HELLO WESTERN CAPE 2018

NMT solutions for pedestrian safety

In responding to the need for non-motorised-transport (NMT) solutions for communities living on either side of the N2 near George, SANRAL has set out to build a pedestrian bridge over the N2, thereby effectively linking adjacent communities with each other, as well as giving them access to schools, shops, businesses and other amenities within George and surrounds.

SANRAL Western Region Manager Randall Cable said: “Large numbers of commuters have to cross the N2 on a daily basis – using legal and illegal crossing points. These commuters consist of people travelling to their places of employment, as well as learners going to school. SANRAL’s commitment to improved road safety particularly

prioritises pedestrian safety, because they account for approximately 40% of road fatalities in South Africa. We need to focus on addressing pedestrian behaviour and creating a road environment that is more conducive to pedestrian safety.”

Over and above the construction of the bridge, the scope of the work includes pedestrian walkways to guide pedestrians to the bridge and to tie in with the other NMT facilities that have already been constructed. On the Southern side, a walkway will lead pedestrians from Thembalethu, following the existing informal footpaths as closely as possible, over the pedestrian bridge. On the Northern side, walkways will connect up with Blesbok Crescent in Ballotsview, as well as connecting with the existing

pedestrian path alongside the N2.

Ancillary works include high mast lighting on either end of the pedestrian bridge, which will be sufficient to illuminate the entire length of the bridge. A timber post and double handrail system, as well as fencing are also put in place to separate the pedestrian walkway from the edge of the cutting and the N2.

“The communities living along the national routes are our partners in more ways than one, and we are committed not only to building transport solutions, but also relationships that will ensure they benefit from and look after the infrastructure designed to make their lives easier,” Cable said.

Taking care of workers

SANRAL’s Wellness Programme is designed to give workers information about their well-being – physical, mental and financial health. Construction workers often spend long hours on the road and don’t necessarily have the time to visit primary healthcare facilities for basic things like preventative screenings and health education, so SANRAL has partnered with CareWorks to bring wellness to the workers.

The Hello Western Cape team was driving down the N7 just outside Piketberg and spotted a group of RRM workers from Kew Maintenance, doing grass cutting. We stopped to chat to them about the Wellness Programme.