Road infrastructure development in South Africa contributes to the nation’s economic and social wellbeing by unlocking new investment and development, creating jobs and improving access to urban amenities and opportunities.
SANRAL’S N2 / N3 upgrade just outside Durban is one such project that will have a significant impact on KZN’s urban quality and spatial connectivity. As a national government key Strategic Integrated Project, it aims to strengthen logistics and transport corridors along the Durban-Free State-Gauteng Corridor.
Here are the project’s facts and figures:
- The project which includes upgrades to the N2, N3 and EB Cloete / Spaghetti Junction Interchange is valued at R30billion.
- The EB Cloete Interchange upgrade will cost approximately R2billion and include an iconic new arch reminiscent of the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
- The 55km N2 upgrade will run from Lovu river in the south to eMdloti on the North Coast and cost approximately R10billion.
- The 80km N3 upgrade between Durban and Pietermaritzburg will cost approximately R18,4billion.
- The 11km high accident zone at Key Ridge will become a 10-lane dual carriageway.
- The entire project will take between 5 to 8 years to complete.
- The overall project is expected to create over 15 000 jobs.
SANRAL reports that construction on the N3 upgrade from Cato Ridge to Dardanelles began in April. Work has also commenced on sites between the Dardanelles, Lynnfield Park and Ashburton with widening of the Durban-bound carriageway underway. Further project packages have yet to be awarded.
ZenProp Properties’ Rob Thomson, who is also chairman of the Riverhorse Valley Business Estate Management Association, said the upgrades would positively impact doing business in the region by improving accessibility to primary markets and alleviating traffic bottle necks in areas that have experienced tremendous growth. “For the Riverhorse Valley Business Estate, which is fantastically located on the N2 between uMhlanga and Spaghetti Junction, the upgrades will further enhance its members ability to service their clients and markets,” he adds.
Graeme Phillips, a Garlicke & Bousfield director and chairman on the Sibaya Precinct Master Management Association said the project is very good news for the province due to its ability to create jobs and, in the long term, unlock new investment and development in the area.”
