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Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, today launched a R444 million project to upgrade the N14 freeway between Diepsloot and Brakfontein Interchange in Centurion.

Vadi said that the 21km project will rehabilitate the remaining portion of the N14 freeway that connects Centurion and Krugersdorp. The road also offers alternate routes to the Sandton CBD, Lanseria Airport and Diepsloot.

“This is a toll-free project and follows the completion of the first phase of the N14 project from Krugersdorp to Diepsloot,” said Vadi.

He said that the N14 was originally constructed in 1978 and had reached the end of its life span. “With traffic volumes on the N14 growing at a rate of 3.2 percent per annum, the freeway has seen sharp increases in traffic flows, particularly at peak times, necessitating its upgrade,” added Vadi.

Vadi indicated that an additional third lane will be added to the freeway to enable ease of mobility during peak times.

The project will improve the structural and functional condition of the road by means of strengthening the pavement structure and providing a new asphalt overlay. In addition, new concrete lined drains and subsoil drains will aid in the preservation of the pavement structure and add to the safety of the road user.

The project scope entails the construction of a new fast lane; reconstruction of sub-base where required; removing existing defective asphalt; painting new road markings; repairing existing bridges, and installing new guardrails where necessary.

Additional objectives include the provision of skills development opportunities as well as to provide training and economic empowerment to local contractors.

The project will extend over the next 24 months and Vadi appealed to motorists to exercise extra caution on the road during the construction period.

Issued by Gauteng Roads and Transport