The Civil Engineering Contractor May 2018 | Page 9

ON CONTRACTORS’ SITES
Bakwena: more than R1bn in road upgrades
Poorly maintained roads impact negatively on South African
communities and the country overall. They intensify isolation,
poverty, illiteracy, and poor health in rural societies. When
road infrastructure is not maintained, it can constrain mobility,
significantly raising vehicle operating costs and increasing
crash rates and property costs.
This is according to Bakwena N1N4 toll commercial
manager, Liam Clarke, who says the company is investing over
R1-billion in maintaining and upgrading road infrastructure
along the 385 kilometres of the N1N4 it manages as part of
its concession contract.
He says deferred maintenance has unintended costs.
“Neglected roads become more difficult to use over
time, increasing vehicle operating costs in the form of
frequent repairs and higher fuel usage. This often creates an
unwillingness by transport operators to use the roads. It also
places an additional burden on the economy: as passenger
and freight services are curtailed, there is a consequent loss
of economic and social development opportunities, not only
in areas directly affected, but in the rest of the country and
across our borders.”  
The South African National Road Agency (SANRAL)
estimates that repair costs are six times greater after three
years of neglect and 18 times greater after five years of neglect.
“Regular upgrades and maintenance can therefore save the
country millions of rands in the long term,” adds Clarke.
Bakwena will be upgrading the following
areas in 2018:
N4 Groot Marico
An estimated R273-million will be spent on the reconstruction
of the N4 in Groot Marico, between Vaalkop and the
Swartruggens boundary. The project, which was awarded
in mid-2017 to G4Civils, is expected to be completed by
April 2019.
N4 westbound carriageway
To improve the driving experience for motorists and
commuters, the N4 westbound carriageway between R512
up to Buffelspoort interchange will be resurfaced. The project
entails overlaying the existing surface with a 40mm-thick
new asphalt surface; as well as conducting base layer repairs
and gravel reconstruction. The project is worth an estimated
R100-million and was awarded to Roadmac Surfacing. It is
expected to be concluded in October 2018.
R511 interchange
A R55-million project to upgrade the R511 interchange
was awarded to Raubex Construction in March. The project
includes the provision of west-facing ramps and is expected to
be completed in February 2019.
N4 between M17 and R512
A second carriageway on the N4 between the M17 and the
R512 (Brits Interchange) commenced in March 2018. The
estimated construction period is 36 months at a projected cost
of R582-million and was awarded to Raubex Construction.
The project will include the extension of structures to
accommodate the second carriageway, the realignment of
interchange ramps to tie in with the new carriageway, and
a bridge over the Crocodile River — all aimed at vastly
improving road safety and traffic capacity.
“Road improvements bring immediate benefits to road
users when completed. Roads are among the most important
public assets in many countries, providing improved access
to hospitals, schools, and markets, as well as improved
comfort, costs, and safety. We urge motorists to exercise
patience and drive safely while the construction is being
undertaken,” says Clarke.
A controller monitors trucks
through a weigh station along
the Platinum Highway and
forms part of Bakwena’s road
concession.
CEC May 2018 - 7