2010 is finally here and with approximately 5 months to go till the kickoff to the World Cup it’s certainly “TIME NOW” for South Africa to shine.

In between the incessant rain storms and the constant traffic delays the GFI Project is nearing its first completion date. The Contract calls for three phased milestone completion dates, namely,

1)    Work to be completed by the World Cup Completion date of 28 May 2010
2)    Work to be complete by the start of Tolling Completion date of 15 October 2010
3)    The Final Completion date of 28 January 2011

For the World Cup Completion Date, the following works needs to be complete:

a)    All Asphalt and Concrete pavement works for the widening to allow for four lanes of traffic.
b)    All Median barrier works and outer edge widening.
c)    The New Interchanges at Rivonia (excluding South Bound On Ramp), at William Nicol (excluding the Northbound On Ramp) and at Malibongwe needs to be open for traffic.
d)    All Road Signs and Road Markings on the N1 and interchanges.

Assuming the inclement weather gives us a break we are on target to complete the above works by the World Cup and in addition we should have the following works complete:

a)    The New 7th Ave Pedestrian bridge
b)    The Rivonia and William Nicol interchanges complete
c)    The Toll Platforms and foundations for the Toll Gantries

Thus in laymen’s terms, the N1 will comprise of a minimum of four lanes with no temporary barriers on the Highway and all the intersection will operate in their respective new configuration. However the final surfacing layer will not be complete on certain sections and work on the cross roads will continue after the World Cup.

The Works that needs to be complete by the tolling completion of 15 October 2010 are:

a)    The five Toll Platforms which includes surfacing, kerbs and drainage works.
b)    The median foundations and plinths for the five Toll Gantries. (The Toll Building and gantry does not form part of our scope of work and has been put out to a separate tender)
c)    The asphalt overlay on the existing concrete pavement.

The Works that may go beyond the aforementioned dates i.e. until the Final Completion date of 28 January 2011 are:

a)    Works on Malibongwe Drive North of the interchange, i.e. the road heading towards the Dome up to President Fouche
b)    Works on Rivonia Road North of Witkoppen across Sandspruit heading towards Sunninghill as well as works on Witkoppen road.
c)    Works on William Nicol road.
d)    Certain ancillary works and drainage in the medians.