Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, today announced the completion of the first phase of the N12 freeway upgrade at a cost of R100 million.
Vadi emphasised that the rehabilitated freeway, together with the three interchanges that were improved along the route, is not part of the e-tolled road network.
The rehabilitated portion of the freeway stretches from Eldorado Park to Zuurbekom, south of Johannesburg, and provides a critical link between Gauteng and the North West Province.
Vadi said that he is pleased that the project was completed by the contractor on time and at a lower cost than the tendered amount with a savings to the Department of Roads and Transport of R15 million.
The one year long project involved the resurfacing of the freeway; clearing of drainage structures; replacing missing steel grids; reinstating of road markings; erecting new road signs, and replacing guardrails.
The project had a strong economic empowerment component with 62 workers being appointed from the seven wards that were affected by the project; of these, 18 are women, 43 are youth and one person has a physical disability. Also, 12 local sub-contractors were appointed on the project.
Vadi said that he was particularly excited about the fact that 309 people were trained on the project in courses that included erection of guardrails, fencing and sign posts; flagging and road safety; environmental awareness; fire-fighting and first aid; HIV and AIDS in construction; road marking; repairing of road shoulders; compacting hot asphalt, and contract and business management.
During the construction a truck carrying a heavy load damaged bridge No.1728 on East Road, which resulted in the bridge being closed off to traffic. The department is currently in the process of appointing a service provider to repair the damaged bridge.
For more information, please contact:
Octavia Mamabolo
Tel: 011 355 7300
Cell: 082 316 8666
E-mail: Octavia.Mamabolo@gauteng.gov.za
