As a result, our engineers have rated the condition of the stretch between Cape Town and Durban as fair-to-good barring any unforeseen major traffic incidents or weather conditions,” said Mona. 

Take a break 

Road users are encouraged to take a break during long distance journeys to prevent fatigue and lack of concentration. 

Mona said: “Fatigue is one of the major causes of road crashes, especially when travelling over long distances – road users should #KnowYourWhoa #TakeABreakStayAwake. 

“Road user behaviour contributes a lot to road crashes and we appeal to motorists to respect the rules of the road and to also ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.” 

Peak traffic on the country’s national roads may occur earlier than usual because of the days on which December and January public holidays fall.  

In addition, all public schools close on December 12, a Wednesday, and open on a Tuesday, a week after January 1. 

Traffic will begin to pick up in the week of school closures and traffic volumes will become heavy from Friday, 14 December – the beginning of a long weekend as Monday is a public holiday with December 16 falling on a Sunday. It is also when the building industry closes. 

As Christmas falls on a Tuesday, it can be expected that traffic will start peaking on the Friday before (December 21). 

The end of the holiday period is also somewhat different: New Year’s Day is on a Tuesday, as is the day public schools re-open on January 8. This may mean peak traffic on the Mondays before. 

Motorists can visit the SANRAL website, www.nra.co.za for help in planning their journeys.  

SANRAL has made available a series of videos to help motorists plan their journeys – what route to use, what to expect on the road, the estimated expenditure for tolls and rest spots on the route. 

Motorists can also download the SANRAL App for the convenience of topping up their e-tag accounts from the comfort of their cars. 

“The app can be downloaded for free on all Android and iOS devices and also offers users information about road conditions, traffic congestion and incidents on the road enabling motorists to plan their journeys in advance,” explained Mona. 

Incidents should be reported to either the South African Police Services (10111) or the National Traffic Call Centre (NTCC) on 012 665 6075.