Work in Progress at Crocodile Gorge section of N4 Between Karino and Matsulu
Around 13000 vehicles (including a large number of trucks and taxis) use this section of the N4 route on a daily basis.
MBOMBELA – Construction work in the Crocodile Gorge is still in progress, and will continue for the next 10 months.
According to Trans African Concessions (TRAC), when completed the improvements will ease traffic congestion and will add to a safer travelling experience.
TRAC’s media statement further read: “The road is situated in a mountainous area which is quite wavy and has a steep longitudinal grade. The combined affect is culminating in a speed reduction of trucks with no passing opportunities of cars within stop/go areas.
The company added that the unstable mountain side and the steep drop to the crocodile river does not allow space to build and provide bypasses next to road sections, which are being rehabilitated.
“Very high traffic volumes (of which about 20% are heavy vehicles), need to be accommodated on the limited space for traffic accommodation. It inevitable leads to very long delays at the one way stop/go areas.
To aggravate the situation, there are no viable alternative road between the greater Nelspruit area and destinations to the east of the gorge.”
Around 13000 vehicles (including a large number of trucks and taxis) use this section of the N4 route on a daily basis and the number of vehicles increase by more than 30% on Friday afternoons causing delays of
up to 60 minutes at each Stop/Go control point between the hours of 15:00 – 21:00. The sheer volume of traffic alone causes delays. TRAC understands that delays are an inconvenience and a cause of frustration.
Some road users continuously refuse to abide by the basic rules required for the successful operation of a Stop/Go control point, skipping queues to get ahead of the line of vehicles at the control point.
This unacceptable behaviour not only puts their own lives and that of their passengers at risk, but also threatens the lives of innocent road users and construction workers. TRAC does not have law enforcement rights, but has met with Mpumalanga’s Department of Safety, Security and Liaison to increase visible policing in the Crocodile Gorge, especially at peak times. There will be zero tolerance of any unlawful actions.
