Good progress on R44 between Porterville and Piketberg

The Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) is making good progress with a project to rehabilitate the R44 between Porterville and Piketberg. This R170 million project started in November 2016 and is expected to be complete in August 2018.

Based on geotechnical analysis, a decision was made to rehabilitate the R44 between Porterville and Piketberg to better accommodate its current traffic load. The project comprises repair and resurfacing work, upgrading of intersections, the widening of the road, as well as widening of drainage structures along the route, including the Essenbosch and Krom River bridges. These bridges are both older than 60 years, and are therefore of heritage interest. The environmental authorisation approval processes have been completed, and a comprehensive environmental management plan for construction activities has been put in place. 

Traffic continues to use the R44, and one-way traffic with stop/ go controls will be necessary in places. It is a provision of the contract that traffic must be accommodated with the least delay and discomfort to the public. No full road closures are permitted. Motorists are requested to be patient and exercise caution at all times.

DTPW is committed to creating short-term Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employment and skills training opportunities. To date, R27 million has been spent on targeted enterprises from the Western Cape and 41 462 person-days of work have been created for people from the Berg River local municipal area.

DTPW values the importance of high-quality road infrastructure as an important component of an effective transport system. This infrastructure also makes a substantial contribution to productivity, safety and economic development in the Western Cape.