Mbombela - As thousands of holidaymakers plan to make their way to popular tourists destinations in Mpumalanga and Mozambique, preparations are underway to ensure that road users travelling along the N4 encounter less congestion during the upcoming Easter Weekend.
Trans African Concessions (TRAC) spokeswoman Solange Soares-Nicholson said the N4, starting in the east of Pretoria in Gauteng and ending in Maputo, Mozambique, always experiences an extremely high volume of traffic during the Easter holidays.
"In order to avoid traffic congestion, construction and maintenance work will cease for the duration of the Easter Weekend," said Soares-Nicholson on Wednesday.
"However, road users travelling to Malalane or beyond should note that the stop and gos between Mara and Hectorspruit and between Moamba and Matola - on the Mozambican side - will still be active."
Soares-Nicholson said although TRAC realises that this may cause some frustration to road users, they are unable to interrupt the stop and go’s at this delicate stage due to the nature of the construction works.
"We will, however, reduce the length of the stop and go’s, as well as the waiting time, in order to prevent major delays. Motorists are urged to be patient and understand as such projects are vital to ensure a good, safe road," she said.
She added that TRAC will also work hand-in-hand with the Lebombo Border Control Operational Co-ordinating Committee and assist with traffic management measures.
"This is in a bid to prevent major delays and disruptions on the N4 near the border and at the border itself," Soares-Nicholson said.
The N4 road is expected to be busiest from 12am to 10pm on Thursday, April 17, and again from 12am to 10pm on Monday, April 21.
Road users are reminded and urged to make use of the TRAC Assist service, which is managed by the TRAC Helpdesk.
All emergencies, incidents, accidents - or any other significant events on the N4 - can be reported to the Helpdesk on 0800 8722 64. This service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. – SAnews.gov.za
