Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, on Thursday reopened the N12 freeway, which was upgraded at a cost of R485 million.
MEC Vadi said the 20-month project entailed the rehabilitation and upgrading of the N12 from Eldorado Park to the North West border, with the entire section of the road being developed into a dual carriageway.
The N12 freeway serves as a critical freight link between Gauteng and the North West Province, including the Western Cape.
It also services the mining, agriculture and tourism sectors.
The project had a strong economic empowerment component with over 350 workers, particularly women and youth, as well as more than 20 local sub-contractors coming from communities which are near the route.
MEC Vadi said local employees were trained to erect guardrails, fencing and sign posts. they also received training in environmental awareness, fire-fighting and first aid, HIV and AIDS in construction, road marking, repairing of road shoulders, compacting hot asphalt as well as contract and business management.
The rehabilitated freeway and the interchanges that were improved along the route are not part of the e-tolled road network.
The entire project was completed by both contractors on schedule and there were marginal savings to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.
