Temporary closure of N1 and Witkoppen Road for the replacement of the optical ground wire and earth wire on the high-voltage transmission overhead powerline

Friday, 05 November 2021: Eskom would like to inform road users and stakeholders that it has been granted permission, by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), for the temporary road closure of the N1 Freeway (North and South directions) between William Nicol and Rivonia off-ramps. The Department of Roads and Transport in the Gauteng Provincial Government has also granted Eskom permission for the temporary closure of the R564 Witkoppen Road between Umhlanga Ave/Cambridge Road and Estelle Road on Sunday, 07 November 2021 from 08h00 to 16h00 to replace the Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) and Earth Wire on the Craighall Minerva 275kV high-voltage transmission overhead powerline crossing the N1 Freeway and Witkoppen Road.

N1 Freeway (North & South)

The OPGW and Earth Wire will be replaced or strung sequentially. A 15-minute period is required at the start of each phase to allow the joint of the new and old OPGW to be pulled across the N1. During this 15-minute period, traffic will have to be stopped completely to ensure the safe stringing of the OPGW joint across the N1. Traffic will be allowed to flow, with one lane open, for the remainder of the stringing which is estimated to last for approximately two and a half hours. This process will be repeated for the stringing of the Earth Wire.

R564 Witkoppen Road (between Umhlanga Ave/Cambridge and Estelle Roads)

The OPGW and Earth Wire will be replaced or strung sequentially. Traffic will be allowed to flow, with one lane open, for the duration of the stringing of the OPGW which is estimated to last for approximately two and a half hours. This process will be repeated for the stringing of the Earth Wire.

Eskom would like to apologise to the public for any inconvenience caused during the stringing process, and appeals for restraint, co-operation and patience during the works.

ENDS