Road users in and around George – including people using the N2 between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, can expect traffic diversions, crossovers between carriageways and traffic delays over the next eight weeks due to N2 closures.
The closures are the result of construction of a pedestrian bridge over the N2, which will link the communities of Thembalethu and Parkdene.
According to Aurecon, the road engineers for the South African National Road Agency Limited (SANRAL) on this project, the safety requirements relating to the placing of beams over both carriageways necessitate partial or full N2 closures for hours or a day at a time, depending on the nature of the work being done.
During partial N2 closures, temporary crossovers over the median will transfer road users from one carriageway onto another. Two-way traffic will apply on one carriageway at a time.
N2 closure this week
During full closure, the first of which is scheduled for this THURSDAY 18 OCTOBER 2018, traffic will be diverted through George. Additional signage has been placed at relevant main routes in this regard.
George and Provincial Traffic Departments will assist with traffic management during this time. Road users in George should take note that diverted traffic from the N2 will also affect traffic in town.
As a result, people should allow for extra travel time on such days.
At least three days of detours and three crossover changes from one carriageway to another can be expected on the N2 for an estimated eight weeks, starting Thursday.
All road users must exercise extreme caution on the N2 at all times. Thus, should be aware that crossovers may have been implemented or changed since they travelled on that road.
Please take heed of road signs and adhere to temporary speed restrictions put in place.
N2 closures depend on weather
Please note construction is weather-dependent, which may affect implementation dates. If applicable, please watch and listen out for media updates in this regard.
DETOUR ONE – THURSDAY 18 OCTOBER
N2 users will be diverted through George on Thursday, 18 October 2018. So, final preparation of the temporary median crossovers are carried out.
Traffic will then be moved from the detour to the crossover from 19 to 22 October. So, when the beams are placed on the Eastbound Carriageway (EBC) towards Knysna on Monday, 22 October, two-way traffic will be applicable on the Westbound Carriageway (WBC) towards Mossel Bay.
DETOUR TWO – NIGHT OF MONDAY 22 OCTOBER
A second detour through George will be required on the night of 22 October. This while crossovers are switched to the EBC for use the next day in placing beams over the WBC. More work on that side should take about three to four weeks.
DETOUR THREE – DATE TO BE CONFIRMED, ESTIMATED 3-4 WEEKS AFTER DETOUR TWO
Traffic will be diverted for about 24 hours while the first crossovers are prepared again for two-way traffic flow. This will be used for about another three to four weeks while other bridge work is being completed.
