Emergency bridge repair works along N2 Section 16

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has started with repairs to seven structures along the N2 national road between Mdantsane and Great Kei River Bridge in the Eastern Cape.

The project is located in the Amathole District Municipality, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and the Great Kei Local Municipality.

In a statement issued by SANRAL, it was stated that the repair work will be undertaken by the contractor, Makali Plant and Construction, together with local sub-contractors.

“The contract started on 21 June last year, and the estimated completion date is 14 October this year,” the statement noted.

According to the SANRAL statement, the remedial works planned for the bridges will address several identified defects, including the following:
(a) Cracking and spalling of concrete.
(b) Cracking of concrete due to Alkali Aggregate Reaction (AAR).
(c) Erosion under piers and abutments.
(d) Various structural defects.
(e) Damage to parapets.
(f) Lack of guardrails.
(g) Damage to existing road surface at approaches to structures.
(h) Damage to existing wing walls.
(i) Replacement of bridge joints and asphalt surfacing repairs

SANRAL’s Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Head, Kayakazi Mafuta said, said to undertake the required bridge and culvert repairs, road users approaching the affected structures along the N2 will be restricted to a reduced road width with delineators, warning signs and flagmen.

“Where necessary, the N2 Section 16 will be reduced to a single lane, with
the necessary temporary traffic accommodation signage.

“Stop and Go traffic control facilities will also be in place and operational for the duration of repairs to the respective structures,” added Mafuta.

Mafuta further explained: “Where necessary, temporary traffic accommodation signage and Stop and Go traffic control facilities will also be in place on the local crossing roads on the Bonza Bay Bridge, Gonubie access road under the N2, and the Abattoir access road.”

“The speed within the work areas will be reduced to 60 km per hour. SANRAL appeals to motorists to be patient and adhere to the temporary signage, control facilities and speed limit, and to not overtake within the single lane zones”, Mafuta concluded .