A closer look at the N11’s extensive rehabilitation

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21-10-2024
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New Castillian News
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The sound of heavy machinery and the clanging of tools resonate above the passing vehicles as a crew of contractors, sub-contractors, and construction workers work to upgrade the N11. Their sights are firmly set on completing this monumental task, which aims to ensure safer travelling conditions for all.

In March 2024, Newcastillian News reported that the South African National Road Agency (SANRAL) had embarked on an extensive rehabilitation project along the N11.

This significant undertaking will improve road conditions, alleviate congestion, and enhance motorist safety measures.

At present, SANRAL is engaged in the road construction upgrade on the N11, specifically between Ladysmith South and the Nkunzi River. The works include widening the N11 and providing additional climbing lanes where necessary. Once completed, these improvements will facilitate smoother traffic flow, especially in light of the increasing traffic along this route.

It is important to note that the project is divided into two phases. The contract for Phase 1 was awarded to Raubex Group Limited in February 2023, at a cost of R864,888,000, inclusive of VAT. Whereas, the contractor for Phase 2 is yet to be procured.

As the roadworks steadily progress, Newcastillian News visited the site and gained insight into the extensive efforts breathing new life into the N11. This follows an oversight inspection by SANRAL to assess the progress of the work and the quality of the workmanship.

Shaun Collins, Contract Manager for Raubex Group Limited, detailed the work underway on Section 2 of the N11, which spans 28 km from Ladysmith to Elandslaagte. The project is divided into three key areas: resurfacing and widening the roads—particularly at high-risk collision points—upgrading Lyell Street with concrete to mitigate flooding issues during the rainy season, and realigning the road while rebuilding and strengthening two bridges leading into Ladysmith.

Building on this, Collins stated that while temporary roads and stop-and-go measures are currently in place, the work is progressing well. However, they are 55 days behind schedule, but he assured that the project is expected to be completed by June or July 2026.

Additionally, he said, “Currently, there are a lot of projects where there are issues involving business forums and taxi associations. However, while those issues were dealt with, we have formed wonderful relationships with the respective stakeholders, and this is proving to be beneficial.”

Moreover, Collins emphasised that Raubex Group Limited has created numerous job opportunities for members of the communities in and around the project, ensuring community involvement and boosting the local economy. Despite the positive relationships between the company and its workers, the project has not been without its challenges.

One of the notable challenges faced thus far, Collins pointed out, has been the establishment of temporary roads due to the high volume of traffic moving along the national route daily. In overcoming this hurdle, Collins stressed that a series of safety measures have been implemented, which have resulted in minimal incidents or injuries on site.

A series of laboratories have also been set up at the site to ensure that the surrounding environment is not harmed and that the quality of the materials used for the project meets the required standards.

It is crucial to highlight that as the roadworks continue and traffic flow is expected to increase during the upcoming festive season, SANRAL and Raubex Group Limited have taken proactive steps to prioritise road safety.

“Construction will stop from 15 December, and we will have safety teams in place, which will include certain sections closed off with the temporary roads available, and there will be no stop-and-go’s,” Collins pointed out, stressing that the safety of motorists and the teams working on the road is of utmost importance.

As SANRAL and Raubex Group Limited continue to ensure the smooth running of the project, it should be noted that Newcastle residents can anticipate roadworks originating from the direction of Newcastle, once the current workload is completed.

As reported by Newcastillian News in August 2024, during his budget speech, the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, highlighted the Transport Infrastructure Programme. This initiative is a cornerstone of the department’s strategy to enhance accessibility and ensure the safe, affordable movement of people, goods, and services across the province.

He further noted that the department has committed R8.7 billion towards transport infrastructure. Of this amount, over R3.7 billion will be directed towards the construction of new roads and bridges, while more than R4 billion will be dedicated to maintaining the existing road network. An additional R58 million is earmarked for infrastructure planning and design, with over R920 million allocated to support transport infrastructure programmes.

During his speech, the MEC indicated that motorists in the province are already witnessing the transformation of key roads, particularly the N3 between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, and the N2 between EB Cloete and uMdloti.

With this in mind, additional SANRAL capital projects include:

N11: Upgrades between Bergville and Newcastle.
Kokstad Interchange: Enhancing traffic flow in the Kokstad area.
N2: Upgrades between Empangeni and Phongolo.
R22 Upgrade/Partial Interchange: Located in Hluhluwe.