Construction on the N2 at Sir Lowry’s Pass, as part of a multimillion rand slope stabilisation project, is underway, and apart from ensuring safer passage for road users it is also expected to bring an economic boost to neighbouring Overberg.
According to a media statement released by the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), many of the country’s roads are well over 40 or 50 years old, so extensive maintenance is key to their sustainability.
“This applies not only to the road surface, but also to slopes in the road reserve,” it says. “To this end, slope stabilisation plays a pivotal role in road maintenance, and ultimately the safety of road users, in terms of the prevention of potential rockfall and landslides.”
Construction on the R31 million slope stabilisation at Sir Lowry’s Pass began in January earlier this year, and involves removing loose rocks, drilling and grouting in some 600 threaded steel anchors, varying in length between 10 m and 15 m, and then placing rock-filled gabions in 3-metre lifts which are held in place by the rock anchors.
“This work is necessitated by the long-term weathering that has occurred on a 300 m stretch of exposed cut-face on the mountain side of the N2, some 400 m after the hairpin bend when ascending the pass from the Gordon’s Bay approach,” said Senzo Ngobese, Sanral project manager.
A 1,4 km lane closure, which includes approximately 500 m on either side of the working zone, is currently in place until the project’s expected completion at the end of May. This allows for advance warning signage and tapering and gives the contractor sufficient working space while stabilising the slope of the rock cutting. Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout the construction period.
“Sanral apologises for any inconvenience caused by the roadworks. We appeal to road users to be vigilant, patient and compliant with speed restrictions in the construction area,” Ngobese said. “The long-term benefit of safer passage by far outweighs the short-term inconvenience.”
The statement further communicated that despite the work being highly specialised Sanral remains committed to transformation and economic inclusion on all its projects. In all, R5,6 million is set aside for small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs), while R1,7 million is earmarked for local labour, prioritising opportunities for women, youth and people with disabilities.
Subcontractor opportunities will soon be advertised for ancillary works, including concrete works, packing of the gabion wall and finishes/site clearing at the end of the project. – DistrictMail
