The N4 highway shares in a massive R1bn upgrade with the N1.
The road passes through the North West, connecting Botswana and Pretoria, though it continues all the way to Mpumalanga.
Bakwena N1N4 toll commercial manager Liam Clarke said his company will spend R1bn to upgrade 385km on the two roads.
He said that road maintenance should not be delayed, in order to avoid unintended costs.
“Neglected roads become more difficult to use over time, increasing vehicle operating costs in the form of frequent repairs and higher fuel usage. This often creates an unwillingness by transport operators to use the roads.
“It also places an additional burden on the economy, as passenger and freight services are curtailed. And there is a consequent loss of economic and social development opportunities, not only in areas directly affected, but in the rest of the country and across our borders,” he said.
SANRAL has estimated that the cost of repairing a road are six times greater after three years of neglect and 18 times greater after five years of neglect. “Regular upgrades and maintenance can therefore save the country millions of rands in the long term,” said Clarke. Some of the focus areas include about R273m that will be spent on the reconstruction of the N4 in Groot Marico,

between Vaalkop and the Swartruggens boundary. The project, which was awarded mid- 2017 to G4Civils, is expected to be completed by April 2019.
To improve the driving experience for motorists and commuters, the N4 westbound carriageway, between R512 up to Buffelspoort interchange, will be resurfaced.
The project entails overlaying the existing surface with a 40mm-thick new asphalt surface, conducting base-layer repairs and gravel reconstruction. The resurfacing contract, worth about R100m, was awarded to Roadmac Surfacing and is expected to be concluded in October.
“A R55m project to upgrade the R511 interchange was awarded to Raubex Construction in March. The project includes the provision of west-facing ramps and is expected to be complete in February next year.
“A second carriageway on the N4 between the M17 and the R512 (Brits interchange) began in March. The estimated construction period is 36 months, at a projected investment of R582m, and awarded to Raubex Construction.”
He said the project will include the extension of structures to accommodate the second carriageway, the realignment of interchange ramps to tie in with the new carriageway and a bridge over the Crocodile River, all aimed at vastly improving road safety and traffic capacity.

“Road improvements bring immediate benefits to road users when completed.
“Roads are among the most important public assets in many countries, providing improved

access to hospitals, schools and markets, improved comfort, costs and safety. We urge motorists to exercise patience and drive safely while the construction is being undertaken,” Clarke said.