Upgrading of Coal Haulage Roads in Mpumalanga

Project Status: Completed

Project Cost: R550M

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

In early 2000, haulage roads to and from ESKOM power stations and coal mines situated at Ermelo – Camden, Bethal - Thuthuka, Amersfoort – Amajuba were in an absolute bad state due to the excessive usage by haulage trucks. The statistics of traffic accidents with loss of life were unacceptably high and the cost of the damaging effect on the environment were devastating. ESKOM, in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, approved funding to address the impending crisis.

During 2005, following a lengthy procurement process by ESKOM for professional service providers, AFI Consult was awarded the work as preferred service provider for the upgrading of coal haulage roads in Mpumalanga and work commenced in all earnest.

Following a detail assessment of the various haulage roads, the scope of work included the rehabilitation and upgrading of internal streets in Ermelo, Bethal and Amersfoort as well as provincial roads linking coal mines with Thuthuka, Amajuba and Camden Power Stations, i.e., 100km of road including subsidiary works such as bypass roads, traffic control, stormwater drainage infrastructure and road marking.

With various traffic counts done in the initial assessment, the daily traffic peak was confirmed as 5100 coal haulage trucks. Following a detail design process, the final design allowed for a bearing capacity of 11.2 MISA (million standard axles) over a 20-year design horizon, i.e., a Class VI Road based on the DRT pavement design specifications.

The project was completed and successfully handed over to the employer during June 2009 for the total amount of R550M.

Acknowledgement

We are pleased to acknowledge contributions made by the professional team in delivering the project successfully and save to the expectations of ESKOM and the communities of Bethal, Amersfoort and Ermelo nl;

OM Bergh (Pr Eng.)
G Botha (Pr Eng.)
AD Watts (Pr Tech Eng.)

BC Lundie (Pr Tech Eng., Pr. CPM)

: ESKOM

: Roshcon

: AFI Consult - Principle Design

Coordinator

: AFI Consult – Project Manager

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