Progress and challenges: SANRAL’s N11 upgrade update
22-04-2024
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New Castillian News
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Work along the N11 is gradually gaining momentum, with the South African National Road Agency (SANRAL) currently addressing delays in the project.
As reported by Newcastillian News in March 2024, SANRAL affirmed that it would upgrade the N11 (between Ladysmith South and Nkunzi River).
The work entails the widening of the N11 and providing additional climbing lanes where needed. This, according to SANRAL, will ease traffic flow upon completion as there has been an increase in traffic along the N11.
When assessing the progress made thus far, Ayandamabhaca Chagwe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager, stated, “The temporary deviation is nearing completion to where traffic will be diverted in order to make way for construction of the permanent road (the permanent layerworks on the N11).”
The initial contract completion date was set for May 2026. However, Chagwe acknowledged stakeholder issues causing work stoppages. Although unable to disclose the specifics, she assured that efforts were underway to address them, ensuring minimal disruption to the project. This might result in a slightly extended completion time for the temporary diversion, but Chagwe assured that SANRAL would communicate any necessary changes in due course.
As per SANRAL the rehabilitation of the N11 is planned in two phases.
Phase 2 was scheduled to commence in the first half of 2024. However, as the first half of the year draws to a close, it has been confirmed that SANRAL has not yet secured a contractor for the second phase of the project.
According to Chagwe, the procurement process for the contractor is still ongoing. Nevertheless, she explained that work continues as SANRAL remains committed to widening the N11 and enhancing the geometric layout to improve safety.
With that said, Chagwe stressed, “Motorists should be mindful of ongoing construction activities. The road in the CBD in Ladysmith has been reduced from 4 to 2 lanes to facilitate the construction of the new concrete road. Motorists should anticipate increased travel time and plan accordingly.”
As work progresses slowly along the N11, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
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