Traffic on the Elands Valley section of the N4 will benefit from a new multimillion-rand interchange, which seamlessly connects two busy highways.

The project, valued at R216m, was opened for traffic on Wednesday August 23. However, the contractor still needs to finalise it. The interchange will be officially opened by the minister of transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, on a date yet to be determined.

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According to TRAC’s CEO, Alex van Niekerk, TRAC’s contractual obligation in terms of its public-private partnership with the governments of South Africa and Mozambique will improve mobility and increase road safety throughout the N4.

“The Montrose interchange will replace the previous intersection with a free-flowing one connecting the two sections of the N4 Corridor at Montrose. The enhanced mobility it offers will further drive economic development along the Maputo Corridor, one of the primary objectives of its inception. Apart from the obvious advantages in terms of traffic flow, the upgrade played a significant role in improving livelihoods in the region. In line with TRAC’s commitment to uplift communities along the Corridor, 350 temporary local jobs were created during the 20-month project, with 10 local subcontractors employed,” he said.

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Van Niekerk added that four new interchange ramps were constructed, and the existing two-lane Crocodile River Bridge had gone from two to five lanes. Two new arch bridges were also erected to cross the existing Elands Valley section and accommodate two new ramps. New 25m high-mast lighting was installed to effectively illuminate the new interchange.

The arch bridges connecting the ramps of this interchange are unique as they are supported by adjacent rock-cut faces.

He said since the inception of this particular concession project in 1998, TRAC has not faltered in meeting its obligations in terms of ongoing upgrades, expansions and rehabilitation projects along the route, and promised to continue to work towards enhancing road user experience with world-class infrastructure and service en route.