The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) project manager Thabiso Ngozwana and communications and marketing manager Michelle Ah Shene announced the completion of the 28km dual carriageway section of the N2, Section 11, from Bramlin Interchange to Coega in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) announced today that major N2 roadworks through urban and industrial areas in Nelson Mandela Bay has been completed.
“We are pleased to announce the completion of roadworks between the Western suburbs and Coega. Traffic congestion and increased travel times has been an issue of discontent for motorists. We want to thank motorists and the public for their patience and understanding. The project is now completed,” said Mbulelo Peterson, Southern Region Manager for SANRAL.
The R198 million roadworks project which began in July 2015 entailed the surfacing of a 28km dual carriageway section of the N2, Section 11, from Bramlin Interchange to Coega. The 18-month project was completed one month early.
“This portion of the N2 carries high volumes of traffic. Improvements to roads bring immediate benefits to road users,” said Peterson.
The road maintenance included: deep pavement repairs to around the Stanford interchange; installation of sub-surface drainage; construction of concrete lined side drains; edge clearing; crack sealing; slurry; road surfacing; installation of bridge joints; road marking and installation of road studs (reflectors); finishing the road reserve; and manufacturing of dollosse.
“The expected road maintenance lifespan is between eight to ten years before any major maintenance work will be carried out on the road. Other benefits of the upgrading will result in a smoother riding surface with less wear and tear on vehicles and even reduced carbon emissions.
“Good roads are a catalyst for investments. It can therefore be expected that the good road infrastructure will enhance the attractiveness of Port Elizabeth as an investment destination.”
SANRAL also said it included SMME participation goals and local training to stimulate less formal sectors of the local economy and emerging enterprises.
Fourteen SMMEs worked on the project. In terms of ensuring broader economic inclusion, SANRAL ensured that five women-owned SMMEs and six youth-owned SMMEs participated in the project.
In addition, the roads agency also provided skills training to SMMEs including installation of sub-soil drains, manufacturing of concrete drains, application of slurry and basic concrete technology, basic tendering skills and contract agreements.
During the 2015/16 financial year SANRAL managed and maintained 21 490km of national road network. The roads agency magnitude of the network is steadily growing and the long-term goal is to extend it to 35 000km.
Data released last year by SANRAL Southern Region shows that 1 070 km or 23% of the national road network of 4 544 km in Eastern Cape, the province with the most national roads out of all provinces, is being upgraded, preserved or rehabilitated and that the whole 4 544 km is being maintained throughout the year.