Although road construction projects can be extremely irritating to truckers when they are held up by stop/go points and other on-site delays, FleetWatch always welcomes them as a sign of growth and progress. The better the roads, the more cost effective is the transport.
It is thus we welcome the news that the extensive upgrade between Belfast and Machadodorp on the N4 Toll Route is progressing well and is 26% complete. The R400-million project, which was awarded to WBHO Construction in 2019, is expected to take three years to complete. Roadworks will include the rehabilitation of 30km of Section 5B which will also be upgraded to a four-lane carriageway.
The initiative will not only benefit road users but the local community too. In line with an MOU signed between the eMakhazeni Local Municipality, Trans African Concessions (TRAC), SANRAL and WBHO/Motheo JV 21, local small, medium and micro-enterprises have already been appointed with approximately 300 jobs created.
Blasting of the cutting at KM 41.0 is progressing well with scheduled blasts occurring as and when required. Blasting notifications can be seen along the route – near the relevant roadworks – and on TRAC’s social media pages.
Several traffic accommodations have been implemented and will remain in place throughout the construction period. These include speed reductions, contraflows and occasional Stop/Go’s. Road users are urged to visit TRAC’s website at www.tracn4.co.za for regular updates to assist them in planning their trips.
