Gauteng Premier David Makhura and MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi on 15 July launched a R295-million project to upgrade the N14 freeway from Krugersdorp to Pretoria .
Phase 1 of the freeway rehabilitation project will start from Hendrik Potgieter Road and will extend up to Diepsloot, covering both sides of the freeway.
The project is scheduled to be completed in October 2016.
“The N14 is a high-traffic volume freeway that is under severe stress. The road has degraded over the years and needs urgent rehabilitation,” said Vadi.
The MEC added, “We have to upgrade the N14 as it is a critical arterial route from the southern and western regions of Gauteng to the north, which is used for daily workplace travelling and freight transport.”
The project will also provide employment and skills development opportunities during the construction phase for local contractors.
“Basically, we will be giving a new lease of life to a very busy freeway and there will be no toll fees,” Vadi said.
Premier Makhura was upbeat about the project and agreed that the upgrading of the N14 is vital for the full economic development of the western corridor of the province.
“It links with Lanseria Airport, the Cradle of Humankind and North West Province and can kick start the development of an entirely new city in the region,” said Makhura.
Vadi said that motorists will be inconvenienced for the entire duration of the construction work. He appealed to motorists to exercise patience and to take extra care while driving on what is an extremely busy freeway during this period.
“Road construction takes time and there will be no shortcuts. Motorists are advised that their travelling times will be affected and they should plan accordingly,” he said.
Vadi also indicated that the Department of Roads and Transport is busy with the planning of Phase 2 of the N14 upgrade that eventually will link with the N1, which already has been upgraded by SANRAL.
