Rock blasting causes massive delay on N4
Rock debris from a misjudged blast filled the road as motorists moved at a snail's pace while waiting for the road to open up.
MBOMBELA – Scheduled blasting on the N4 between the Hendrina/Middelburg interchange and the Woestalleen one has gone haywire which has caused motorists to wait for nearly three hours for lanes to clear up.
Hundreds of motorists on the N4 en route to and from the Lowveld are stuck in traffic with a long line of cars waiting for the road to open.
Cars were backed up for more than five kilometres at one point with major delays being experienced. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes by way of social media and through Trans African Concessions’ (TRAC) SMS helpline.
According to Ms Solange Soares-Nicholson, spokesman for TRAC, the road was supposed to be closed from 14:00 to 14:30.
“TRAC sent out SMSes to confirm road closure between the allocated times. Unfortunately an unpredictable incident occurred where lead material from the blasting blew onto the road,” she said.
“Teams are currently cleaning up the debris from the road. People must be patient as the rocks and material can cause damage to vehicles. We want to make sure that everything is safe first,” she added.
Roadworks on this stretch of the N4 began at the end of last year with daily construction and blasting occurring. This is the first time that this has happened this year.
According to TRAC’s Twitter account, the N4 Toll Route now has two open lanes – one east and one west – between the Hendrina/Middelburg interchange and the Woestalleen one.
Motorists are urged to follow @TRACMN4route on Twitter for updates or to phone the TRAC helpline on 080-087-2264.
