The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) says the R430-million upgrade of the Breidbach and Belstone interchanges in King William’s Town will create an estimated 200 job opportunities for the local community, ease mobility between East London and King William’s Town and improve pedestrian and motorists’ safety.
The project is currently in its three-month mobilisation period before construction begins early next year.
During the mobilisation period, the contractor will interact with the community through the project liaison committee and set up contract participation goals (CPGs). Construction work will take place over 30 months.
“The existing intersection on the Breidbach Interchange requires upgrading due to the high incident of road crashes when vehicles cross or merge with the busy N2. Currently, this intersection carries a large portion of traffic travelling to and from Bhisho, Breidbach, Zwelitsha and East London,” says Sanral project manager Athi Kiviet.
“Upgrading the Belstone Interchange, on the other hand, will result in increased and free flowing traffic between East London and Bhisho. Although the interchange has been designed as a full clover interchange, only two loops and off-ramps will be constructed in the interim. As traffic volumes increase over the years, the other two loops will be constructed.”
“When this project is complete, the people of Buffalo City will be proud of their part of the national road network, which will bring social development and economic growth,” says Kiviet.
During the official handover of the project to main contractor WBHO by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane in King William’s Town on October 8, the Premier introduced the contractor to the community, and cautioned them to ensure that the project is delivered on time.