N4 construction projects on track with TRAC
Trans African Concessions (TRAC) said its four major construction projects under way on the N4 Toll Route are progressing well, despite the recent challenging weather.
The progress made on the projects is as follows:
• eMalahleni – Middelburg road: Pavement rehabilitation and upgrade
The rehabilitation project between the OR Tambo and Van Dyksdrift interchanges in the Highveld region is 48 per cent complete, with the completion date set in March 2022.
The R380 million project by Raubex Construction includes the removal and replacement of concrete slabs from the originally constructed concrete-surfaced road, overlaying the entire section with asphalt, and the construction of an additional seven kilometres of passing lanes.
• Belfast – Machadodorp road: Rehabilitation and upgrade
The major upgrade between Belfast and Machadodorp is progressing well and is 61 per cent complete.
The R400 million project by Wilson Bayly Holmes Ovcon includes constructing an additional lane per direction that will upgrade this section to a four-lane road.
It also includes a new interchange at Machadodorp and the rehabilitation of 30 kilometres of Section 5B. Roadworks are scheduled for completion in May 2022.
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• New Karino interchange
This exciting Mbombela-based project is valued at R390 million and is 60 per cent complete.
Raubex is the contractor responsible for implementing this project that will see the existing intersection transformed into a grade-separated interchange with on- and off-ramps and a bridge that will separate cross-traffic from through-traffic to ease traffic flow at the busy intersection.
• Kaapmuiden to Kaalrug: Rehabilitation and upgrade
Tau Pele Construction is constructing this 15,5 kilometre road project, which includes upgrading the carriageway to four lanes and the rehabilitating the existing road.
The project is 70 per cent complete and expected to be concluded in August.
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TRAC is also pleased to announce that Elands Valley is now open after a two-week closure due to Cyclone Eloise last month.
The tropical storm’s heavy rainfall caused a stream crossing underneath the N4 through a culvert to overflow, resulting in roadfill material underneath the road surface being washed away.
This caused the road surface to subside, forcing TRAC to close this section of the national road.
TRAC said although it endeavours to prevent traffic disruptions due to road construction, traffic flow may be affected in certain areas at specific times and during peak traffic time.
Therefore it urges road users to visit www.tracn4.co.za for regular, real-time updates that will assist them to plan their trips accordingly.
