With the festive season on our doorstep, Trans African Concessions (TRAC) is preparing for a substantial increase in traffic along the Maputo Corridor, which links Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Maputo.

In an effort to minimise delays, TRAC has implemented several measures to manage traffic flow and enhance road safety throughout this peak travel period.

To accommodate expected traffic surges, all TRAC N4 toll plazas will be fully staffed on identified peak dates: December 5, December 12, December 19, December 24, December 28, January 4 and January 5.

Road users are also reminded that all existing payment methods remain available at TRAC toll plazas along the N4. These are: Tag, tap and go, fleet cards, garage/petrol cards and cash.

24-hour free roadside assistance
TRACAssist, TRAC’s free, 24-hour roadside emergency service, will increase patrols along the route during the holiday period. In partnership with the TRAC Helpdesk, teams will respond rapidly to incidents, with additional units strategically stationed in high-traffic areas on identified peak travel days.

Border crossing guidance
Travellers between South Africa and Mozambique should expect possible delays at the Lebombo and Ressano Garcia border posts due to high traffic volumes. TRAC reminds road users that while it supports congestion relief near the border, all operations at the border posts are managed by government authorities. It is also important to note that the longest queues in the area typically involve heavy vehicles exporting goods, with light vehicles processed separately.

The annual festive season traffic management plan for the Lebombo Border Post will be active from December 12 to January 16, with one-stop border processing at KM7 in place from December 15 to January 7.

There are several key components to the plan. A roadblock will be set up at the Coopersdal intersection and a control point at the entrance of KM7, where all vehicles will be classified. Light vehicles heading to the border will proceed directly, while loaded light delivery vehicles (bakkies carrying commercial goods) and taxis will be diverted through the Komatipoort Load Control Centre for processing at KM7 before being escorted to the border. Trucks will continue to be diverted through the KM7 staging area, which will include dedicated lanes for perishables.

In the event of a blockage on the N4 in South Africa, eastbound local traffic will use the Tenbosch Road to reach Komatipoort, while westbound traffic will use Strydomblok and Coopersdal to reach Malalane. To assist westbound traffic entering South Africa from Mozambique, authorities will establish a one-stop border for taxis and light commercial at KM4 from January 2 to 5.

Suspension of roadworks
Road construction activities on the N4 will be paused from December 12 to January 6, in line with the construction industry’s annual shutdown. Motorists are reminded, however, that construction zones remain active and all signage and speed restrictions must be obeyed for everyone’s safety.

Practice road safety throughout the festive season
TRAC’s CEO, Alex van Niekerk, urges travellers to prioritise road safety and make use of TRAC’s 24-hour Helpdesk for assistance or route-related information. “Safety starts with each one of us,” says Van Niekerk, “As we do our part to keep the N4 safe and operational, we urge every road user to do theirs: Don’t drink and drive, stay alert, obey speed limits and make responsible choices on the road. Together, we can ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely this festive season.”

TRAC further encourages road users to plan their journeys carefully and, where possible, travel during daylight and busier periods to reduce risks such as road spiking or other criminal activities. “Road safety is our concern, celebrating life is our priority. Plan your journey, remain vigilant and travel safely this festive season,” says TRAC spokesperson, Solange Soares.

Toll free 24-hour TRAC Helpdesk contact numbers:
• SA: 0800 87 22 64 / +27 82 881 4444
• Mozambique: 800 9022