The construction works for the upgrade of the N2 and N3 freeways in KwaZulu-Natal – worth R19-billion for the N2 and R33-billion for the N3 – are on track for completion in 2032, says South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) KwaZulu-Natal provincial head Dudley Mbambo.

Construction work started between 2020 and 2022, and the upgrade will contribute toward the creation of freeways and interchanges that are “sufficiently capacitated” for commuter transport, freight and logistics purposes.

The South African national government will spend about R52-billion in total on this Strategic Integrated Project.

This announcement comes after Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s visit to the already-completed construction packages between Cato Ridge and Ashburton, which were completed by September this year, with work having started in 2021.

Mbambo also says that the construction works on the N2 and N3 comprise the construction of earthworks and pavement layers – which include both asphalt and concrete pavements – as well as the upgrade of interchanges and the demolition and reconstruction of several bridges.

“The N3 comprises 16 projects while the N2 has 11. The upgrading of the freeways and interchanges will create sufficient capacity over the next 30 years. These projects are being undertaken over 80 km on the N3 and 55 km on the N2” says Mbambo.

Among some of the upgrade and widening projects in construction on the N2, is the upgrade of the EB Cloete Interchange (the second busiest interchange in the country where the N2 and N3 meet); and the addition of lanes and bridge widenings from the KwaMashu Interchange to uMdloti Interchange. Future upgrades include the Edwin Swales Interchange where N2 and M7 meet – providing better access to the Durban Port – and additional lanes south of Edwin Swales up to the Lovu River, providing improved access to the Isiphingo/Prospecton industrial node.

Of the 16 projects on the N3, three have been completed and there are five under construction, including the realignment of the N3 between Key Ridge and Hammarsdale (to remove a dangerous curve); additional lanes and interchange improvements from Ashburton Interchange to the New England Road Interchange (to address congestion in the current two lanes per direction) and the upgrade from the Westville viaduct to Paradise Valley (improving access to Westville and the Pavilion Mall).

Future projects include the upgrading of the section from Paradise Valley up to Key Ridge, with lane additions and interchange upgrades at Richmond Road, as well as improvements to the Mariannhill Toll Plaza.

Mbambo notes that these national roads are “critical” freight corridors that contribute to numerous economic activities in South Africa, particularly trade operations between Durban and Johannesburg.

“The N3 carries the highest road freight volumes in South Africa and links the busiest port with the economic hub in Gauteng,” he adds.

The eight- to ten-year project has been centred around a conventional construction model and includes the use of asphalt plants and pavers, dozers, dump trucks, excavators, rollers and tipper trucks.

Additionally, the N2 and N3 freeways upgrades have, to date, created about 6 343 job opportunities – with 4 547 on the N3 and 1 796 on at the N2. These projects have also provided work and development opportunities for about 428 small, medium- sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) to actively participate in the construction activities.

The N2 and N3 upgrades are a significant step for civil engineering and construction in the country, and will contribute to enhanced trade, transport and freight operations on these respective routes.

“Currently, seven projects are under construction – five on the N3 and two on the N2 – boosting the economy within KwaZulu-Natal by providing opportunities for small businesses and driving employment, while also being a vehicle for skills development and training,” concludes Mbambo.