R34 upgrade brings safer, easier travel; uplifts community

The rehabilitation of the R34 national road from Schweizer-Reneke to Vryburg will bring the benefits of a smoother, safer, comfortable and less congested travelling experience for road users, say Palesa Monamodi, SANRAL Project Manager.

The road, which links the N14/N18 in Vryburg and the N12 at Wolmaranstad, is situated in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district in the western region of the North West province.

In line with its commitment to matching international road quality standards, SANRAL is currently upgrading the 31.8km length of project road from a 6m surfaced cross-section to a 12.4m surfaced cross-section, upgrading of major intersections and storm water infrastructure.

Work on this project began in February 2017, which includes 900m of the town section, also entails the reconstruction of the slow lane/parking bays on either side of the road, removing and realigning the guardrails at the railway bridge, as well as the resurfacing of sidewalks. The storm water pipes are also due for upgrading.

This important connector in the Bophirima road network provides a good alternative route for the heavy industrial traffic between Sishen and Gauteng. It also serves as an economic enabler by giving access to the east coast ports of South Africa.

Speaking about this upgrade, Progress Hlahla, SANRAL's Northern Region Manager, said: "As part of SANRAL's commitment to the continued improvement of the platinum belt of South Africa by linking it to other regions, it was a no-brainer for us to give this important route some much needed attention. Our pride is not only in the quality of our roads, but in the fact that we have been able to empower locals through the job opportunities created and the training provided as well as the local businesses contracted."

The project has thus far created employment for 129 local labourers and accredited training on basic computer skills, road safety, basic firefighting, first-aid, health and safety, wacker usage and flagmen have been provided. There have also been 15 small local companies (SME) sub-contracted on the project.