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) revealed on Thursday.
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 would also be made, especially on high-accident zones, such as the S-bend near the Sepane rail bridge, which would be eliminated. Intersections would also be formalised, provision for right-turn lanes would be made, and median refuse areas, such as rubbish bins placed in centre islands, would be established.
“There will be less chances of flooding of the roadway due to reconstruction of bridges over major rivers at a higher level,” added Lowe.
During the construction period, two-way traffic was being accommodated on the existing road, on the temporary bypasses and on the newly built sections of the road. No stop-and-go measures were being applied and there would be minimum impact on traffic flow.
Reduced speed limits were, however, being enforced and motorists were 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 mentioned that the two N8 projects also promoted transformation, job creation and economic inclusion in the area. A total of 332 people were currently employed and 28 local individuals had been trained in skills they would be able to use in future. Further, 143 small businesses had been contracted and now had an opportunity to raise their profiles.