THE N12 is a key transit route that links Kimberley and the surrounding Northern Cape towns to Cape Town and the greater Western Cape. A heavy thoroughfare for large vehicles transporting a variety of materials, this route is an economic lifeline for the cities and towns it connects.

SANRAL has identified two bridges on the N12 (section 9) to be widened and improved, greatly increasing their lifespan.

The original bridges, located approximately 3km from Hopetown, were built in 1958 (B2483, spanning 31.2m) and 1985 (B2482, spanning 320m). Considering their age, they were still in remarkably good condition. The upgrades were needed to ensure the continued safety of the structures, as well as an improved road user experience. As the local population grows and businesses expand, upgrading infrastructure becomes extremely important. The decline of rail freight has added pressure on the road network to absorb the increased road freight load.

The construction work includes repairs to and widening of the

bridges to allow safer passage of traffic, as well as an extended pedestrian walkway along the route. While the smaller of the two bridges had little or no water running underneath it, the other sits over the Orange River. This bridge posed significant challenges for construction workers in terms of safe access and they had to work hard to mitigate the environmental impact of building access routes around the area. This, along with the significant height at which some of the operations were carried out, required work of the utmost precision, frequently testing the nerves of those involved.

“Many pedestrians from surrounding communities walk alongside this road to access the local fuel station and convenience store, often placing themselves at great risk from fast-moving traffic, so the improved pedestrian walkway will help ensure safety. Improved traffic flow, along with dedicated areas for bicycles and pedestrians, stronger parapet systems and guardrails with effective emergency areas have created a much better environment for users of this economic artery,” said SANRAL Project Manager Tiago Massingue.

The management, maintenance and upgrade of the national road network are of vital importance, not only for national infrastructure growth and development, but also local economic development. SANRAL remains committed to constructing roads that speak directly to the needs of the people. The agency regularly engages with stakeholders to ensure that its projects offer sustainable and practical answers to the economic, infrastructure and safety needs of local communities.

“We have invested just short of R100m into this project,” Massingue said, “of which approximately R20m is targeted at SMMEs from the surrounding areas.

“The first construction work started in July 2016, which has created significant opportunities for local labour. The tangible benefits of job creation, education and training will remain long after completion of the project, and will enable the local communities to access further developmental and economic opportunities.”