Flood damaged N2 bridge reopens

The reopening of uMhlali river bridge will once again allow for smooth traffic flow on the N2, a route that is critical for economic activity.

This according to Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga, who on Sunday officially reopened the bridge that was damaged in last year’s floods.

“The N2 national route is an important road for the economy of KZN and South Africa, especially between the Lovu river and uMdloti,” said Chikunga.

“This highway is a major mobility route and services the northern and southern parts of South Africa, which includes Mpumalanga, KZN, and the Eastern and Western Cape.

“It moves freight that is intended to be imported or exported through the Port of Durban.”

She said portions of the N2 also form part of the SADC north-south freight corridor.

“The N2 corridor continues north linking the port of Richards Bay to the N11 at Ermelo which then links to the N1 as part of the North-South Corridor linking Beit Bridge,” she said.

The far-left lane on the N2 northbound carriageway had collapsed and moved down the embankment, which resulted in a serious safety issue.

As a short-term measure, traffic was diverted to the provincial network via the R197 and R102.

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