MEDIA RELEASE
WIDENING OF THE R22-5 ROAD THROUGH KWANGWANASE TOWN
Pietermaritzburg, 14 October 2022 – Construction work is continuing along a section of the National Route 22 (R22), which is due to be completed in September 2023, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced. The project covers a 3km portion of the R22 through the town of Manguzi (KwaNgwanase).
“The aim of this project is to relieve congestion through the town by providing additional capacity in the form of extra travel lanes through the urban area and upgrading of the approaching sections through rural areas,” said Andrew Ssekayita, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.
“The approaches on both sides of the town have been improved through widening and rehabilitation of the existing road to include surfaced shoulders. Whereas these approaches are complete, work will continue through the town under Stop/Go traffic accommodation to construct stormwater drainage, retaining walls and rehabilitation of the roadway,” he said.
“As part of the project, and to relieve traffic through town, a 2.8km bypass road was upgraded to surfaced standard. Besides acting as a detour road during construction, this road will also provide improved long-term local access to the community. Surfacing along the bypass road is complete and two-way traffic is being accommodated along this section while kerbing and sidewalks are being constructed. The bypass road is planned for completion in March 2023” said Ssekayita.
Ssekayita warned that road users must be aware that the work through town will cause significant disruption over the next 12 months, with the safety of both motorists and construction staff being of prime importance. Key constraints include the following:
• Where possible, temporary bypasses along the R22 will be constructed to accommodate two-way traffic.
• Stop/Go traffic will be maintained but the road will be open to two-way traffic during the December break.
• Speed restrictions of 40 km/h along the bypass road.
• Limited/alternative access to businesses while construction is underway. The project is programmed to minimise the impact on accesses, but at times access may be restricted to allow for road construction.
In the light of the above, motorists are urged to remain patient, to slow down and to drive defensively.
“SANRAL wishes to apologise to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused during the road closure. We appeal to road users to plan their trips accordingly. We further appeal to road users to adhere to the road signs and speed limit when approaching and travelling through the construction site,” said Ssekayita.