ENGINEERING
A MUCH SAFER N12
WALKING THE WALK FOR MATLOSANA
WALKING THE WALK FOR MATLOSANA
RESIDENTS
of Klerksdorp in the
North West can look forward
to a safer road environment, thanks
to newly developed infrastructure by
SANRAL.
In June 2016, the national roads agency started the construction of pedestrian facilities along section 15 of the N12 near the Jouberton and Alabama townships in Klerksdorp.
The project, worth approximately R51m, is for the construction of concrete sidewalks and kerbing, fencing off a section of the road, minor capacity improvements and drainage, as well as improvements to four existing intersections.
SANRAL Project Manager Lawrence Chauke believes that changes in land use, urban development and the spatial formation of cities and towns force pedestrians to cross or walk along the national roads, which puts people at risk.
“The safety of pedestrians is important to us and we prioritise it in all our infrastructure,” he said.
“SANRAL has to strike a balance between the safety of pedestrians and the primary use and effectiveness of the national road network.” SANRAL appeals to community members to make use of the new facilities and be safe on the roads.
In June 2016, the national roads agency started the construction of pedestrian facilities along section 15 of the N12 near the Jouberton and Alabama townships in Klerksdorp.
The project, worth approximately R51m, is for the construction of concrete sidewalks and kerbing, fencing off a section of the road, minor capacity improvements and drainage, as well as improvements to four existing intersections.
SANRAL Project Manager Lawrence Chauke believes that changes in land use, urban development and the spatial formation of cities and towns force pedestrians to cross or walk along the national roads, which puts people at risk.
“The safety of pedestrians is important to us and we prioritise it in all our infrastructure,” he said.
“SANRAL has to strike a balance between the safety of pedestrians and the primary use and effectiveness of the national road network.” SANRAL appeals to community members to make use of the new facilities and be safe on the roads.
WALKING THE WALK
SANRAL recently unveiled brand new, safer walkways that stretch about
8km along the N2 in George – between the York Street interchange and the
Garden Route Mall. The walkways are designed to provide safe movement for
residents of Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, Lawaaikamp and Ballotsview.
Western Region Manager Kobus van der Walt said: “Approximately 40% of all deaths on South African roads are pedestrians. They are the most vulnerable group of all road users and safety is a big priority for SANRAL.” To ensure that pedestrians do not cross the highway at will, a 2m-high, welded-mesh fence was erected along the N2, separating the pathways from the freeway. The fence also bars stray animals from wandering onto the freeway, which has been a cause for concern.
Van der Walt said that the targeted spend on SMMEs for this project was R24.3m and for labour it was R12.2m. Key elements of the construction were the use of the local labour force. The rolling terrain actually made this project more amenable to labourenhanced construction, as heavy construction vehicles could not operate in these conditions. Manual labour is required to build pathways on steep slopes.
“This project had the added advantage of providing employment to many people from the George area,” Van der Walt said.
A new pedestrian bridge has also been constructed alongside the N2, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to move safely across the railway line at Meul River.
Western Region Manager Kobus van der Walt said: “Approximately 40% of all deaths on South African roads are pedestrians. They are the most vulnerable group of all road users and safety is a big priority for SANRAL.” To ensure that pedestrians do not cross the highway at will, a 2m-high, welded-mesh fence was erected along the N2, separating the pathways from the freeway. The fence also bars stray animals from wandering onto the freeway, which has been a cause for concern.
Van der Walt said that the targeted spend on SMMEs for this project was R24.3m and for labour it was R12.2m. Key elements of the construction were the use of the local labour force. The rolling terrain actually made this project more amenable to labourenhanced construction, as heavy construction vehicles could not operate in these conditions. Manual labour is required to build pathways on steep slopes.
“This project had the added advantage of providing employment to many people from the George area,” Van der Walt said.
A new pedestrian bridge has also been constructed alongside the N2, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to move safely across the railway line at Meul River.
THE JEWEL OF GEORGE
THE Pacaltsdorp Diamond Interchange project included the widening of both the existing Pacaltsdorp Interchange bridge and the two-lane York and Beach Roads, which were converted to a dual carriageway, four-lane road with turning lanes at both ramp terminals. Sidewalks have also been constructed, as well as a traffic median island. Existing asphalt surfacing has been rehabilitated, traffic signals relocated, road signage and markings replaced and street lights added. This was a joint project among SANRAL (contributing 50%), the Western Cape provincial government (40%) and George Municipality (10%).
THE Pacaltsdorp Diamond Interchange project included the widening of both the existing Pacaltsdorp Interchange bridge and the two-lane York and Beach Roads, which were converted to a dual carriageway, four-lane road with turning lanes at both ramp terminals. Sidewalks have also been constructed, as well as a traffic median island. Existing asphalt surfacing has been rehabilitated, traffic signals relocated, road signage and markings replaced and street lights added. This was a joint project among SANRAL (contributing 50%), the Western Cape provincial government (40%) and George Municipality (10%).