The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has awarded a contract for the repair of the flood-damaged stretch of the M4 between Boy’s Town and Westbrook Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast.
Sanral on Wednesday officially announced the appointment of Thelbridge Enterprise, which it said had recently commenced work on the severely damaged, usually busy M4 (officially called Main Road P398/2).
“The upgrade comes because of flood damage that took place in April 2022. The contract duration is six months. Work commenced on October 3 and is estimated to be completed by April 2024. The contractor has begun with his site establishment and clearing at location 1,” said Sumay Maharaj, Sanral Eastern Region project manager.
The entire construction section of the M4 road will be closed to allow for safe construction works at locations 1, 2 and 3. However, temporary deviations will be provided on both locations 1 and 2. Location 3 is currently closed due to the Tongaat bridge construction taking place and is estimated to be completed by December 16 to tie in with the planned completion of the Tongaat River Bridge.
Desainager and La Mercy Circle and the M43 (Watson Highway) may be used as an alternate route for light motor vehicles only.
“Motorists are advised to take note and obey the advanced warning signage and speed restrictions when travelling past the construction work zone. To prioritise the safety of both the construction workers and motorists, the speed limit along the route will be reduced during construction,” Maharaj said.
“All motorists are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual.”
