May 09, 2008, 17:45
Seven contracts, amounting to R11.5 billion, have been awarded for the first phase of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), the SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) said today.
In a statement, Sanral said the purpose of the project was to ease heavy traffic congestion in the province which inhibited economic growth and led to frustration and loss of productivity of road users.
Traffic congestion also damaged the environment through excessive emissions. The awards followed the earlier contract for the upgrade of the N1 between the R21 interchange and Atterbury interchange, east of Pretoria, where construction was well underway.
The following freeway sections would be upgraded over the next 36 months: the N1 from Soweto to the N4 in Pretoria; N3 from Alberton to Buccleuch; Sections of the N12 south of Johannesburg as well as the N12 from Gilloolys Interchange to the R21 to Boksburg.
The upgrades were expected to be completed by May 2010. The works have been prioritised to be substantially completed for the 2010 World Cup. In order not to disrupt the flow of traffic during the Soccer World Cup, upgrades would be temporarily suspended from May 28, 2010 to July 14, 2010.
Progress to be assessed
Sanral would assess progress and the relevant contractors in February 2010. "The GFIP is an example of co-operation through the various spheres of government, with involvement of Ekurhuleni, Tshwane and Johannesburg metros, the provincial and national governments," Sanral said.
The project will involve provision of additional lanes, interchange improvements and intelligent transport management systems, including cameras, ramp metering and electronic signage.
To promote the use of public transport, the roads will also include high occupancy vehicle lanes which could be integrated with bus rapid transport systems, taxi, bus and train routes.
Sanral said that although traffic disruptions were to be expected during the construction, it would attempt to minimise this and keep a maximum of lanes open particularly at peak hours.
Pretoria residents were already aware that construction on the Menlyn node was underway. Sanral further urged motorists to drive carefully through construction sites, which would be policed, keeping to posted temporary speed limits, and not slowing down to look at construction activities.
"The long term benefits will more than compensate for the temporary inconvenience of construction activities and we appeal to the public to exercise extreme caution on the entire network during construction," the agency said. - Sapa
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