The minister of transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, officially opened the Montrose interchange on the N4 on Friday September 8. The construction of the project started in November 2021.

Chikunga said the R216m Montrose interchange is a significant step for economic growth in Mpumalanga. According to her it is a prime example of government delivering on its mandate to build better and safer road networks which will help to grow the economy and create jobs.

Also read: Upgrades to Montrose interchange on N4 is nearing completion

She hailed the project as a model of co-operation between the National Department of Transport, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral), and the private sector.

“In this case, Sanral’s partnership with Trans African Concessions (TRAC), and provincial and local government, delivered a new, state-of-the-art road infrastructure which meets the best engineering and construction standards in the world,” she explained.

Also read: Montrose interchange now open for traffic

“This project shows us that South Africa has the capability to build freeway interchanges that can compare to any similar project in countries with advanced and highly developed economies,” said Chikunga.

Mpumalanga’s MEC for public works, roads and transport, Mandla Ndlovu, said the Montrose interchange showed that all levels of government were working together to grow the economy.

“I want to thank the national government, Sanral and TRAC for delivering this project for the benefit of Mpumalanga and, indeed, South Africa and Mozambique as well,” he said.

Sanral chief executive officer Reginald Demana said the Montrose interchange would significantly improve safety, reduce the number of accidents, and help to ensure the free flow of people and goods between South Africa and Mozambique.

“The new Montrose interchange is a major feature of the N4 Maputo Corridor which connects Mpumalanga, Gauteng and North West to Mozambique. This is an economic development corridor which has proven to be a significant driver of growth in the region,” said Demana.

Read more in the next print edition of Lowvelder.