TracAssist
N4 Toll Route usually experiences high traffic volumes during the Easter weekend, with the majority of traffic making use of the Middelburg Toll Plaza.
Expected peak traffic days:
• Thursday, April 01 (direction east) between 14:00 until at least 22:00
• Friday, April 02 (direction east) between 06:00 until approximately 14:00
• Monday, April 05 (direction west) between 06:00 until at least 22:00
It is advisable to travel outside of peak periods.
Labour strike at N4 Toll Plazas
Employees of Trans African Concessions (TRAC) who are members of SATAWU started to strike on Monday, March 29.
TRAC is the toll concessionaire operating the N4 Toll Route between Pretoria (Hans Strijdom off ramp) and the Port of Maputo in Mozambique.
The strike only applies to TRAC’s operations in South Africa – the Diamond Hill, Middelburg, Machado and Nkomazi Toll Plazas and load control centres near Donkerhoek, Middelburg, Machadodorp and Komatipoort.
Contingency plans are in place and operations are running as normal as possible. TRAC is implementing all possible measures to ease traffic flow through its toll plazas, and to keep disruptions at bay.
We call on motorists to remain calm and patient, and to report any problems to TRAC’s call centre on 0800 TRAC N4 (0800 8722 64), or to the SA Police Service on 10111.
TRAC N4 Road Safety Project
Middelburg Toll Plaza
01 – 05 April 2010 (Easter weekend)
In an attempt to create a safer route and provide the best possible emergency response to victims of accidents, TRAC operates the N4 Easter Road Safety Project from the Middelburg Plaza.
The project commences on Thursday, 01 April and will continue for the duration of the Easter weekend (Monday, 05 April).
Emergency helicopter will improve route patrol and accident response service
During the Easter weekend, a dedicated Jet Ranger helicopter will extend TRAC’s 24-hour accident and roadside assistance service.
The TRAC assist helicopter will undertake daily route patrol flights and will transport paramedics to accident scenes when urgent medical interventions are required.
Partners in road safety and emergency support
The TRAC N4 Road Safety Project is supported by emergency medical services from the Emalahleni and Steve Tshwete municipalities, traffic authorities, fire and rescue teams, the SAPS highway patrol, Langamed ambulance service and Midmed Hospital in Middelburg. Ten paramedics will work alongside 60 to 80 emergency personnel to ensure the safety of all road users, and an emergency control centre will be operational at the Middelburg Toll Plaza from where emergency services will be dispatched.
With this project, TRAC not only focuses on a more effective emergency response, but also wishes to raise awareness of motorists on the N4 Toll Route, instil safer driver behaviour and reduce accidents.
A project of this magnitude would not have been possible without the commitment and contributions of numerous co-sponsors. (See list at the end of this update)
For daily route updates and emergency or roadside assistance call the 24-hour TRAC assist helpline: 0800 TRAC N4 (0800 8722 64) and also visit www.tracn4.co.za.
Leading causes of accidents on N4 Toll Route
Trans African Concessions monitors and evaluates all accidents, and the causes of accidents along the N4 in an effort to enhance road safety. The majority of accidents during the first months of 2010 were caused by:
• Tyre bursts
• Negligent driving (taking risks, speeding and making illegal u-turns)
• Losing control of the vehicle
• Falling asleep
• Overtaking (especially when visibility is poor)
In the same period the TRACassist and route patrol teams provided roadside assistance more than 250 road users, and the majority of these vehicle owners required helped with flat tyres or mechanical problems.
Tyre saftey is crucial, not only to avoid breakdowns, but also to arrive safely at your destination. Check your vehicle’s tyre pressure before and during your journey – a deflated tyre bursts easily. Worn tyres have limited grip and provides you with no protection. Tyres in a poor condition may cost you and your fellow road users your lives!
Another leading cause of accidents is negligent driving – getting impatient and taking risks on the road often lead to devastating effects. TRAC is particularly concerned about road users who make illegal u-turns on the N4 toll route. Never make a u-turn. Always travel to the next intersection and use the intersection if you have to turn around.
Weather warning
Continuous rainfall and fog, especially in the highveld region, cause extremely dangerous driving conditions and poor visibility. It is concerning to note that drivers do not their behaviour in more difficult conditions. TRAC calls on every road user to consider the severity of poor weather conditions and the impact it has on road safety.
DO:
• Lower speed
• Switch head lights on
• Keep following distance
• Remain patient
DON’T:
• Attempt to pass the vehicle in front of you when visibility is poor
• Stop at the side of the road
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
No construction work will take place during the Easter weekend.
UPGRADING
Belfast to Wonderfontein
Construction of this section is complete.
Nelspruit’s Northern Bypass (Ring Road) and other construction
Primary construction of the first 19km section of the Nelspruit Northern Bypass is nearing completion. The new N4 bypass will branch off at Mataffin (just east of Cairn) skirt Riverside Mall, bridge the R40 and the Crocodile river and continue through to Karino where it will rejoin the N4 on the eastbound side. The initial phase will provide a single carriageway in both directions.
Temporary deviations will be in place from approximately April 12 near Karino, and also near the Mataffin area where traffic is diverted into one of the westbound lanes. The new Nelspruit bypass will join the existing N4 toll road here.
Some construction work is still underway in Nelspruit and neat Hall’s gateway where the new access road to the Mbombela stadium is tying in with the N4 toll road. Construction road signs clearly demarcate the area and should be obeyed.
REHABILITATION
Schoemanskloof (De Beers Nek – N4-6Y 20.0 East)
Rock slides are being experienced in Schoemanskloof at the De Beers Nek section. Whilst a concrete retainer – and a gabion wall contain the majority of the rocks from spilling onto the road, preventative measures are in place to protect road users from rock slides. The eastbound slow lane (in this section) is temporarily closed to traffic whilst rehabilitation is underway. Temporary signs have been erected to guide motorists.
• Expect delays when traveling towards and from Maputo
The Maputo Toll Plaza is the busiest toll plaza on the N4 route with up to 50 000 vehicles passing through the plaza on busy days. Traffic at the plaza is slow and delays are experienced due to the high volumes and also because of rehabilitation work in the area.
List of Sponsors
TRAC N4 Road Safety Project 2010
Main sponsors are:
• Emalahleni Local Municipality
• Steve Tshwete Local Municipality
• Anglo Operations
• Optimum Coal
• Tubular Holdings
• Life Cosmos Hospital
• Klipfontein Towing
• Unique Auto Body
• Industrial Health Audiometric and Medical Screening Services
Various local businesses, medical services and individuals offer their time, effort, knowledge and commitment to this project. TRAC appreciates the support of:
• Talisman
• Oasis Water
• Scooters River Crescent
• Pick ’n Pay Highveld Mall
• Fresh Produce Market, Witbank
…/ends