Road infrastructure is key for social and economic development of any country. Linking two of South Africa’s economic blossoming provinces, Gauteng and the North West, is the R512 which is currently under construction by SANRAL.

SANRAL has invested in excess of R300m for the construction of the road which stretches from the R512 to the west of the Hartbeespoort Dam, through Pampoennek, eventually connecting with the N4 to Rustenburg. Some of the funds will be invested into the local community as part of SANRAL’s commitment to community and local business development.

According to Alex van Niekerk, Planning, Toll and Transport Manager at SANRAL, the project was expected to be completed in December 2019. This date may, however, change slightly due to some terrain which required unique engineering interventions to deliver a safe and successful project.

“The project goes through a mountain where there’s a major cutting through the mountain.

The aesthetics of this project have been carefully considered to maximise the blending in of the construction works with the natural fauna and flora in the area.

The cut faces are blended in to tie into the surroundings,” says Van Niekerk.This was achieved through slope stabilisation installed on the cut faces which was then covered with concrete that was finished in such a way as to mimic the natural rock faces.

There is also a game underpass which is to be used when needed by wildlife to cross underneath the newly constructed road.

The structure has a height of 5.6m to allow sufficient natural light through the tunnel which will

encourage the wildlife to use the underpass, says Van Niekerk.

Currently, the project is approximately 68% complete with regards to expenditure and 80% complete in terms of time. The new expected completion date will be around March 2020.

Once completed, road users can look forward to a much safer road which will allow for efficient mobility and with no toll costs.