By Siphiwe Nyathi
Mbombela - N4 toll road operator, Trans African Concessions (TRAC), has been praised for ensuring that not a single person died on the highway over the Easter weekend.
The Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative (MCLI) congratulated TRAC for maintaining a record of zero fatalities during Easter.
"MCLI congratulates TRAC for its proactive communication and the various stakeholders, who assisted with the smooth flow of traffic over the Easter weekend, all of whom are to be commended for the absence of fatalities on this busy highway," said MCLI chief executive Barbara Mommen on Thursday.
TRAC spokespersonn Solange Soares-Nicholson said it was the second year in a row that zero fatalities were recorded on the N4.
"Although this was one of the busiest Easters on the N4, and despite a major spike in traffic volumes, only 18 non-fatal accidents occurred along the 570-km route between Thursday, 17 April and Monday, 21 April," said Soares-Nicholson.
"With the hourly traffic flow at Middelburg Plaza being more than 2 300 at certain times over the weekend, this is indeed a remarkable feat which we attribute to excellent teamwork by all involved in promoting and monitoring road safety throughout the route."
Soares-Nicholson attributed the preservation of life on their Easter Rescue and Road Safety Campaign.
She said the project saw a "bulk" of Mpumalanga emergency services and TRAC Assist teams stationed at Middelburg Shell Ultra City, while smaller units deployed to strategic points on the N4.
"This initiative went a long way in promoting road safety as it boosted visibility of authorities and allowed road users to connect with these individuals and teams and gain valuable information and knowledge on road regulations and safety," said Soares-Nicholson.
Soares-Nicholson said although all construction and maintenance work on the N4 ceased for the duration of the Easter weekend, the stop/go between Mbombela and Malalane was still active as it was at a very delicate stage of construction.
"Although many feared that this would create major traffic congestion, TRAC’s proactive response to the situation ensured that all ran smoothly on this specific section of the road," she said.
Soares-Nicholson said some of the contingency plans around the stop-go area worked so well that TRAC has decided to retain them until 6 May in order to accommodate commuters during the two approaching long weekends. – SAnews.gov.za
