Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, and MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, today launched a R295 million project to upgrade the N14 freeway from Krugersdorp to Pretoria.
Phase 1 of the freeway rehabilitation project starts from Hendrik Potgieter Drive near Krugersdorp and will extend up to Diepsloot, covering both sides of the freeway. It is an 18 month long project that is scheduled to be completed in October 2016.
“The N14 is a high traffic volume freeway that is under severe stress. The road has degraded over the years and needs urgent rehabilitation,” said Vadi.
“We have to upgrade the N14 as it is a critical arterial route from the southern and western regions of Gauteng to the north, which is used for daily workplace travelling and freight transport,” he added.
The multi-million Rand project will repair the N14 to achieve a new design life of 20 years; provide employment and skills development opportunities during the construction phase; enable training and economic empowerment for local contractors, and improve the road safety features on the freeway.
“Basically, we will be giving a new lease of life to a very busy freeway and there will be no toll fees,” said Vadi.
Premier David Makhura was upbeat about the project saying that the upgrading of N14 is vital for the full economic development of the Western corridor of the province.
“It links with Lanseria Airport, the Cradle of Humankind and North West Province and can kick start the development of an entirely new city in the region,” he said.
The prolonged road construction works is to adversely affect the daily flow of traffic.
Vadi emphasized that motorists will be inconvenienced for the entire duration of the construction work. He appealed to motorists to exercise patience and to take extra care while driving on what is an extremely busy freeway during this period.
“Road construction takes time and there will be no short cuts. Motorists are advised that their traveling times will be affected and they should plan accordingly,” he said.
Vadi also indicated that the Department of Roads and Transport is busy with the planning of Phase 2 of the N14 upgrade that eventually will link with the N1, which already has been upgraded by SANRAL.
Enquiries:
Octavia Mamabolo
Tel: 011 355 7300
Cell: 082 316 8666
