The Project is located on National Route 1 Section 3 in De Doorns, approximately 33 km North West of Worcester in the Breede Valley Municipality, in the Western Cape.
Background
A new housing development to the south of the N1 has resulted in increased traffic (motorized and non-motorized) across the N1. This portion of N1 unfortunately has a notoriously high pedestrian fatality rate which has now been aggravated by the new housing development. There is a genuine need to cross the N1 on a daily basis to schools, essential services and places of work. The project entails the construction of strategically located bridges which allows for safe passage over the N1. In addition, the planning of the infrastructure promotes integrated transportation planning for all residents of De Doorns, by enhancing the use of public transport and non-motorized forms of transport.
Scope of Works
The works currently been carried out under the contract include the following:
Road over Road Bridge: A road over road bridge with provision for pedestrian and bicycle lanes is being constructed. This bridge provides a safe direct link between the new housing development south of the N1 and the existing residential area north of the N1 and CBD.
Road approaches to the road over road bridge (Violet Street): Two new approach roads integrated with the existing De Doorns road network are also being constructed. These roads are approximately 250 m long each and provide access to the new bridge.
Pedestrian Bridge: A strategically located pedestrian bridge further east along the N1 is also being constructed allowing safe passage over the N1, particularly for hundreds of scholars to the nearby schools.
Outcomes
The project value is approximately R22,0 mil. Construction has commenced in September 2006 and is expected to be completed by May 2007. The progress to date is good and the project is expected to be completed on schedule.
Impacts
There are numerous positive impacts on the community being served by this project.
Road Safety: The need for road safety education had been identified in 2002 already and many initiatives in this regarded have already been conducted in De Doorns. These include a Safe Communities Project conducted by the CSIR, as well as Road Safety Drama and Poster Competitions conducted in the nearby schools. Additional Road Safety Education will be initiated directed at the proper use of the new infrastructure was the construction project has been completed.
Integrated Transport Planning: SANRAL worked in close cooperation with the planners responsible for the new housing development to the south of N1. Besides the provision of safe passage over the N1, the strategically located bridges provides for maximum mobility and strongly encourages public and non-motorized transport modes.
Socio-Economical Development: The contractor is a 100% black owned construction firm based in the Western Cape. Target values for this contract include 10% labour maximization and 22% of the works to be sublet to SMMES. The contractor is on course to meeting these target values.
