In a bid to improve mobility and road safety, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has awarded an R98 million construction contract for road improvements on the N2 Beacon Way intersection in Plettenberg Bay, in the Bitou Local Municipality.
The contract was awarded to Martin & East in December 2023. Construction is expected to take 10 months to complete, of which a two-month period is for site mobilisation, which will shortly be underway. During this time, the main contractor will develop a labour database from which to source local labour, as well as do an assessment of the skills available for subcontracting purposes.
The scope of works entails the construction of a three-leg traffic circle with a dedicated eastbound through lane. Dedicated left turn lanes are also provided into and out of Beacon Way. A double lane is provided for the westbound traffic through the traffic circle. The right turn movement from Beacon Way into the traffic circle joining the N2 eastbound traffic, is accommodated with a double lane.
Randall Cable, SANRAL Western Region Manager, said the improvement should bring relief to the congestion that is experienced at the intersection during peak demand periods. “This project is not only about improved mobility and road safety, but will also bring some limited, but much-needed economic opportunities in the region,” he said.
In line with SANRAL’s Interim Preferential Procurement Policy, at least 30% of the final contract value is earmarked for subcontracting to targeted enterprises (SMMEs). Some of the work to be subcontracted includes traffic accommodation, construction of concrete kerbs and channels, stormwater facilities, erection of guardrails, segmental block paving, landscaping, fencing and road signs.
Training, coaching, guidance and mentoring will also be provided to subcontractors who work on the project. Because of the limited duration of the contract, it is hoped that accredited training will assist recipients with accessing further employment upon completion of this project.
