Not a practical solution to congestion
Mbulelo Peterson, regional manager, Sanral southern region SANRAL acknowledges the recommendation of a temporary slipway to ameliorate congested traffic flows on the N2 at sections where roadworks are under way. We welcome the ideas and inputs from the broad stakeholder base we serve – the national road network is a public asset that belongs to all South Africans.
Traffic accommodation is a major consideration in planning and implementation stages of road repair projects with traffic. We consider several scenarios to keep traffic moving during conventional road engineering projects.
A temporary slipway, as suggested by the DA, will not be a practical traffic accommodation solution for roadworks between the Bramlin interchange and the salt works in Port Elizabeth. The contract for the N2 project specifies the number, length and spacing of lane closures in each direction.
The option of counter flow, or a temporary slipway, which can be used as a traffic accommodation solution, works well for through traffic. However, it will not be feasible on the section of the N2 currently under construction because of the predominance of local traffic, which accesses off-ramps at regular intervals.
Moreover, the option also requires movable traffic barriers for safety reasons.
SANRAL believes – and certainly hopes – there is understanding and support from motorists and commuters who share our vision for and commitment to a world-class national road network. From a road safety and eco- nomic wellbeing perspective, the benefits in the long term far offset the temporary travelling time delays during peak traffic.
To put this into perspective, if Sanral neglected and postponed road repairs on the N2, motorists would be disadvantaged by higher vehicle operating costs and their safety would be placed at risk too, because of increased maintenance and poor road surface conditions. An unmaintained road surface increases vehicle carbon emissions.
We acknowledge that there is discontent as a result of the roadworks, but believe that the majority of road users travelling on this section of the road during peak traffic hours understand that Sanral has considered all traffic accommodation measures including a temporary slipway, which is not a practical option.