Stop / go to end soon

MBOMBELA – The daunting waiting process that motorists have had to endure at the stop/go on the N4 Toll Route between Mbombela and Malalane will soon be something of the past.

Trans African Concessions (TRAC) has confirmed that it in less than three weeks this section of the road will be reopened. According to the statement, unforeseen road conditions were encountered during the rehabilitation of the last portion, close to Matsulu, which caused a slight delay.

However, the statement also indicates that towards the end of October, a shorter stop/go will come into effect at the Crocodile River Bridge. This is to allow for rehabilitation work on the bridge’s joints followed by short daytime stop/go to allow for the final overlay, which is expected to be completed by November 21.

Additional works, side drains and finishing are said to continue until December 12. “With shoulder or isolate closures to be completed as required, all roadworks will stop for the festive season break from December 12, 2014 to January 5, 2015, with the entire project expected to be concluded by the end of January 2015,” reads the statement.

“TRAC is conscious of the challenges and frustration that the construction works in the Crocodile Gorge might have caused road users, and we are humbled by their patience.

This particular section was in desperate need of structural improvement, including the reconstruction of the top 300mm layer of the road, as well as additional traffic capacity provided by additional 8km of overtaking lanes. Given the topography radical measures had to be taken to allow for this to be done effectively.

“In the meantime TRAC wants to thank all the N4’s road users for their patience and understanding during this period and urges all motorists to remain cautious, vigilant and respectful of all road regulations,” concludes the statement.