ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS: ASHTON TO MONTAGU

C818.01: REHABILITATION OF 13,4 KM OF TR31 FROM ASHTON TO MONTAGU THROUGH COGMANSKLOOF

The contractor is working on all fronts to complete the project. The road surface is expected to be complete by 17 December 2021, but ancillary works will continue until March 2022. The stop-go in Cogmanskloof will be removed by 17 December 2021. The contractor will close the construction site for the upcoming annual builder’s holiday. The site will close on 24 December 2021 and re-open on the 3 January 2022.

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS

Since the previous report, the contractor has completed the following activities:

 The transverse launch of the Ashton Bridge.

 The demolition of the old Boy Retief Bridge.

 The construction of road layerworks in Ashton Main Road.

 The construction of road layerworks in Cogmanskloof.

The contractor is currently busy with the following activities:

 The construction of the road surfacing asphalt in Ashton ................. Nov ’21

 The construction of the road surfacing seal in Cogmanskloof ......... Nov ’21

 The construction of parking areas in Ashton ........................................ Dec ‘21

 The construction of sidewalks in Ashton ................................................. Mar ‘22

 The installation of landscape features in Ashton................................... Jun ‘22

 The construction of stone masonry landscape wall W157 ................. Nov ‘21

 Construction of end-blocks at Ashton Bridge ....................................... Oct ‘21

 Erosion protection works at Voortrekker and Boy Retief Bridges ...... Dec ‘21

 Installation of road signs .............................................................................. Jan ‘21

 Various ancillary works, including sidewalk construction, landscape rehabilitation, installation of road signs, stormwater structures (pipes, inlets & outlets, concrete drains, down chutes, erosion protection etc.) in Cogmanskloof, testing of services sleeves, building of service manholes etc. ........................................... Mar ‘22

The contractor has reported that the following activities will commence during the next few weeks:

 The application of a slurry seal in Cogmanskloof.

 The application of SP2000 in Van Riebeeck Street, Montagu.

 The installation of hard landscaping features. Estimated completion

PROGRAMME AND POSSIBLE DELAYS

Anticipated completion date: March 2022

Weather: The contractor’s programme allows for normal inclement weather days.

Materials: There are currently no foreseeable delays.

ROAD AND ACCESS CLOSURES

 The road construction in Ashton impedes access to properties adjoining Ashton Main Road. Please drive carefully. The contractor will communicate with affected residents and businesses as the work progresses.

 Both the Zandvliet Rd and Station Rd intersections will remain closed until the asphalt is complete by the end of November 2021.

 The western entrance to Van Riebeeck St in Montagu remains closed. Access is still available via Church St.

GENERAL TRAFFIC ACCOMMODATION

 The road construction in Ashton allows two-way traffic, but the lanes are narrow and sharp turns are required to access adjoining properties. The public is urged to drive slowly through the Ashton Main Road (R60).

 The stop-go system on the R62 in Cogmanskloof will remain in operation until November 2021. The delay is usually less than 10 minutes.

INTERESTING FACTS

Did you know that trees provide many benefits to urban environments? Large trees are excellent filters for urban pollutants and fine particulates. Trees absorb pollutant gases (such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone and sulphur oxides) and filter fine particulates such as dust, dirt or smoke out of the air. Strategic placement of trees in cities can help to cool the air between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, thus reducing the urban “heat island” effect, and helping urban communities to adapt to the effects of climate change. A mature tree can absorb up to 150kg of CO2 per year. As a result, trees play an important role in climate change mitigation.

CONTACT NUMBERS

General Enquiries: Site Agent: Robert Salvage 083 747 0247

Road Emergencies: Traffic Safety Officer: Steve Bovana 071 851 2760

Traffic Accommodation: Traffic Safety Officer: Steve Bovana 071 851 2760