Traffic authorities are holding their breath over the weekend’s traffic.
Schools start again next week, and those who stayed at holiday destinations are only now returning.

After last week’s heavy traffic on the N4 in particular, highways may again carry heavy traffic on Sunday.
Especially in Mpumalanga, there was carnage on roads over the festive period.

Lowvelder reported this week in its print edition: ‘Festive period marred by deadly accidents in Mpumalanga’.

Moeti Mmusi, spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety and Security, confirmed that there were approximately 20 deaths on the province’s roads.

One of the most gruesome accidents occurred on December 27, when two vehicles collided head-on between Belfast and Machadodorp. Seven people lost their lives, and one was seriously injured.

Meanwhile, the N4 concession holder, Trac, warned yesterday in a press release that work is underway on the N4, and motorists may experience stop/go traffic control at some construction sites.

• Work is underway on Solomon Mahlangu Drive towards Bronkhorstspruit – work will only be completed in September 2027.

• The Van Dyksdrift interchange to Wonderfontein – construction will be completed in March 2027.
• Schoemanskloof – work will only be completed in October 2027.

• Crocodile Gorge – construction will last until February 2028.
• Hectorspruit to the Lebombo Border Post – work will be completed in May 2027

• The Ressano Garcia Border Post to Moamba Interchange – work will be completed in December 2027.
• Moamba I/C to the Tchumene Interchange – construction will be completed in July this year.