D192 (MARKEN ROAD) – WATERBERG DISTRICT- LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA Client: Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL)
Upgrading of road D192 (from gravel to tar) from Marken town to the intersection with road D2644, a length of 26.2 kilometers. The road serves as an alternative route to Road P19/1 through the Kloof Pass which has steep gradients and sharp curves which are hazardous to heavy vehicle due to the chances of brake failure. This section of road through Kloof Pass is also prone to rock falls especially during the rainy season and require extensive and expensive remedial works to the adjacent embankments.
The project needed to integrate the rural population living in remote areas into the mainstream of the countrys economic and social life by providing an all weather road link, as well as to establish a wider national road network. A socioeconomic impact assessment was also undertaken which consisted of a social and economical research with particular emphasis on the local community. The engineering study consisted of traffic study and a materials investigation. Further engineering consisted of the geometric design, a hydrological study with associated storm water management. The hydrological study indicated that the existing bridge structure over the Klein Mokgalakwena River was to small and had to be replaced by a 64m four span bridge structure. As this road was intended to be an alternative to the Kloof Pass the pavement design was critical and had to be optimized to cater for the expected growth in heavy laden vehicles and to provide the critical link to the fast growing Lephalale area where massive coal mining and the R4 billion expansion of Medupi Power Stations are taking place.
