Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, today officially re-opened the upgraded N12 freeway near Zuurbekom, south of Johannesburg.
Vadi said that the R485 million freeway project entailed the rehabilitation and upgrading of the N12 from Eldorado Park to the North West border, with the entire section of the road now being developed into a dual carriageway.
The N12 freeway serves as a critical freight link between Gauteng and the North West Province, including the Western Cape, and services the mining, agriculture and tourism sectors.
Vadi emphasised that the rehabilitated freeway, together with the major interchanges that were improved along the route, is not part of the e-tolled road network.
He pointed out that the entire project was completed by both contractors on schedule and that there were marginal savings to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.
The 20 month 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.
It had a strong economic empowerment component with over 350 workers, particularly women and youth, and over 20 local sub-contractors from communities alongside the route being appointed on the project.
Vadi said that he was particularly happy that local employees were trained on site in courses such as the 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.
For further information contact:
Octavia Mamabolo
Cell: 082 316 8666
