Traffic on the N1, north of Pretoria is gearing up for a long stretch of roadworks after Bakwena launched a major rehabilitation project between Proefplaas Interchange and the Pumulani Main Line Plaza.
The upgrade, valued at R276 million, forms part of Bakwena’s ongoing effort to maintain and improve key national routes that carry thousands of vehicles daily, including heavy trucks moving freight across the country.
The 15-month contract kicked off in early August 2025 with mobilisation and planning phases. Full construction was scheduled to start on 1 October 2025 and run until November 2026, and the work has been awarded to Roadmac Surfacing.
According to Bakwena, the project will involve extensive rebuilding of the road surface, including complete removal and reconstruction of pavement layers, crack sealing, and full overlaying of the entire carriageway. Basically, this stretch of N1 is getting a serious makeover from the ground up.
Traffic Impact and Lane Closures
Work will take place both during the day and at night. Road users, especially truckers, can expect lane closures that will be carefully managed to reduce delays during peak rush-hour traffic.
Read | Fatal Crash at Low-Speed Construction Zone on N11 Near Ladysmith Raises Questions
Peak time traffic flow will remain largely unaffected with full lane availability:
Southbound mornings: 05:30 to 09:30
Northbound afternoons: 15:00 to 18:30
Outside these hours, one lane in each direction will be closed while construction crews operate.
Truckers using this stretch are advised to factor in possible delays and maintain extra caution around roadworkers and machinery. Authorities warn that speeding through construction zones could put lives at risk and result in penalties.
Bakwena says the long-term result will be a safer and smoother N1, with improved durability to handle increasing freight traffic.
Stay sharp on the road gents, and plan your loads with this in mind. Will update if anything changes.
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