Traffic officers to keep a close eye on Crocodile Gorge over Easter

MALALANE – A strong presence of law-enforcement agencies can be expected at the Crocodile Gorge over the Easter weekend.

This came to light on Tuesday morning when TRAC announced that maintenance work for other parts of the N4 will be temporarily halted, but the stop and go through the gorge will remain active.

“In an effort to prevent traffic congestion, construction and maintenance work will cease throughout the route for the duration of the weekend. However, people travelling to or from Malalane in the Lowveld should note that the stop and gos between Nelspruit and the town will still be active. Although TRAC realises that this may cause some frustration to road users, it is unable to interrupt the stop and go at this delicate stage due to the nature of the construction work.

“With the road infrastructure in need of structural improvement, it initiated reconstruction of the top 300mm of the road. This is usually done in sections of approximately six kilometres, which once broken up become non-trafficable until the work is completed,” read a statement issued by TRAC.

“Although it is always advisable to have temporary traffic bypasses available during such construction phases, this section of road is situated in an extremely challenging topographical area, making it impossible for the establishment of a temporary deviation. The northern side of the mountain is unstable as it contains loose alluvial clay material with large boulders in it and also has a big, old irrigation canal parallel to the road and above it. On the southern side, the topography drops vertically to the Crocodile River. To make matters worse, the road geometry is weaving and it has a steep vertical grade.”

It is well aware of the long delays experienced at this construction site, especially on Fridays and days preceding public and school holidays. However, due to the mentioned width restrictions, it is limited to providing one-way traffic through the gorge during construction.

Given the current status quo of the construction phase, the best TRAC can do to minimise delays during the coming holiday season is to reduce the length of the stop and go. We will also work hand in hand with the SAPS, emergency services and the Lebombo Border Control Operational Coordinating Committee throughout the Easter weekend to ensure civil order is maintained and road regulations are obeyed at the stop and go and at the Lebombo Border Post.”

The CEO, Mr Graham Esterhuysen has urged road users to be patient, understanding, and to cooperate with all relevant authorities.

He said, “We sympathise with their desire to reach their destinations as soon as possible and therefore advise them to plan their trips properly and efficiently, and to consider alternative routes where possible.”

They are reminded to make use of the TRACAssist service which is managed by the TRAC Helpdesk. All emergencies, incidents, accidents – or any other significant events on the N4 – can be reported to 0800-8722-64. This service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Road users are also invited to stay in touch with what is happening on the road through regular traffic updates on Twitter @TRACN4Route.