Issued by: The Department of Transport
CONSTRUCTION OF TOLL ROAD ON THE NATIONAL ROUTE MTUNZINI TO NEW GUELDERLAND
The National Department of Transport is pleased to announce the official opening of the N2 north toll road. This road was opened to the public on 15 November 1996, and heralded yet another historical event. Five contractors were awarded the contract to the value of R410 million, which is the first example of this approach by the South African Roads Board.
The contractors involved throughout the project are: Basil Read, LTA Construction, Murray & Roberts Construction, Savage & Lovemore, William Bailey Holmes/Concor (Joint venture) and Grinaker. The Tolplaza electronics were provided by FLO Electronics while the consulting engineers are: Bradford and Conning, Stewart Scott Inc and A A Loudon & Partners.
The contract was completed under difficult conditions ahead of schedule. From the outset the aim was to involve the local communities. More than 12% of the total expenditure on this project benefitted previously disadvantaged people. They were given employment opportunities, while emerging contractors had the opportunity to participate which they previously would not have had. The local suppliers were extremely well supported.
Within the near future Kwazulu-Natal will possess a high standard national road network, forming the backbone of socio-economic development, already creating permanent job opportunities for the local communities.
This toll road will significantly contribute towards more pleasant driving conditions, decreasing the risk of vehicle accidents.
Construction of new alignment for this part of the N2 toll road commenced in March 1991. This contract led the way for two contracts for structures and preparatory works in some of the larger fills. The materials investigations which were carried out in preparation of the contract documents indicated that there would be high settlements under many of the embankments. It was therefore considered prudent that this work should be carried out before a roadworks' contract was awarded so that the majority of the earthwork settlement could take place.
The National Department of Transport would like to congratulate all those associated with this project for a job well done.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT PRETORIA 21 NOVEMBER 1996
CONTACT PERSON: ESTHER CROUS (012) 309 3162