The recently upgraded Misgund Interchange at the intersection between the N1 and N12 in the south-west of Johannesburg will come as a huge relief to the more than 80 000 motorists who use the interchange on a daily basis.

In combination with a range of new on-road emergency services introduced on Gauteng freeways by Sanral and the improved road safety features at the interchange, there is expected to be a significant reduction in the number of accidents as well as an improvement in the flow of traffic.

The upgrade includes an increased number of lanes from three to four, one additional lane per direction on the realigned ramps leading to and from the N1, median and ramp lighting and new asphalt surfaces.

The project, which cost approximately R191 million, commenced in February 2012 and created 185 full-time and 96 short-term contract jobs.

Speaking at the opening, the minister of Transport Ben Martins said that on the sections of the N1, N3, N12 and R21 roads that make up the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) network, motorists will now also enjoy the benefits of rapid medical emergency services as well as light and heavy vehicle towing services available 24 hours a day throughout the year. These services were recently introduced by SANRAL as an additional benefit to motorists who make use of the upgraded Gauteng freeways.

The fleet of emergency vehicles includes six motorcycles, manned by fully trained paramedics who will be able to reach incident scenes in the quickest time even during peak traffic periods, 10 light motor vehicle towing vehicles, eight heavy vehicle towing vehicles, 10 incident response vehicles for scene safety and control and an additional six medical response vehicles equipped with intermediate life support equipment.

The light and heavy tow vehicles are strategically placed around the network in order to provide a quick response and to alleviate any traffic congestion caused by broken down vehicles. All vehicles are manned by personnel experienced in medical and incident management services.

Road users are able to call the i-TRAFFIC call centre on 0800-itraffic (387 2332) or +27 (0)11 312 1188 to report accidents, vehicles that are stranded on the freeway and motorists who may be in need of assistance.