LETTERS: N2 is being upgraded

I write on behalf of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) in response to queries by your newspaper about toll fees and construction work on the stretch between KwaDukuza and Ballito on the N2, as well as a letter from a reader (October 7) questioning why motorists should pay the full toll while a road is being upgraded.

SANRAL is a state-owned entity falling under the oversight of the National Department of Transport, and with the distinct mandate to finance, improve, manage and maintain the national road network. SANRAL regards

KwaZulu-Natal Province as a key stakeholder and billions of rands are being poured into major roads infrastructure throughout the length and breadth of KZN.

Prior to construction work commencing on any particular section of the national road network, SANRAL releases a media statement indicating the likely delays and disruptions to the travelling public.

Our construction work traffic accommodation requirements are in accordance with the SADC Road Traffic Signs Manual.

With regard to toll roads, there is no differentiation on the traffic accommodation requirements as all SANRAL projects need to ensure there is a safe passage for the travelling public while protecting the contractors’ staff and plant.

Tolls fees are paid so that SANRAL recovers costs for upgrading, maintenance and operations on a toll road that is being travelled on.

The public needs to appreciate that construction work that is undertaken is for the benefit of the public in terms of safety and preservation of the national road asset.

While there will be disruptions during construction, this must be balanced against that fact that when completed it will provide a safe travelling speed together with reduction in incidents on the road.

If toll fees are reduced, insufficient funds will be collected to ensure that required action can be undertaken for the road in question.

The current construction taking place on the N2 between Ballito and New Guelderland is a periodic maintenance project where the isolated areas of the concrete pavement are being repaired together with the replacement of the silicone joint seals.

While the joint seals may not be visible to the public, there are vast lengths of the transverse and longitudinal joints that require the silicone seals to be replaced to ensure water does not penetrate into the layers beneath the concrete pavement.

If this is not done, water beneath the pavement will result in cavities that leads to the premature failure of the pavement.

In addition, there have been a number of accidents in the vicinity of the Mhlali and Mvoti River crossings.

The current construction project is also being undertaken to flatten the existing sharp curves.

With regard to the concession cards, local users pay by means of a “pre-paid” local user card.

If there is no credit balance on the card, no concession passage is allowed.

The system does not allow for the local user discount card to be swiped, and then payment to be made separately by cash or card.

When a local user discount card is handed over for payment, each time the balance is displayed on the toll lane User Fare Display (and the toll collector terminal).

The balance will be displayed continuously until the set limit has been reached, in this case R0.00, and the system will indicate insufficient funds should the user reach the set limit.
Motorists are urged to proceed with caution and adhere to speed limits while construction work is in progress.

The patience and co-operation of motorists will be appreciated.

SANRAL apologises to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused and thanks them for their patience during road construction.

RAVI RONNY
Planning, Design and Construction Manager
SANRAL Eastern Region