Roadworks between the Bronkhorstspruit and Bossemanskraal Interchanges (N4/2 30.7 km to N4/2 46.12 km) are due to start this month and will see the section undergo intensive rehabilitation.
The project, which is expected to be concluded by February 2019, will result in minor disruptions to traffic due to single lane closures.
Although the upgrading and rehabilitation of section N4/5X 29.4 km to N4/6X 2.7 km (between the Belfast and Crossroads Interchanges) started in February 2018, roadworks will intensify over the next few months.
This major upgrade includes the widening of existing lanes and the addition of passing lanes, moving numerous access roads, upgrading the existing intersection and the construction of a new Machado intersection. There will be 13 major structures, including two new bridges. The project is due for completion in the first half of 2021.
TRAC is satisfied with the progress made on existing upgrade and rehabilitation projects, both in South Africa and Mozambique. These include roadworks between the Highveld and OR Tambo Interchanges, Section 6E (Elandskloof) and Sections 19 and 20 between Matola and Maputo.
Highveld and OR Tambo Interchanges
The expansion and rehabilitation of this section commenced in April 2017 and is still underway. Parts of the section are being expanded into a six-lane carriageway, eight bridges are being widened, pavements are being rehabilitated and ancillary works are being done. Completion is still on track for September 2018.
The new lanes have already been built, but the overlay must be completed before the new three-lane configuration can be used. The project is 60% completed. When surfacing commences, certain lane restrictions will be implemented. Road users are thus urged to be cautious, adhere to road construction-related signage and plan their trips accordingly.
Night work is taking place between 19:00 and 05:00m on the OR Tambo Intersection’s overpass and ramps, which includes milling off the existing overlays and placing asphalt overlays on the overpass and ramps and pre-marking temporary lanes on the overpass. Lane closures are taking place at night and will continue until at least 24 May, 2018. Road users are therefore advised to avoid travelling at night, in this area. If they have to travel, they are urged to be vigilant, cautious and adhere to all signage.
Section 6E (Elandskloof)
Section 6E, between Malaga Hotel and Montrose in the Lowveld, is still under construction and Phase Two of the triple-phase project is developing well. The project includes the construction of five kilometres of passing lanes and extensive rehabilitation work on 23 kilometres of pavement. The widening of culverts and bridges and ancillary work forms part of the project.
Due to the section’s topography, permanent Stop/Go’s have been in place since the project’s inception. There are currently three Stop/Go’s in place, with the average stopping time at each one being approximately 20 minutes. Road users are reminded that waiting times may differ day-to-day, depending on the traffic count and construction needs. TRAC is pleased that the project is on track and should be concluded by September 2018.
Section 16
Unplanned additional work is required for the upgrade of Section 16, between Ressano Garcia and Moamba. The extent of the work is being investigated and should be finalised soon. This will result in project delays and the existing Stop/Go’s will be in place until the new work is complete.
Sections 19 and 20
The upgrade of the N4 in Maputo, also referred to as MDC Sections 19 and 20, is ongoing, albeit slightly behind schedule. This project includes comprehensive roadworks between the Shoprite Centre Intersection in Matola and the 16 of June Circle in Maputo. It also includes the construction of two more lanes (one in each direction), which will result in a six-lane carriageway.
The rehabilitation of the pavement and the widening of seven structures forms part of the construction, which is estimated to be concluded at the beginning of 2019. Given that this is the busiest section of the N4 Toll Route, managed by TRAC, there will be no lane closures. However, lane deviations and the partial closure of intersections will require speed restrictions to ensure road users’ safety. The latter affects traffic flow, especially during peak times, and road users are urged to be cautious, vigilante and patient.
