R62 through Cogmanskloof roadworks update

As previously reported, the Western Cape Government (WCG) Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) terminated the construction contract with Basil Read after they entered Business Rescue.  The WCG DTPW appointed Haw & Inglis (H&I) as the interim managing contractor while the tender process to appoint a new contractor is underway.

The tender closing date is early in December 2018, where after the tender evaluation and appointment processes will take place.  It is expected that a new contractor will establish on site during the first quarter of 2019 to continue with the road construction project.

During the interim period, the project team (AECOM as the WCG’s agent, and H&I as the interim contractor) has overseen a variety of essential activities.  The stop-go closures on the R62 through Cogmanskloof are continuously maintained and operated, while countless potholes were repaired on the old main road through Ashton and Cogmanskloof.  The two gravel bypasses in Cogmanskloof were surfaced with a temporary asphalt layer to reduce the maintenance costs and to shorten the stop-go waiting times in anticipation of the holiday season traffic.  The final asphalt layer was constructed in several sections in Ashton.  This will allow the traffic to use the new road surface and therefore reduce the traffic on the old uneven road.

Essential work on the new Ashton Bridge, such as preparation for the pre-stressing of the tendons in the concrete deck, has been ongoing.

More localised tasks were also undertaken, such as completing the service culvert in Ashton so that the deep excavation could be backfilled.  The earth berm in the Kingna River, necessitated by the construction of the new Voortrekker Bridge at Montagu, was removed to allow the river flow to return to normal.  Several fences that were partially removed due to the construction work over the last 3 years were also reinstated.

A small team is continuing filling excavations and removing building rubble in order to clean up the construction site in preparation for the upcoming holiday period.  As part of this work, some services in Montagu were tested and repaired, and the sidewalk construction in the central part of Long Street is continuing.  The subcontractor undertaking the stone work in Cogmanskloof, such as the stone guardwalls, also continued with trimming and finishing work.

The two stop-go’s on the R62 through Cogmanskloof will continue to operate throughout the upcoming holiday period.  Travellers can expect a total delay of up to 20 minutes.

The construction team will have a small maintenance team on site to ensure that the road remains safe.  To report any serious problems or concerns, please call 083-294-0548 or 084-252-0222. Problems can also be reported to ronel@montagu.org.za