Upgrades on the N2 and N3 highways and interchanges, in KwaZulu-Natal, are progressing, says parastatal organisation South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral).

The agency notes that the N2 upgrades comprise 11 projects valued at R19-billion, while the N3 upgrades involve 16 projects valued at R33-billion. All are intended to create sufficient road capacity for the next 30 years.

Sanral KwaZulu-Natal provincial head Dudley Mbambo says the N2 projects will cover 55 km, while the N3’s will cover 80 km.

The upgrades will “dramatically” improve logistical and commuter efficiency by expanding capacity, smoothing steep gradients and redesigning dangerous intersections, making the freeways safer. This is especially pertinent for the N3 highway, which carries the highest road freight volumes in the country, as it links the busiest port in South Africa with the economic hub of Gauteng.

“As a core component of the Strategic Integrated Projects, these targeted changes to the N3 corridor will significantly reduce transit times, lower vehicle operating costs and enhance the steady flow of goods between Durban and Gauteng,” says Mbambo.

Several construction work projects are needed to realise these improvements, with the projects directly contributing to employment opportunities while empowering small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs).

“A minimum of 30% of the contract is allocated to SMMEs. This allocation ensures that local SMMEs participate in these projects. Between 8% to 10% is strictly spent on local labour employment. These targets are set out in the contract as obligations for the contractor, and penalties are imposed if these transformation obligations are not met.”

Mbambo points out that the labour and SMME targets were exceeded on all of the completed projects on the N3 corridor.

He says the earthworks and pavement layers will be included in the construction works portfolio, which, in turn, will include the manufacture and installation of asphalt and concrete pavements. Other construction work will include upgrade work on interchanges, as well as the demolition and reconstruction of several bridges.

Benefits

The N2 and N3 upgrades will reduce major traffic bottlenecks, as the widening of the carriageways in both directions will allow for more free-flowing traffic, says Mbambo.

The geometric realignment will reduce the number of breakdowns and accidents for heavy vehicles, thereby reducing highway gridlock, and enabling trucks to maintain consistent speeds.

He notes that conflicting traffic patterns can be eliminated by improving and modernising interchanges, in addition to ensuring safer and faster merging and exits while improving accessibility.

The projects will also help to reduce costs for logistics companies – owing to fewer incidents and injuries, as well as reduced travel times – while enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.

As of last month, six projects on the N3 corridor and two on the N2 were under construction, while three projects on the N3 had been completed. A routine road maintenance programme is also under way to address potholes and damaged road infrastructure.

“Routine road maintenance projects are ongoing projects on all sections of the national road network, including the N2 and N3. In addition, resurfacing projects are enforced by Sanral to secure the integrity of the infrastructure and ensure longevity of the pavement,” Mbambo concludes.