Road users traveling between Warden and Standerton will be delighted to know that the road works between the two towns are eventually completed. The road is an important road in the Eastern Free State as it links Free State with Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
This is one of the major projects which were completed by the Department of Police, Roads and Transport in the Free State since 2009. The total value of the project is R260 million. Construction commenced during July 2010 and the contract period was 34 months. The contractor was Edwin Construction (Pty) Ltd.
The reconstruction of the 18km of road included road widening, extending of climbing lanes, the construction of four bridge structures and the upgrading of four major intersections. It also included the rehabilitation of 54km of the alternative route to the N3 toll road, the R103 between Warden and Villiers.
A duel-directional traffic system was operated on the R34 rather than stop-and-go stations to manage the high traffic volumes and the high percentage of heavy vehicles on this stretch of road. Temporary deviations around major structures and intersections allowed the construction of essential components to be completed as a single unit further enhancing the free flow of traffic.
The success of the project hinged on the continuous efficient and effective interaction between the employer, the engineer and the contractor as well as liaison with important role players such as the Phumelela Municipality, Eskom, Telkom, Transnet and local land owners. Discussions were held to resolve and alleviate the concerns of local residents as well as managing the social responsibilities presented by the project.
More than 490 persons from the local community were employed on the contract doing jobs varying from general labourers and flagmen to operators of equipment. All of them have received accredited training in various road safety, road construction and maintenance activities.
Of the labour force 25% were female and 80% were younger than 35 years of age. Training workshops were held for workers on the project to get them skilled in specific activities ensuring the best possible end-product as well as sustainable training for the future.
A stipulation of the project was that 10% of the construction value be awarded to local emerging sub-contractors. This has been achieved. In total 25 emerging local sub-contractors were appointed to complete various activities, including fencing, concrete works, security services, etc.
Enquiries:
Zolile Walaza
Cell: 082 410 6516
Saki Mohono
Cell: 082 385 5600
