Upgraded R304 million R399 Piketberg Road officially opened | Western Cape Government

News

News

Upgraded R304 million R399 Piketberg Road officially opened

26 October 2017

Statement by Donald Grant, Ministers of Transport and Public Works

Today (26 October 2017) marks the culmination of a 35-month mega project that is set to significantly change the future prospects of the West Coast District, and Piketberg in particular. This rehabilitation project has been years in the making, and involved the much-needed upgrades to two road sections, totalling 58.4kms, which are key links between Piketberg and Velddrif.

We know that this road carries between 800 and 1700 vehicles per day. These motorists will now enjoy a smoother ride on this road, which will reduce both wear and tear on their vehicles, and overall travel times.

This R304.6 million project changed what was a road with two 3.2-meter-wide surfaced lanes with gravel shoulders, to what is now two 3.4-meter-wide surfaced lanes with an additional two 0.9-meter-wide surfaced shoulders.

The rehabilitation work included:

  • The treating of the existing road surface with a South African technology called impact rolling. This ensured the collapse of mole tunnels under the road and provided a stable platform for the subsequent pavement layers.
  • The construction of a 200 mm to 250 mm thick cement stabilized subbase to provide bridging action against future mole tunnel collapse as well as providing additional structural strength.
  • The placement of a 150 mm thick crusted stone base as the final structural layer before surfacing the road with a 19 mm Cape Seal surfacing seal.

Additional ancillary work included; the widening of two existing bridges to accommodate the new road cross-section; the formalizing of a farm access to the road; the lengthening of existing drainage culverts, and the construction of new ones; the construction of additional drainage structures; the formalizing of side drains; the replacement of guardrails; and new road signs and markings.

During the construction phase of the project, various empowerment targets were met and surpassed. A total of R46.2 million was spent on local labour sourced from both the Saldanha and Bergrivier local municipalities (mainly Piketberg and Velddrif). A further R67.2 million was spent on targeted enterprises, with R31.8 million of this amount being spent on emerging contractors.

I wish to extend my sincere vote of thanks to the entire project team and team of contractors and consultants on this project; this is truly a job well done. The work that you have done will be the legacy that we leave behind for future generations to continue to reap its rewards.

During this financial year, 2017/2018, my department has allocated R3.391 billion towards planning, constructing, rehabilitating and maintaining the provincial road network, which remains a valued and strategic asset to this government.

My department will continue to dedicate resources to constructing, refurbishing, and maintaining roads that change the lives of many for the better. This is a commitment we do not make lightly, and are dedicated to fully realizing.

I thank you.

Media Enquiries: 

Siphesihle Dube
Spokesperson for the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant
Cell: 084 233 3811
Tel: 021 483 8954
Fax: 021 483 2217
E-mail: Siphesihle.Dube@westerncape.gov.za