Engineering excellence rewarded

KwaMashu and Isando have one thing in common - they're both proof of the quality of engineering to be found across South Africa and on Sanral projects.

The KwaMashu interchange improvement was the winner and the Isando Pedestrian Bridge received a commendation in the category for projects worth less than R50 million at a prestigious event this week - the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Award ceremony.

Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) hosted this annual event, described as a celebration of innovation, quality, outstanding workmanship and professionalism.

"We heartily congratulate Aurecon for its work on the KwaMashu Interchange upgrade and SMEC South Africa for the Isando Pedestrian Bridge. We are proud to have been the instructing agency working alongside these two companies on both projects," says Vusi Mona, General Manager Communications at the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (Sanral).

The KwaMashu Interchange is located at the intersection of the N2 and R102 near Durban. This Diverging Diamond Interchange is an innovative cost effective solution and is the first in the Southern Hemisphere. The upgrade has resulted in reduced journey times for commuters, less traffic congestion, improved safety for pedestrians and motorists as well as reducing the accident rate.

The Isando Pedestrian Bridge - nicknamed "The Walking Wonder" - near the OR Tambo International Airport has improved pedestrian safety and journey times.

"These awards come on top of similar awards last year and are proof, once again, of the engineering excellence with which we at the road agency continue to associate ourselves with. Sanral is proud of the excellence and innovation of its service delivery, and thank our partners in the private sector for excellent work," says Mona.