KOU-KAMMA – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has completed damage assessments on the collapsed section of the R62 between Kareedouw and Joubertina, with reconstruction of the damaged roadway expected to take approximately three months.
The road collapse follows severe weather conditions in the Eastern Cape in May.
SANRAL first confirmed the closure on 7 May after the section between Kareedouw and Joubertina was washed away.
At the time, motorists were advised to use the alternative route via the N2 through the Western Cape while engineers assessed the extent of the damage.
SANRAL spokesperson, Lwando Mahlasela, said the assessment phase has now been completed.
“The challenge is not the structural capacity of the culvert but rather a catchment area management issue. The river alignment has shifted over the years, resulting in the culvert no longer being positioned at the lowest point. As a result, the increased flow during the floods in May channelled the water into the embankment and failure was unavoidable,” said Mahlasela.
He confirmed that a bypass is currently operational, providing continuous access for all road users.
“There is a bypass that is operational 24/7, and access is provided to all traffic and road users of the R62. The bypass is currently gravel and will be surfaced in due course to improve riding quality and efficiency,” said Mahlasela.
He said SANRAL aims to complete the bypass by the end of the week before focusing on reconstructing the collapsed section of the R62 over the next three months.
Mahlasela said the repair project will incorporate labour-intensive construction methods.
“SANRAL encourages labour-intensive construction methods in its projects as part of ongoing efforts to stimulate employment. This refers to the use of gabions where normally a concrete retaining structure would be used. The bypass will also encourage more labour participation as its design life will not exceed a year; therefore, we look into labour-constructed armour seal,” said Mahlasela.
He said the contractor’s tendered amount for the project is R47,796,162, including VAT.
Mahlasela said Down Touch Investment was appointed on 9 June, and established on site on 17 June.
Looking ahead, he said the recent floods have highlighted the need to review how infrastructure is designed to withstand changing weather patterns.
“Current projects in the area do not have provisions for flood-related sustainable development planning. However, the flood pattern indicates that SANRAL must review current models to speak to current weather patterns. Most of the structures on the national network are old structures which were designed based on historic flood data. Now, with new and different weather patterns due to climate change, the model must be refined. In addition, SANRAL must look into catchment area management in future,” said Mahlasela.
To improve conditions for motorists while construction continues, he said the gravel bypass would be surfaced to better accommodate smaller vehicles.
Mahlasela said communication on the project is being coordinated through the disaster forum with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, while SANRAL will also engage the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality to provide updates on progress.
He confirmed that the project is fully funded by SANRAL.
Mahlasela added that the contractor has trained and employed 18 flag personnel to manage the 24-hour stop-and-go traffic system.
“The contractor has trained 18 flag people who are absorbed to work on the 24/7 stop and control to ensure safety. We are minimising incidents through the stop and go as it is one-way traffic. While traffic continues to have access, construction will be proceeding smoothly without contravening traffic flow,” said Mahlasela.
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