The Department of Transport announced on Thursday that the Montrose Road infrastructure N4 construction has reached its conclusion, and it is currently in temporary use by local commuters traveling between Middleburg and Mbombela, as well as facilitating cross-border traffic to Mozambique through the Maputo Port of Entry.
On Friday, Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Minister of Transport, was scheduled to officially inaugurate the multi-million rand N4 Montrose Interchange in Mpumalanga.
As part of the Maputo Corridor Development initiative, the department, in collaboration with the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the Trans African Concessions (TRAC), successfully concluded the enhancement of the N4/Montrose/Schoemanskloof Interchange in August 2023.
Construction cost for the Montrose Road Infrastructure
Commencing officially in January 2022, this project, with a total worth of R216 million, transformed the previous at-grade intersection into a grade-separated, free-flow interchange.
The Interchange project encompassed several key components, such as the construction of four new interchange ramps and the expansion of the existing two-lane Crocodile Bridge from two to five lanes. Additionally, two new arch bridges, flanked by adjacent rock cut faces, were erected to traverse the existing Elands Valley section, facilitating two new ramps. Furthermore, the installation of five 25-meter-high masts illuminated the interchange, enhancing visibility and road safety, as stated by the department.
Moreover, this interchange initiative has already generated employment opportunities, with over 350 jobs created and subcontracting openings extended to at least ten local companies.
Minister Chikunga presided over the official opening of this vital economic corridor interchange, accompanied by Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, the SANRAL Board of Directors, CEOs from Transport Department roads entities, the TRAC CEO, representatives of traditional leadership, and members of the local community in Mpumalanga province.
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