TRAC prepares for increased traffic on the Maputo Corridor this festive season

As the festive season approaches, Trans African Concessions (TRAC) is preparing for a significant increase in traffic on the Maputo Corridor which connects Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Maputo. To ensure smooth journeys and reduce delays, TRAC has put several measures in place to manage traffic flow and enhance road safety during this peak period.

Fully staffed toll plazas

To manage the anticipated traffic surge, all TRAC N4 toll plazas will be fully staffed during peak periods. Higher-than-usual traffic volumes are expected on key dates:

13 December
14 December
20 December
23 December
24 December
03 January
12 January

Enhanced roadside assistance

TRACAssist, TRAC’s free 24-hour roadside emergency service and response unit, will double its patrols across the route during this busy time. Working alongside the TRAC 24-hour Helpdesk, the team will respond swiftly to incidents and emergencies. To further expedite assistance, TRACAssist will station units in high-traffic areas on peak travel days.

Advice for border crossings

Travellers journeying between South Africa and Mozambique should anticipate potential delays at the Lebombo and Ressano Garcia border posts due to the high volume of traffic.

TRAC reminds the public that while it assists in alleviating congestion near these areas, operations at the border posts fall under the jurisdiction of government authorities. It is important to note that long queues in the region mainly involve heavy vehicles exporting goods, with light vehicles processed separately.

TRAC also urges road users travelling across the border to stay up to date with the sporadic political unrest activities currently being experienced in Mozambique, as this could impact their trips.

As part of efforts to manage traffic en route to the border during the festive season, law enforcement and border management officials will implement a one-stop processing system from 18 December to 5 January. Traffic flow along the N4 will continue as normal, unless abnormal traffic volumes necessitate adjustments.

In the event of heavy congestion, the following steps will be implemented on the eastbound route in South Africa:

1. Commercial trucks will be diverted via Coopersdal and Strydomblok
2. Traffic heading to Komatipoort will be rerouted via Tenbosch Road
3. During severe westbound congestion, traffic will be diverted via Strydomblok and Mananga Road.

In a bid to avoid congestion, Mozambican authorities will erect advance clearing points on the westbound route (direction to South Africa) at KM 10 and KM 4, near the Ressano Garcia Border Post. In case of congestion, commercial vehicles heading westbound will be temporarily held at the Pessene Load Control Centre and Moamba Toll Plaza.

Suspension of roadworks during peak period

Construction work on the N4 will be suspended from 13 December to 13 January, coinciding with the construction industry’s annual leave. However, all construction zones will remain active, and road users are urged to obey signage and safety instructions.

TRAC CEO Alex van Niekerk stresses the importance of road safety, encouraging travellers to use TRAC’s 24-hour Helpdesk for assistance or route-related information. Contact numbers are:

South Africa: 0800 87 22 64 / +27 82 881 4444
Mozambique: 800 9022

TRAC further advises road users to plan their trips properly and try to travel solely during the daytime and busier periods to avoid risks such as road spiking or other criminal activities. “Road safety is our concern, celebrating life is our priority! Plan your journey, remain vigilant, and travel safely this festive season,” urges TRAC spokesperson, Solange Soares.

For real-time updates on traffic conditions and border delays, follow TRAC on social media (@TRACN4Route on X and @TRACN4 on Facebook). Alternatively, road users can follow the TRACN4 channel on WhatsApp https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaeDDXP7YSdCacuH3n1V, or go to www.tracn4.co.za.

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