The first of two contracts that will see the rehabilitation of the N8 highway between Bloemfontein and Thaba Nchu is due for completion in June, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) reported this month.

Sanral embarked on the two-contract upgrade owing to a significant increase in the use of the highway. This had impacted heavily on the existing pavement layers and surfacing on certain sections that had reached their serviceable life span.

The first contract, valued at R463-million, is for the upgrading and rehabilitation of the 28 km stretch between Sannaspos and Thaba Nchu. Work on this section started on December 2, 2013, and is due to be completed by June 1.

The second contract, valued at R461-million, is for upgrading and rehabilitation of the 24 km stretch between Bloemfontein and Sannaspos. Work on this section started on October 31, 2014, and is due for completion on January 30, 2017.

“The rehabilitation and upgrading will result in a road of higher standards, both in terms of alignment and capacity. It will also result in higher mobility, lower driver stress and safer travel,” said Sanral eastern region project manager Jason Lowe.

Safety improvements to the road will also be made, especially on high- accident zones, such as the S-bend near the Sepane rail bridge, which will be eliminated. Intersections will also be formalised, provision for right-turn lanes will be made, and median refuse areas will be established.

“There will be less chance of flooding of the roadway, owing to reconstruction of bridges over major rivers at a higher level,” adds Lowe.

During the construction period, two-way traffic is accommodated on the existing road, on the temporary bypasses and on the newly built sections of the road. No stop-and-go measures are being applied and there will be minimum impact on traffic flow.

Reduced speed limits are, however, being enforced and motorists are advised to observe all warning signs for their own safety, the safety of other motorists and that of the workers on the road.

Sanral further says that the two N8 projects also promote transformation, job creation and economic inclusion in the area. A total of 332 people are currently employed and 28 local individuals have been trained in skills they will be able to use in future. Further, 143 small businesses have been contracted and now have an opportunity to raise their profiles.