The R555 between Witbank and Middelburg will be completely closed to traffic on the morning of Saturday, 23 August 2008 from 06:00 to 13:00 when approximately 13 000 participants take to road for the 22nd Rotary Greatest Train Race. Motorists wishing to make use of the R555 during this time will be diverted to the N4 Toll Road.

The Rotary Greatest Train Race is one of the largest charity events in the country. The R555 is closed for a few hours on race day to ensure a safe and traffic free route for all 13 000 participants.

Trans African Concessions (TRAC) will provide a special toll concession at the Middelburg Toll Plaza to diverted motorists for the duration of the road closure. A reduced tariff of R12,00 will be charged (as opposed to the normal toll tariff of R33,00) for Class 1 light vehicles. Road users diverted to the N4 by traffic officials will be supplied with a unique voucher, which may be handed in at the Middelburg Toll Plaza in order to qualify for the special rate. These vouchers are only valid during the period of road closure.

Commenting on the involvement of TRAC in the Greatest Train Race, Hannes van Wyk, services manager of TRAC said: “Increased road safety and the comfort of road users is only part of TRAC’s objectives. As a major service provider in the area we also have a responsibility towards the local communities that we serve. TRAC has been involved in the Rotary Greatest Train Race for close on a decade. The event annually facilitates a large financial input into local community initiatives in dire need. It is a privilege to be of assistance and to be able to contribute meaningfully to a worthy cause. A portion of the income generated through the toll tariffs collected at the Middelburg Toll Plaza during the period of the closure of the R555 will also be donated to the event for the selected charity projects.”

For more information, contact 086 11 TRAIN (086 11 87246) or visit the official race website: www.gtr.co.za.