The concessions giant says despite the extensive roadworks, traffic has not been, and is unlikely to be, severely disrupted as two lanes (with deviations) will be operational throughout the upgrade.
The upgrade and rehabilitation of certain sections of the N4 Toll Route are progressing well and Trans African Concessions (TRAC) is confident that the road works being undertaken will further cement this cross-border route as one of the best highways in Africa.
Expansion and rehabilitation work between the Highveld and OR Tambo Interchanges commenced in April 2017 and comprises expansion of this section into a six (6)-lane carriageway. Roadworks for this R290-million project are being done in the median, between km 19 and km 31 and will also include the widening of eight (8) bridges, pavement rehabilitation as well as ancillary works such as guardrails and drainage upgrades.
Despite the extensive roadworks, traffic has not been, and is unlikely to be, severely disrupted as two lanes (with deviations) will be operational throughout the upgrade. Road users are however reminded that long-term day closures are currently in place and may result in minor delays.
Another section of the TRAC N4 toll road under construction is the section between Malaga Hotel and Montrose intersection in Elands Valley. This project, which also started in April 2017, will see five (5) kilometres of passing lanes added and extensive rehabilitation work being done to 23 kilometres of pavement. Widening of culverts and bridges as well as ancillary works also form part of this initiative. Due to the topography of the section, permanent Stop/Go’s have been operational since the start of the project, and are expected to remain in place until its completion. The average stoppage time at each Stop/Go (currently there are three) is approximately 30 minutes. Schoemanskloof can be used as an alternative route.
Roadworks between Hectorspruit and Komatipoort will be concluding by the end of this month where after minor works will be completed. No Stop/Go’s are anticipated and we plan to open the completed sections to traffic in order to minimise delays.
TRAC’s extensive upgrades on the Mozambican side of the N4 Toll Route are also ongoing. The scope of work between Ressano Garcia and Moamba includes the rehabilitation of the road and six (6) bridges, including the Moamba Interchange. Two permanent Stop/Go’s are currently in effect and delays of approximately 15 minutes can be expected. The project is expected to be in the first quarter of 2018.
The upgrade of the N4 in Maputo, also referred to as MDC Sections 19 and 20, is running smoothly. This project includes comprehensive roadworks between the Shoprite Centre Intersection in Matola and the 16 of June Circle in Maputo. It further includes the construction of two (2) additional lanes (one in each direction) which in turn will result in a six (6)-lane carriageway in this section.
The rehabilitation of the pavement and the widening of seven (7) structures will also form part of the construction works which are estimated to be concluded at the end of 2018. Given that this is the busiest section of the entire N4 Toll Route managed by TRAC, there will be no lane closures, however, lane deviations and partial closure of intersections will require speed restrictions as part of the safety measures. The latter may affect traffic flow, especially during peak times.
The BIC Intersection is currently partially closed to accommodate Phase 1 of the project.
The closure has resulted in the following traffic flow limitations:
a) Road users coming from the direction of Cinema 700 or from the old Matola road are unable to cross the N4.
b) Road users traveling westbound (from Maputo/Shoprite) are unable to turn right. Median works have eliminated slow lane shoulders with lane additions to start shortly. Traffic will be diverted to the completed median works to accommodate the lane additions and rehabilitation works.
(by TRAC)
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