N1 North ready to carry holiday travellers without delays

No road construction will take place on the N1 north between Gauteng and Zimbabwe during the coming festive season and travellers will not experience any delays.

Moreover the automated payment system will be operational at toll plazas on the N1 toll route between Tshwane and Musina which will lead to a reduction in travel time for vehicles fitted with electronic tags.

Vusi Mona, the Head of Communications of the South African National Roads Agency, says there are no major construction activities under way on the artery that runs through Limpopo and serves as a vital link for visitors to the Kruger National Park and other wildlife resorts in the province.

"As a result, our engineers have rated the route's expected condition as fair to good barring any unforeseen major traffic incidents or weather conditions," says Mona.

Travellers can expect a free-flowing driving experience for the entire journey from Gauteng to Zimbabwe. The newly-opened R71 interchange south of Polokwane is a huge improvement for road users visiting Moria during religious festivals as well as tourists travelling to Kruger via Tzaneen and Phalaborwa.

The automated pay system on Sanral's toll roads will become operational on 4 December. Road users with electronic tags will no longer have to stop at any of the five plazas on the N1 North. Dedicated automated lanes are in place at the Capricorn, Kranskop, Nyl, Sebetiela and Baobab toll plazas.

"Automated payment makes it much easier for motorists who undertake long distance journeys," says Mona. "They will not have to wait in queues at toll plazas or pay cash at the booms. It will reduce travel time and result in safer and more enjoyable road journeys."

Sanral also calls on road users to follow important safety tips when they take to the country's main roads during the festive season. "The main message is to remember that a road is a shared space and that you should be respectful towards tour fellow road users."

Speed limits are clearly indicated on the 21 450 km of roads managed by Sanral in all nine provinces. "These are maximum limits and drivers should adjust their speed according to conditions such as rain or visibility," says Mona.

Road users are encouraged to take a break during long distance journeys to prevent fatigue and lack of concentration. Report incidents to either the South African Police Services (10111) or the National Traffic Call Centre (NTCC) on 012 665 6075, alternatively to the Bakwena route patrol customer care line on 0800 225 9362.