N4 roadworks persist despite Covid and Eloise

MBOMBELA – Tropical Storm Eloise and the Covid-19 pandemic both had an impact on two important roadwork projects on the N4 between Mbombela and Komatipoort.

According to TRAC, the higher than usual rainfall this year caused unexpected delays.

“Covid-19 also contributed to delays as construction sites were shut during the first national lockdown in March 2020,” said the spokesperson for TRAC, Solange Soares.

“In addition, roadworks were interrupted a few times due to Covid infections on-site, which resulted in many team members being off sick and the rest of their team having to quarantine to limit contact and reduce the possibility of additional infections.”

According to Soares, there is currently a one-month delay on the Kaapmuiden to Kaalrug project.

TRAC anticipates these roadworks to be completed by the end of September and ancillary works by the end of October.

Soares said the completion of this project will be very beneficial to motorists using the N4.

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“This 15.5km stretch of the carriageway is being upgraded to four lanes, undivided. This will improve the traffic flow on this section and is also in line with TRAC’s concession mandate. This portion of road is also being rehabilitated to ensure it remains on par with international standards, as is the case with the toll route.”

The new Karino Interchange is anticipated to be opened by the end of November, and final finishing work on it is expected to be done by the end of January.

This section of the N4 Toll Route has been synonymous with daily peak-hour traffic delays at the KMI Airport/Plaston Road/N4 intersection for years, following a notable growth of residential areas such as KaNyamazane and Karino.

According to Soares, the interchange will improve traffic flow onto and off the N4 Toll Route and enhance safety, as it will eliminate the need for pointsmen who currently manage the morning and afternoon traffic.