TRAC N4 ROUTE UPDATE

 

 

DECEMBER 2011

 

It is the end of the year when motorists head for the holiday destinations. Just like on the other main highways in South Africa, the N4 toll route is expecting high traffic volumes on peak days.

 

Trans African Concessions (TRAC) is responsible for the management of the N4 route between Pretoria and Maputo. Traffic statistics show that the following dates are expected to be peak times:

 

 

·         09 December

·         15 & 16 December

·         23& 24 December

·         02 January 2012

·         08 January 2012

 

 

If possible, it is advisable to travel outside of peak periods. High traffic volumes may cause some back-ups at toll plazas. TRAC will, however, run all its operations at full capacity at peak periods.  15 and 23 December are also particularly busy days at the South Africa/Mozambique border and long delays may occur. During December and the first week of January 2012 the border will be operate 24-hours. 

 

 

WEATHER WARNING

 

Heavy rain may fall during December and January which may cause dangerous driving conditions. The high-lying areas of the N4 are also prone to experiencing heavy mist early in the mornings and late at night.

 

Remember to drive with the utmost caution during adverse weather conditions:

 

·         Always stay alert (do not lose concentration)

·         Switch vehicle lights on

·         Slow down

·         Increase your following distance (at least 3 seconds between vehicles)

·         Do not overtake vehicles in front of you

·         Do not stop

·         Remain patient

 

 

WATCH OUT FOR PEDESTRIANS, ROAD WORKERS, SLOW MOVING VEHICLES AND ANIMALS

 

Pedestrians may sometimes walk along or cross certain sections of the N4 despite it being illegal in some areas. Be careful of pedestrians, road workers and slow farm vehicles in the following areas:

 

 

·         Donkerhoek

·         eMalahleni

·         Arnot

·         Ngodwana

·         Schoemanskloof

·         Malalane

·         Hectorspruit

·         Komatipoort

·         Ressano Garcia

·         Matola

·         Maputo

 

 

WILD ANIMALS MAY ROAM FREE

 

Parts of the N4 winds through rural areas where nature and wildlife still abound. Animals may wander onto the road. Please adhere to warning signs indicating the danger of wild animals in a particular section. Report dangerous situations or incidents to TRAC’s helpdesk and emergency centre on 0800 8722 64 / 082 881 444.    

 

 

MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION

 

Schagen to Nelspruit Ring Road split near Mataffin

 

Construction of a dual carriageway is underway between Schagen and Nelspruit. Work does have a direct impact on the current carriageway, but may slow traffic down in this area. Be careful of road workers and slow moving construction vehicles. Blasting may take place from time to time which causes short road closures f no more than 10 minutes at a time.

 

All construction work will cease around 15 December and only commence in January 2012.

 

 

Highveld region

 

Surface overlays are being done between Hans Strijdom off ramp and Donkerhoek. All work will be completed by 15 December (weather permitting).

 

Fatigued asphalt in the eMalahleni region is being milled and replaced. Lane restrictions will apply while work is underway. Completion is expected around 15 December. traffic down in this area. Be careful of road workers and slow moving construction vehicles. Blasting may take place from time to time which causes short road closures f no more than 10 minutes at a time.

 

 

St Micheils near Dalmanutha (between Belfast and Machadodorp)

 

An underpass is being constructed at the St Micheils golf estate development. This work is not being done by TRAC, but it has an impact on N4 traffic. Only a single lane is open to traffic in each direction. According to the construction engineers, the expected completion date is February 2012.

 

Note:  Only standard maintenance work will be done between 15 December and

09 January 2011.

 

 

SPEED REDUCTION IN SCHOEMANSKLOOF

 

Note that the speed limit in Schoemanskloof was reduced from 120km/h to 100km/h.

 

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT

 

There will be zero tolerance on the N4 and motorists speeding, driving recklessly or under the influence will be severely dealt with by the local authorities. There will be regularly road blocks and traffic check points throughout the holiday season. Roadworthy checks will be done. Ensure your tyres are in a good condition and properly inflated.

 

 

CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS

 

Accident reports indicate the following top five causes of accidents on the N4 in South Africa and Mozambique.

1.    Negligent driving (including speed and u-turn)

2.    Lost control

3.    Burst tyres

4.    Overtaking

5.    Pedestrians

 

 

Never make u-turns on a highway where vehicles travel at a high speed. Rather proceed to the next exit to turn around.

 

For emergency assistance on the N4 toll route, traffic and route updates, dial

0800 8722 64 or

+27 (0) 82 881 4444 or

+258 84 34 34 34 6 or

+258 82 30 34 30 3.

 

This is a 24-hour support service offered by TRAC and is linked to all emergency services in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Mozambique.

 

Route information can also be obtained from  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it