Africa-Press – Mozambique. In line with our commitment to offer road users world-class road infrastructure, Trans African Concessions (TRAC) is delighted to announce that the Machadodorp Interchange is officially open!
This much-anticipated junction, which forms part of the major upgrade between Machado and Emakhazeni, was officially opened on Thursday (September 2) by the Honourable MEC of Public Works, Roads andTransport Mohita Latchminarain, the Honourable Executive Mayor of Emakhazeni, Xolani Sydney Ngwenya and TRAC CEO Alex van Niekerk.. This significant road construction project between thetwo Mpumalanga towns, undertaken by Wilson Bayly Holmes Ovcon and Motheo Construction Joint Venture (WBHO/Motheo), kicked off in 2019. The project comprises the rehabilitation and construction of an additional lane per direction to convert this 30 km section of the N4 in a four-lane undivided road.
According to Mr Van Niekerk the R400-million upgrade was done to accommodate the traffic growth experienced over the years between Emakhazeni and the Montrose Intersection near Mbombela. Furthermore, the increase in traffic volumes stimulated the need to construct the interchange that offers a safer entry/exit point to and from Machadodorp and the R36.
“The official opening of this infrastructure marks a milestone for the Belfast-Machado upgrade project as well as for the Maputo Corridor and TRAC as a whole,” explained Mr Van Niekerk, “The at-grade intersection will now be permanently closed, and road users can only enter and exit the town of Machadodorp via the safer on and off ramps that form part of the interchange.”
Mr Van Niekerk reminded road users that although the interchange is fully functional, the roadworks between Emakhazeni and Machadodorp are not concluded and will continue for several months. “We are continuing with the other elements of the upgrade and rehabilitation with the entire project expected to be completed early next year.”
“We want to thank the public for their cooperation during this road construction project and than them for their patience and understanding. This upgrade, including this magnificent structure that we opened today, is evidence that TRAC is committed to keeping the Maputo Corridor in pristine condition and on par with world standards,” concluded Mr Van Niekerk.
