The N2 Belstone Interchange and route MR0688 lining Bhisho to Zwelitsha to traffic has opened in South Africa
The announcement was made by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and marks an end to the project that was begun in September 2021. The workscope included the construction of new interchanges at the Belstone and the Breidbach intersections, construction of a link road from Breidbach towards Sweetwaters outside Zwelitsha, free-flowing interchange at Belstone Bridge, dualling of the MR0688 road Bhisho and reinforcement of the concrete structures with the necessary road works.
“The upgrades to this section of the N2 will result in improved management of traffic flow from Bhisho, Breidbach, Zwelitsha and East London, and improved safety for pedestrians and other non-motorised road users,” commented Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s regional manager for its southern region. “The one loop and off-ramp will present safer access to the N2 and improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians.”
A boost for local community
The project was valued at R438mn (approximately US$24mn), with a health proportion being spent on targeted SMMEs. Moreover, SANRAL invested in formal training of 614 locals by accredited training service providers to contribute to the skills development and capacitation of targeted enterprises to ensure they can be self-sufficient beyond the project.
“The benefit to the community goes beyond the new and safer road infrastructure,” continued Peterson. “Through this project, SANRAL was able to create job opportunities for 376 general workers from the local community, with about R106mn spent on wages of targeted labour.”
