Upgraded N12 reopened

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MEC Vadi said the project entailed the rehabilitation and upgrading of the N12 from Eldorado Park to the North West border, with the entire section of the road being developed into a dual carriageway.

The 20-month long project involved the resurfacing of the freeway, clearing of drainage structures, replacing missing steel grids, reinstating of road markings, erecting new road signs and replacing guard rails.

The N12 freeway serves as a critical freight link between Gauteng and the North West Province, including the Western Cape.

It also services the mining, agriculture and tourism sectors.

The project had a strong economic empowerment component with over 350 workers, particularly women and youth, as well as more than 20 local sub-contractors from communities which are near the route.

MEC Vadi said he was happy local employees were trained on site in courses such as the erection of guardrails, fencing and sign posts as well as flagging and road safety.

Other courses which they received training on included, environmental awareness, fire-fighting and first aid, HIV and AIDS in construction, road marking, repairing of road shoulders, compacting hot asphalt as well as contract and business management.

The rehabilitated freeway and the interchanges that were improved along the route are not part of the e-tolled road network.

The entire project was completed by both contractors on schedule and that there were marginal savings to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.