Major N11 renovations move to Volksrust: Impact on local motorists

Tags

---

28-05-2024
Read : 510 times
New Castillian News
Source

The major renovations along the N11 have gained significant traction, with the roadworks now progressing to the Volksrust area. This development is set to transform the very scope of the national road for local motorists travelling between Newcastle and Volksrust.

This follows the temporary closure of the N11 coming from the direction of Newcastle at the Volksrust and Wakkerstroom intersection to Oudehoutkloof, with SANRAL seeing its contractors undertaking the daunting task of resurfacing the road as part of their contract.

According to a public notice issued on behalf of SANRAL, the roadworks on the N11 running through Volksrust officially began on Saturday, 25 May 2024, and will continue until 28 June 2024. While the temporary closure is in place and additional Stop/Go systems are being implemented to ensure the work is done safely, the roadworks are set to impact motorists. Residents and road users are being requested to be patient and avoid using the N11 in Volksrust where possible, opting for alternative routes instead.

Adding to this, Road Angels South Africa noted, “Due to the volumes that travel in the area daily, members need to be patient and proceed with caution, especially during the mornings with fog in Volksrust.”

As the work along the N11 progresses, Newcastillian News reported in March 2024 that SANRAL is currently undertaking a significant road construction upgrade on the N11 between Ladysmith South and Nkunzi River.

The works entail the widening of the N11 and the provision of additional climbing lanes where needed.

This will ease traffic flow upon completion, as there has been an increase in traffic along the N11. Furthermore, the project is divided into two phases. The contract for Phase 1 was awarded to Raubex Construction (Pty) Ltd in February 2023 at a cost of R864,888,000 (inclusive of VAT). The contractor for Phase 2 is yet to be procured.

Phase 1, which stretches between Ladysmith and Elandslaagte, commenced in March 2023 and is due for completion late in 2026. Phase 2, covering the section between Elandslaagte and Nkunzi River, is set to commence in the first half of 2024. Consequently, construction activities will take place up to 2028, affecting commuters along the N11.

With the progress along the N11 gaining momentum and temporary road closures being implemented along the road in Volksrust, what are your thoughts on these developments? Share your views in the comment section below.