Extended N1 construction expected to impact traffic through northern Pretoria

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07-05-2026
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Pretoria Rekord
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Construction on the N1 between Proefplaas Interchange and Pumulani Toll Plaza will continue longer than planned after Bakwena extended the completion date to March 2027. The delay follows the discovery of additional lane patching needs to protect long-term road integrity.

Motorists travelling along the busy N1 corridor between the Proefplaas Interchange and the Pumulani Main Line Toll Plaza will have to endure prolonged construction activity after the R276-million rehabilitation project was officially extended to March 2027.

The project, led by Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire and awarded to Roadmac Surfacing, began in August 2025 and was initially expected to be completed by November this year.

However, unforeseen structural concerns have forced a revision of the timeline.

Bakwena spokesperson Charmaine van Wyk confirmed that the project is currently about 30% complete, with additional remedial work identified during construction.

“During the rehabilitation work, we identified a need for additional remedial patching on the right-hand lanes to ensure the long-term structural integrity of the route.

To accommodate this essential work without compromising quality, the project timeline has been extended by four months, with a new anticipated completion date of March 2027, dependent on favourable weather conditions,” she said.

The 15-month contract forms part of Bakwena’s broader N1/N4 rehabilitation programme and focuses on restoring the structural strength of the road, improving driving conditions, and extending its lifespan in line with international engineering standards.

The scope of work includes the rehabilitation of the slow lanes in both northbound and southbound directions, upgrades to the Stormvoël and Zambezi interchanges, and sections of the Proefplaas Interchange.

Van Wyk said an asphalt overlay across the entire road surface is also planned, alongside the replacement of road signage and repairs to concrete-lined drainage systems.

The project is currently about 30% complete, with additional remedial work identified during construction. Photo: X/@BakwenaN1N4

Despite the delay, several milestones have already been achieved.

These include partial reconstruction of the N1 northbound left-hand lane, extensive patching work at the Proefplaas and Stormvoël interchanges, and significant progress on drainage systems to improve water runoff.

Van Wyk added that infrastructure upgrades are also underway.

“We have commenced refurbishment of gantries and replacement of road signage to ensure structural safety and improved traffic safety.

“The final overlay of the entire length of the remedial works is scheduled to begin shortly,” she said.

One of the notable successes of the project has been the restoration of lighting along most of the route, although challenges remain.

“We have successfully restored lighting to nearly the entire stretch between Proefplaas and Pumulani. Currently, only the section between Stormvoël and Zambezi interchanges remains unlit while we await the replacement of a stolen kiosk,” explained Van Wyk.

She said construction is taking place during both day and night to minimise disruptions, with strict traffic management measures in place, but closures in both directions remain unavoidable.

Bakwena has urged motorists to comply with temporary road signage and reduced speed limits, warning that safety remains a top priority.

“We make an urgent appeal to all road users to strictly abide by the temporary road signage and speed limits in place.

“These measures are specifically designed to navigate motorists safely through active construction zones,” said Van Wyk.

She added that the concessionaire is working closely with traffic authorities and SAPS to address non-compliant road users, while peak-period lane closures are limited as far as possible.

While Bakwena reports that only minor accidents have occurred so far, frustration among motorists continues to grow.

“I use that road every day for work, and the traffic is getting worse, especially near the toll gates. Sometimes you sit there for a long time because lanes are closed,” said Jessica Grobler, a motorist from Doornpoort.

The project started in August last year. Photo: X/@BakwenaN1N4

Another resident, James Jackson, said the extended timeline is disappointing.

“We understand that the road needs to be fixed properly, but the delays are frustrating. It feels like the construction never ends, and now we must wait even longer,” he said.

Other motorists have raised concerns about congestion around the Stormvoël toll area, where lane restrictions have contributed to slower traffic flow, particularly during peak hours.

Despite the inconvenience, Bakwena maintains that the project will deliver long-term benefits.

The rehabilitation is expected to enhance road safety, improve traffic flow, and support economic activity by strengthening a key transport route for freight and regional trade.

The project has also contributed to local economic development.

According to Bakwena, R5.4-million has already been spent on local enterprises providing services such as fuel, sanitation, guardrails, and traffic management.

Van Wyk said 40 local labourers are currently employed on the project, gaining valuable skills and income.

Bakwena has indicated that further rehabilitation work is planned over the next four years, covering the N1 from Pumulani to Bela Bela in both directions.

While the extended timeline may test the patience of road users, Bakwena insisted the additional work is necessary to ensure the long-term resilience and safety of one of the region’s most critical road networks.

Motorists are encouraged to stay informed about lane closures and traffic conditions through Bakwena’s official communication platforms, including their X account @BakwenaN1N4, where real-time updates are regularly shared.