Minister hands over improved N2-18 to community of Viedgesville

Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters opened and handed over to the community the improved National Route 2, Section 18 in Viedgesville.

This road was originally constructed by the then Cape Provincial Administration in the 1950s and badly needed some reworking. Over the years, a number of patching and resurfacing works were done on the road, including surfaced shoulders and a new wearing course. In July 2000, this section of the road was proclaimed a national road (N2-18) and handed over to Sanral.

The launch forms part of government's key national roll-out of infrastructure delivery, which has a high economic influence and relevance.

"Since the late 1970s to date, no further work apart from routine road maintenance was undertaken on this section of road. Sanral taking over this section of the road saw a number of improvements made. Poor vertical and horizontal alignment and road signage which proved problematic for drivers were also corrected;" said Sanral CEO Nazir Alli.

The N2 carries between 4 500 and 5 400 vehicles per day with approximately 15% heavy vehicles. Going up north of the Viedgesville interchange, the road carries between approximately 7 000 and 8 000 vehicles per day and 3 300 and 3 800 turning movements take place at the intersection.

The condition of the pavement was also poor and required extensive improvement. It was also decided to correct the alignment, both horizontal and vertical. The changes made to the intersections were by means of relocation where necessary and providing the correct geometric layout.

Other improvements made include two new bridges on Buwa River Bridge and Viedgesville interchange; three new major culvers cast in-situ; five new culverts using precast elements; and a pedestrian bridge.

The community was not left behind during these improvements as they hugely benefited from employment opportunities and skills development. The project which took 30 months to complete saw a total of 363 individuals being employed.

"We always make sure that the community does not just stand and watch the developments take place in their background, but get involved. It also gives them the sense of ownership for the project if they were involved in the construction," concluded Alli.

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