Hoedspruit’s R40 interchange in the spotlight again

The response follows a stakeholder meeting in November last year where residents voiced their objections to the design of the interchange. The project has been in planning since 2012/13 and went out on tender in 2019. Two designs were received of which one was chosen and approved by the Maruleng Local Municipality. At the meeting on November 3, this design was presented to residents, businesses, as well as members from the agriculture and tourism industries.

Sanral said at the time the construction tender will go out in mid-2023 and the construction will start in April 2024. Sanral has now replied to the concerns that were lodged with the agency. One of the major concerns was the noise pollution of trucks using the R41. Sanral said in their answering document a noise impact assessment (NIA) was considered and deemed unnecessary by the environmental specialist given the low risk associated with this project.

Also read: Residents want new R40 interchange design

Residents also raised concerns regarding the simultaneous building of a mall and the intersection which would impact traffic, business, and the peace of the town. They suggested the road be built first. Sanral said in their response that temporary roads are an integral aspect of the construction process. “Our proposal entails a three-phase construction sequence, whereby all temporary roads will maintain either similar or very close to the existing capacity.

Additionally, two-way free-flow traffic will be accommodated on all temporary roads. To minimise the impact of construction on traffic, we will establish communication with the mall developers to reach a mutual understanding of project timelines. Furthermore, we will provide the interested and affected parties (I&APs) with a comprehensive layout plan that outlines all temporary roads and accesses. This will be an opportunity to discuss and address any concerns they may have regarding the construction process.”

Also read: Road interchange on R40 approved

Another concern was that residents are not familiar with complicated on- or offramps usually found in metropolitan areas. Sanral said that local motorists will never have to use the on or off-ramps, except if they are leaving town. “In addition, they should be familiar with the use of roundabouts, which is a common feature of South African roads. When it comes to tourists, they are typically unfamiliar with the traffic patterns of the towns they visit.

However, similar interchanges are common in other countries and may even be more recognisable to tourists. Despite its seemingly complex appearance, the design is straightforward and primarily consists of an interchange. The concept of the ramps terminating and beginning in a roundabout, while unusual, is not a novel idea and will improve traffic flow and reduce potential conflicts between through-traffic and local traffic.

It is recommended that the design engineers explain to the public the traffic movements for the newly proposed road or interchanges,” Sanral answered. Residents also raised a concern that Sanral focuses on high mobility and closing of access roads, and by doing this you will divide the town and businesses will suffer. To this, Sanral said the solution relocates access to a central point, which is more favorable for mobility on the R40.

“Alternative access with higher capacity is provided to all areas. The town is currently bisected by the railway line, with only a single grade-separated crossing within a 50 km radius. It is not within Sanral’s purview to rectify deficiencies in the planning of the local urban network. Traffic studies have shown that the current network in Hoedspruit is already saturated, meaning that it cannot handle increased traffic volume without significant delays and congestion.

Upgrading the infrastructure, such as improving road networks and adding new crossings, could help to alleviate this congestion and support increased business activity,” said Sanral.