The road rehabilitation and infrastructure division within Aveng Grinaker, Aveng Rand Roads, was chosen as the preferred supplier for the N14 Phase 1 project, in Gauteng, last month.

The R29-million project was announced by Gauteng Premier David Makhura and Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi in July. The project entails upgrading the N14 freeway from Krugersdorp to Pretoria to provide a new design life that will enable the freeway to continue functioning for 20 years.

Aveng Rand Roads will upgrade and rehabilitate the N14 from the Diepsloot intersection to the Hendrik Potgieter intersection.

The division will initially supply asphalt to the project, which is expected to be completed by June 2016, from its Pretoria West plant and, once established, from its mobile asphalt plant on site.

This arrangement enhances functionality and mitigates risk for the contractor by ensuring regular and consistent supply on demand.

“It is a little known fact that we have two bitumen-processing facilities, rubber plants and a number of stationary asphalt plants, as well as a mobile plant that can be deployed to service projects in other parts of the country,” says Aveng Rand Roads GM Lee Cochrane.

Throughout the recent bitumen shortage, Aveng Rand Roads has managed to sustain its operations and has comfortably provided sufficient supply of raw bitumen. This has enabled the division to adequately meet local demand for bituminous products.

“The N14 is a high-traffic-volume freeway that is under severe stress. The road has degraded over the years and needs urgent rehabilitation.

“We have to upgrade the N14, as it is a critical arterial route from the southern and western regions of Gauteng to the north, which is used for daily workplace travelling and freight transport,” Vadi said.

Meanwhile, the Gauteng Roads and Transport Department says the project will provide employment and skills development opportunities during the construction phase.

The department notes that this project will allow for the training and economic empowerment of local contractors, and improve road safety features.

“Basically, we will be giving a new lease of life to a very busy freeway and there will be no toll fees,” said Makhura.

He noted that the project was vital for the full economic development of the province’s western corridor.

This corridor links with Lanseria Airport, in Gauteng; the Cradle of Humankind, in the North West, can provide impetus for the development of an entirely new city in the region.

The Gauteng Roads and Transport Department said the prolonged road construction works were expected to adversely affect the daily flow of traffic for commuters.

Vadi said motorists would be inconvenienced for the entire duration of construction and appealed to motorists to be patient and to take extra care while driving on what is an extremely busy freeway during this period.

“Road construction takes time and there will be no shortcuts. Motorists are advised that their traveling times will be affected and they should plan accordingly,” he said.

Vadi also indicated that the Gauteng Roads and Transport Department was planning Phase 2 of the N14 upgrade that would eventually link with the N1.