The roadwork projects currently under way along the N4 in Nkomazi have seen significant progress in recent months, placing them in a good position ahead of the festive season.

At any point of the year, the N4 is a critical piece of infrastructure, connecting millions of South Africans with the Mozambican border. It sees thousands upon thousands of vehicles that make use of the road on a daily basis. This vital artery plays a significant role in the local, provincial and national economies as goods are regularly transported between SA and Mozambique via the N4.

Further to this, Mozambique remains a favourite holiday destination for South Africans throughout the year, in particular during the festive season when temperatures continue to rise and the country’s beautiful beaches become even more inviting.

Given the N4’s role in the economy, maintenance of the infrastructure is extremely important. The road is particularly adversely affected by the multitude of heavy cargo trucks that travel along it, to and from the border every day. Over the years motorists have repeatedly called for the road to be widened, particularly through the Crocodile Gorge section of the N4 between Mbombela and Malalane.

This section passes communities such as Karino and Matsulu and affects their daily commute to and from Mbombela, among other areas, for work. Historically it is infamous for delays to commuters, as the abundant trucks travel slower and are unable to make way for other motorists.

Aware of these issues, TRAC finally embarked on a mission to not only rehabilitate this section of the N4, but upgrade it too. The upgrade of the Crocodile Gorge, a project that was in the pipeline for years and will take a few more to complete, kicked off in March this year.

The project got off to a somewhat slow start, with only 6% completed by June. However, in the four months since, contractors have managed to kick things up a gear or two and have begun moving at a significantly improved rate.

With much of the blasting in the gorge completed, the project now stands at 23%. While this work does cause delays of its own, they are ones that motorists are more willing to tolerate, with the promise of an improved N4 down the line. Further east along the N4, there is also rehabilitation taking place between the town of Hectorspruit and the Lebombo Border Post.

This project got under way in May and has seen 15% of its progress made in the five months since. This work is being done merely to improve the quality of the road. “These initiatives form part of TRAC’s ongoing commitment to keeping the corridor safe, efficient and well maintained,” said TRAC communications manager Solange Soares.

Going into the festive season, motorists will need to be aware of these roadwork projects and adjust travel time accordingly. “Over the festive season, construction will be halted for the annual construction industry holiday, which is in effect from December 12 to January 7,” Soares explained.

“Despite no actual construction taking place during this period, road users are reminded that all sites are still deemed active and traffic-control measures will remain in place in line with road safety procedures.”

TRAC also encourages responsible driving through seasonal campaigns, reminding motorists to rest every two hours, check vehicle readiness and stay alert. Their website features downloadable safety tips, travel checklists and further updates on roadworks or closures to help plan your journey.

Project details as of November 6:

Crocodile Gorge upgrade: (N4-7 km 74.1 to km 90.05)
• Project details: Upgrading and rehabilitation of section 10
• Commencement date: March 2025
• Expected completion: February 2028
• Progress of completion: 23%
• Traffic accommodation: Stop-and-go closure to be implemented as required
• Main contractor: Raubex Construction.

Hectorspruit to Lebombo Border Post: (N4-8X km 39 to km 70)
• Project details: N4 rehabilitation
• Commencement date: May 2025
• Expected completion: May 2027
• Progress of completion: 15%
• Traffic accommodation: Lane closures; stop-and-go closures to be implemented during construction
• Main contractors: Roadspan and WBHO JV.