N7 upgrade goes far beyond construction
The upgrade of the N7 in Malmesbury goes way beyond construction and has social inclusion at its very core. With a budget of R505 million, this project has, since January 2015, created more than 500 work opportunities for local residents. This has far-reaching consequences in terms of the economic development of this town.
The existing single carriageway of the N7 Section 1 from km48 to km52 is being upgraded to a dual carriageway freeway, which would tie into the existing dual carriageway section, beginning south of the Darling Road Interchange at km52.
This interchange is being upgraded in order to improve the capacity for traffic movement between the western and eastern parts of Malmesbury, situated on opposite sides of the N7. This is accomplished by dualling the Darling/Bokomo roads under the N7 and improving the layout of the N7 ramps and ramp terminals.
"This is a multi-phased project and our specific section, which spans approximately 4.5km, involved intense rehabilitation of the existing road, as well as the reconstruction of 13 structures," said Alexi Maravelias of AECOM, SANRAL's Consulting Engineers on this project.
Stefanutti Stocks and Power Construction formed a consortium to ensure it could draw on the highly specialised skills that were needed for a complex project such as this one.
Poens Venter, MD of Power Construction, was highly pleased that the improved interchange not only improves traffic flow, but also brings the residents of Wesbank closer to jobs and other amenities within the town of Malmesbury, thereby vastly increasing social inclusion in this area.
For SANRAL, is it crucial that its projects must not only significantly contribute to economic development and job creation, but that a legacy of empowerment must be left behind after completion of the construction work.
Project Liaison Officer on this project, Lilian Leukes, has put her heart and soul into ensuring she facilitates as many developmental opportunities as possible for the local residents to benefit from inclusion in this project. "Many of our local residents have, as a result of this project, been able to put food on the table, while others have used this as a launchpad to further their education and career growth," said Leukes.
On a project of this magnitude, challenges are par for the course, and according to Grant White, Site Agent of the Stefanutti Stocks Power Consortium, pedestrian and traffic accommodation during construction was one of the major challenges, but lauds the community for the patience and co-operation during the construction period.
"This project is in the final stages and we are incredibly proud not only of the world-class quality of the N7 in terms of the road user experience, but also of the major role that the construction industry has and continues to play in spearheading economic development in our country," said Steph Bredenhann, SANRAL Project Manager.
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