Upgrades to Montrose interchange on N4 is nearing completion

The R216m upgrade of the Montrose interchange on the N4 is nearing completion.

According to TRAC’s engineering and technical executive manager, Wimpie Janse van Rensburg, this is its first upgrade in 30 years, and will ensure free-flowing traffic to and from Mbombela, Schoemanskloof and Elands Valley, in all directions. It is expected to also boost the economies of South Africa, Mozambique and the Kingdom of eSwatini.

“The 23-month long project was necessary to ensure road safety and the movement of people and goods along this busy route. The existing T-junction is being upgraded to a free-flow split interchange, with Montrose being a critical crossing point across this TRAC concession, joining Elands Valley and Schoemanskloof on the eastern side where the route splits,” Janse van Rensburg explained.

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He said the interchange connects two freeways and forms part of the N4 Maputo Development Corridor, not only aimed at ensuring road safety and mobility along the route, but simultaneously improving trade between the three countries. The upgrade has created 350 jobs and provided subcontracting opportunities for at least 10 local companies.

Work included the construction of four new ramps and broadening of the existing two-lane Crocodile Bridge to five lanes. In addition, two new arch bridges, supported by adjacent rock faces, will be constructed to cross the existing Elands Valley section and accommodate two new ramps. This venture has been welcomed by various road users, who use this section of the N4 on a daily basis.

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John Mavundla, the chairperson of the Top Star Taxi Association in Mbombela, said the upgraded interchange will improve the experience of drivers and passengers using the N4. “We’re very happy that TRAC continues to upgrade the highway, making it safer and easier to use. Our drivers spend many hours travelling up and down the N4, and the state of this road has a direct impact on how they do their work. We hope that it will also decrease accidents on the roads,” he said.

Dumisane Ngobeni, who drives a coal haulage truck between Mozambique and various mines in SA, agreed that the construction of the interchange is a welcome addition to the N4. “I really appreciate the fact that this area will be well lit, making it safer to navigate at night.”

Nothando Sithole, a business owner who frequently travels between Mbombela and Gauteng, said she was happy to see that the construction of the Montrose interchange would soon be completed. “I use the N4 a lot and I’ve always been disappointed by the nature of the Schoemanskloof and Elands Valley split, especially during peak traffic periods. I think this new interchange will make navigating the highway so much easier.”