Roadworks on the N1 tollroad north of Makhado is progressing well, but will be temporarily suspended from 14 December, for the convenience of motorists and holidaymakers.

This massive safety upgrading project with an estimated cost of R113,3 million on the N1 North between Makhado and Musina and between Musina and Beit Bridge will be partially completed in February next year. The estimated completion date for the entire project is July 2007.

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) announced this week that full two-lane traffic will be restored on the entire tollroad between Makhado and Musina for the duration of the Christmas holidays. Roadworks on this section will only recommence during the second week of January 2007.

Work on the 15 km section between Musina and Beit Bridge will also be suspended on 14 December, but all traffic will have to make use of a detour.

This week Thursday will be the last day on which traffic between Makhado and Musina will have to use the alternative route via the Witvlag Road, connecting with the Sibasa/Thohoyandou road and reconnecting with the N1 north of the tunnels.

The stop/go one-lane traffic arrangement will, however, remain in place until December 13, at places where construction must still be completed. This includes the construction of the additional arrester bed just north of Makhado, work at the Witvlag Road junction, the Mutamba river bridge and road section as well as the construction work at the tunnel entrances.

The remainder of this construction work on the mountain pass section of the N1will be completed in February 2007. This part of the upgrading project on the N1 will cost in the region of R46,3 million.

The upgrading project north of Musina, which started in May this year, will cost an estimated R67 million and will recommence on 9 January 2007, after the holiday recess starting on 14 December. This part of the upgrading is expected to be completed during July 2007.

The entire project, including the new Beit Bridge Traffic Control Centre, is expected to be completed at the end of 2007.