Rehabilitation between Porterville and Piketberg

The Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) has started a project to rehabilitate the R44 between Porterville and Piketberg. This R170 million project is expected to have been completed in mid-2018.

Based on geotechnical analysis, the R44 between Porterville and Piketberg is not adequate for its current traffic loading, which explains why the condition of the road is poor. The project comprises repair and resealing work on the R44, upgrading 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 historical interest. The environmental authorisation approval processes have been completed, and a comprehensive environmental management plan has been produced to which the contractor must adhere.

Traffic will be accommodated on the existing road and in some instances, stop/ go one-way traffic will be necessary. 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 will be allowed. The public is requested to be patient and exercise caution when travelling on the R44.

DTPW is committed to creating short-term Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employment and skills training opportunities. A total of R17 million will be spent on targeted enterprises and 30 000 person-days of work will be 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 province.

Join the Department on Twitter @WCGovTPW under the hashtag #roadworksWC