Transport minister praises R4.5 Billion Huguenot Tunnel expansion

Tags

---

29-10-2024
Read : 153 times
Cape Town Etc
Source

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced that the R4.5 billion project to extend the Huguenot Tunnel by 3.9 kilometers on the N1 national road is set to deliver substantial economic benefits for the Western Cape, reports Cape {town} Etc.

Minister Creecy conducted an inspection on Thursday of the Huguenot Tunnel, operated by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). 

Minister Creecy said: ‘The upgrade of the Huguenot Tunnel is somewhat overdue. As a consequence, we are seeing increasing congestion in this tunnel.’

‘At the moment, traffic is only moving on one lane in each direction with an average of 13,000 vehicles passing through the tunnel on a daily basis and that number increases to around 25,000 during peak holiday periods.’

‘Clearly, this stretch of the N1 is really important because it connects the ports of Cape Town and Saldanha to the hinterland.’

‘This is a very significant agricultural region but there’s also traffic coming from the north of the region and country as well.’

‘Once the upgrade of the tunnel has been completed in three to four years from now, we will have two lanes carrying traffic in each direction, which will significantly reduce congestion.’

‘Most importantly, that will also allow for more efficient movement of goods and people,’ said Minister Creecy.

Joined by MEC Isaac Sileku and Drakenstein Mayor Stephen Korabie, Minister Creecy highlighted that the project will enhance mobility, ease congestion, and create substantial jobs and contracting opportunities.

SANRAL CEO Reginald Demana announced that the Huguenot Tunnel’s new section will soon go to tender, aiming for construction to start by mid-2025. The upgrade will meet international safety standards and address increased traffic from urban growth.

‘The South Bore of the Huguenot Tunnel was built in the 1980s, so it requires a significant safety upgrade in relation to electricity supply and ventilation,’ said Demana.

‘Some of that work has been able to happen over the last couple of years but the electricity supply can only be significantly upgraded once we move all the traffic to the new section of the tunnel, the North Bore, which will be constructed over the next few years.’

Minister Creecy emphasised the importance of SANRAL’s infrastructure program, aligning it with President Ramaphosa’s goal of fostering inclusive growth through substantial infrastructure investment.

She noted that quality road networks are crucial for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction, as they support the movement of people and goods across South Africa.

At 3.9km, the Huguenot Tunnel is the longest road tunnel in Africa.

It has been in operation for 36 years and has to date seen more than 125 million vehicles pass through.

The N1 is a vital link providing high mobility between Cape Town and the northern interior parts of the country and the Huguenot Tunnel through the Du Toit’s Kloof mountain range, which is located approximately 80 km outside Cape Town, aptly illustrates the importance of well-maintained and safely operated road infrastructure.