OPINION: While I welcome the upgrade to Van Reenen’s Pass being undertaken by the N3 Toll Concession, I find it difficult to accept that the job has to take nearly two years.
Van Reenen’s Pass forms part of the busy N3, which has often been described as the lifeblood of the country, connecting, as it does, the economic hub of the country with its busiest port.
To have it affected by construction for such a lengthy period seems to be both unnecessary and inviting trouble.
The pass is notorious for accidents, and I hope the contractors put measures in place to warn motorists to slow down well ahead of approaching the construction zone.
At least the N3 Toll Concession has the good sense to halt construction during the busy Christmas and Easter periods, although how many lanes will be available remains to be seen.
But I must ask: Is it necessary for the construction to last 22 months, or is somebody making a killing here at the expense of motorists?