One lane of Sir Lowry’s Pass is currently closed so slope stabilisation on the rock cutting can be executed, according to a notice to road users issued by the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral).
It says this 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 m lifts, 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.
The lane closure, which is approximately 1,4 km in length, includes approximately 500 m on either side of the working zone. This allows for advance warning signage and tapering. The closure is currently in effect and will remain in place until the end of May this year.
This is to give 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,” Ngobese said. “We furthermore appeal to road users to be vigilant, patient and compliant with speed restrictions in the construction area. The long-term benefit of safer passage far outweighs the short-term inconvenience.”
