SANRAL is leading the way through innovative road design and the application of technology to create a safe and sustainable primary road network.

Technology and innovation are changing road construction and road management throughout the world.

South Africa is no exception and SANRAL is leading the way through innovative road design, and the application of technology to create a safe and sustainable primary road network. 

Through collaboration with universities and research institutions SANRAL contributes to knowledge generation in fields as diverse as transportation planning, road materials development and environmental conservation. 

Innovation also played a major role in a recently completed road construction project: 

• To improve road safety a decision was taken to widen the bridge over the Olifants River on the N7 near Clanwilliam. However, the width of the original structure could not be increased, and the only workable solution was the construction of a second bridge running parallel to the existing one; 
• The Concrete Society of Southern Africa recognised the new 166-m bridge for its “unique design features and construction techniques,” and gave it the 2019 Fulton Award for innovation. SANRAL awarded the contract for this project to Stefanutti Stocks Coastal.

SANRAL’s most valuable assets are vested in its human resources. Through the years it has attracted an enviable group of engineers, professionals and artisans that are able to manage some of the continent’s most challenging infrastructure projects. 

The pool of knowledge within the agency is enriched through collaborations with a wide range of contractors – including emerging enterprises – who bring their own skills and intellectual resources to construction projects.