THE R1.4-billion construction project on the N2 between Mtunzini and Empangeni remains on schedule to be completed in the first half of 2019.
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) last week issued a media statement, as well as a video, showing progress of the project, which has been described as one of the biggest road infrastructure developments undertaken in KZN.
The project which began in March 2016 will see the entire stretch of N2 between Mtunzini and Empangeni transformed into a 14-metre wide, safer dual carriage highway, which will enable the road to cope with increased traffic volumes on what SANRAL describes as a key arterial.
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Traffic volumes on the N2 south of Empangeni exceed approximately 14 000 vehicles per day, with the highest traffic volumes occurring on the section between the eSikhaleni and Empangeni interchange.
The new two-lane northbound carriageway will include two major bridges over the Mlalazi and Mhlatuze Rivers.
Four agricultural overpasses over the N2 have been lengthened, with new bridges having been built at the R34 Empangeni/Richards Bay interchange and at the P537 Port Dunford underpass. Two road over rail bridges have been constructed and at least 16 major box culverts and numerous minor box culverts and other drainage structures have also been constructed.
The existing road will be repaired and strengthened to become the new southbound carriageway once completed.
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