The first phase of the N12 freeway upgrade has been completed at a cost of R100 million, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, announced on Tuesday.

The rehabilitated portion of the freeway stretches from Eldorado Park to Zuurbekom, south of Johannesburg and provides a critical link between Gauteng and the North West Province.

MEC Vadi said he is pleased that the project was completed by the contractor on time and at a lower cost than the tendered amount with a savings to the Department of Roads and Transport of R15 million.

“The one year long project involved the resurfacing of the freeway, clearing of drainage structures, replacing missing steel grids, reinstating of road markings, erecting new road signs and replacing guardrails,” department spokesperson Octavia Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo said the project had a strong economic empowerment component with 62 workers being appointed from the seven wards that were affected by the project.

Twelve local sub-contractors were also appointed on the project.

MEC Vadi said he was particularly excited that 309 people were trained on the project in courses that included erection of guardrails, repairing of road shoulders, compacting hot asphalt, and contract and business management as well as fencing and sign posts.

Training also included courses in environmental awareness, flagging and road safety as well as fire-fighting and first aid.