N2 Wild Coast Road Expansion: Sanral Launches R2.2bn Infrastructure Project

South African National Roads Agency Limited's (Sanral) CEO, Reginald Demana, has marked the commencement of a significant upgrade on the N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) in the Eastern Cape as the new R2.2 billion phase gets underway. This fourth package of the extensive N2WCR project is designated to transform connectivity and commerce in the region.

The project, undertaken by the WBHO-Edwin Construction Joint Venture, entails the development of a key section of the N2WCR, namely Section 20, which stretches from the Lingeni intersection to the Msikaba bridge. Included in the broader vision for the N2WCR are two pivotal structures – the Msikaba and Mtentu megabridges – augmented by a total of seven major construction packages.

The Package 4 works, earmarked to begin in January after a four-month mobilisation period, aspire to fortify the existing infrastructure framework significantly. Demana highlighted that while the ultimate utility of the project will manifest post-construction, the positive socioeconomic effects are already palpable across local communities.

With a staggering 35 percent (equivalent to roughly R700 million) of the contract designated for local enterprise involvement, the initiative not only serves to revamp physical infrastructure but also to bolster economic activity and entrepreneurial endeavors in the vicinity.

The N2WCR stands as a critical conduit linking four South African provinces, from Cape Town in the Western Cape through the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal and extending to Mpumalanga. The benefits of this project extend beyond provincial boundaries; it is also a key link to Mozambique, emphasizing its significance for regional trade and mobility.

Upon completion, the Wild Coast will see a consequential reduction in travel distance by 80 kilometers between Port St John’s and Port Shepstone and a notable decrease in travel time potentially saving two hours, varying with vehicle type. Moreover, the strategic planning of the road promises cost savings in transport, increased safety, and a smoother transit given the terrain adjustments.

Efforts on the Msikaba Bridge are proceeding apace, with Demana announcing promising timelines for the completion of the bridge deck and subsequent cable installations. Despite the unfortunate setbacks owing to delays in sourcing the appropriate cables and intricate engineering requisites, the project presses on with determination.

Package 5, the construction of the conduit connecting the north bank of the Msikaba Bridge to the south bank of the Mtentu Bridge, was launched last April, wielding an investment of R2.5 billion. With R250 million already expended, this segment is expected to conclude in late 2027.

Sanral also notes progression in the design phases for Packages 1, 2, and 3 of the N2WCR, with implementation on the horizon. Demana’s communication assures that this comprehensive project is geared toward unlocking the economic potential of the Eastern Cape while significantly improving the region’s infrastructure landscape.