TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

OF

THE ALBANY WIND ENERGY FACILITY

MAKHANDA (ERSTWHILE GRAHAMSTOWN)

WITHIN
MAKANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

MARCH 2020
(Revision 0)

PREPARED FOR: PREPARED BY:

c/o

CES - Environmental and Social Advisory Services 31 Galway Road

Nahoon
East London
67 African Street
5241
Makhanda
Eastern Cape
Telephone: 043 735 0890
South Africa
Facsimile: 086 556 1154
Cellular: 083 465 1558
Telephone: 046 622 2364
E-mail: deonmcquirk@telkomsa.net
Facsimile: 046 622 6564
 CONTENTS
Page

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND…….………………………………... 1

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAFFIC AND
2. 3
TRASNPORTATION MANAGEMENT PLAN………...………………….……
2.1 Purpose of the Traffic and Transportation Management Plan……………… 3
2.2 Objectives of the Traffic and Transportation Management Plan…………… 3
3. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES…...…………………......……………....... 4
4. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS……………….......................……………... 5
5. RISK IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT.…..……..…….……………... 6
6. GENERAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION.…..………….....……….… 7
7. ACCESS CONDITIONS…………………...…….……………………………... 8
8. ABNORMAL LOADS TRANSPORTED ON NATIONAL ROADS………….. 16
9. ENERGENCY PLANNING…...…………………………………………..…….. 18

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1 Site locality and proposed layout of the wind turbines
Figure 7.1 Proposed accesses

LIST OF TABLES
Table 7.1 Summary of Access No. 1
Table 7.2 Summary of Access No. 2
Table 7.3 Summary of Access No. 3
Table 7.4 Summary of Access No. 4
Table 7.5 Summary of Access No. 5
Table 7.6 Summary of Access No. 6
Table 7.7 Summary of Access No. 7

LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A Abnormal loads transported on national roads
Appendix B Sight distances
Appendix C Extracts from Chapter 13, Volume 2 of the SARTSM

i
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
COTO Committee of Transport Officials
HSE Health, Safety and Environment
HSEQ Health, Safety, Environment and Quality
km/h kilometres per hour
MW Mega Watts
MLM Makana Local Municipality
NRTA National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996)
NRTR National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
SANRAL South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited
SARTSM South African Road Traffic Signs Manual
TIS Traffic Impact Study
TMP Traffic Management Plan
TTMP Traffic and Transportation Management Plan
WEF Wind Energy Facility

ii
1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Emonti Consulting Engineers CC was approached to prepare a Traffic and Transportation

Management Plan (TTMP) for the proposed development of various properties situated within the
Makana Local Municipality (MLM).

The site is located just east of Makhanda, which is situated within the MLM area. A site locality
map can be seen in Figure 1.1. The proposed development comprises the implementation of a
Wind Energy Facility (WEF).

Albany Wind Power (Pty) Ltd plans to develop, construct and operate a WEF approximately 7km
east of Makhanda in the Eastern Cape Province. According to the data recorded by Albany Wind
Power in the area, this project site appears to have favourable wind conditions to operate a wind
farm.

The proposed Albany WEF will consist of up to 66 turbines each capable of generating
approximately 4.5 Mega Watts (MW) of power. The WEF will also include a short power line and
switching station in order to connect the WEF to the existing Eskom substation. The current layout
allows for a maximum generating output of up to 297 MW, but the final design may be reduced
dependant on the outcome of the specialist studies undertaken during the Environmental Impact
Assessment process. The turbine footprints and associated facility infrastructure (internal access
roads, substations, construction compound, batching plant and operations building) will cover a
maximum area of approximately 46.19 ha (post rehabilitation) depending on the final layout design
should the project proceed to the construction phase.

In summary the Albany WEF includes:

i. Up to sixty-six turbines with a generation capacity of up to 4.5 MW each resulting in a
nominal power output of up to 297 MW;
ii. The proposed WEF will include turbines with a rotor diameter of up to 170m, a hub height of
up to 130m and blade length of up to 85m;
iii. Internal access roads of between 8m (during operation) and 14m (during construction, to be
partly rehabilitated) wide to each turbine;
iv. Existing roads will be used as far as possible. However, where required, internal access
roads will be constructed between the turbines;
v. Three connecting substations (switching stations);
vi. Switching stations to connect the turbines to the WEF IPP 132/33kV s/s;
vii. WEF IPP 132/33 kV Substation;
viii. Foundations with an area of up to 550m² for each turbine;
ix. A primary laydown area of approximately 3,900m² adjacent to each turbine;
x. Temporary infrastructure including a site camp and a laydown area of approximately 30m²
per turbine (all to be rehabilitated post construction);
xi. A 25m² area for switchgear and/or transformer at each turbine;
xii. Medium voltage cabling between turbines and the switching stations, to be laid underground
where technically feasible;
xiii. An up to 100,000m² for the substation, battery storage and site office area; and
xiv. Batching plant, temporary laydown area and construction compound area of approximately
90 000m².

1
Figure 1.1: Site locality and proposed layout of the wind turbines

The commencement date of the project is unknown at the moment and will be based on the
timeframes required to obtain all the approvals, shipment of equipment, financing, etc. It is
expected that the working hours, once commenced, will be from the 07h30 till 16h30. This will
however be refined once a detailed project programme has been finalised.

2
2. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
MANAGEMENT PLAN

2.1 Purpose of the Traffic and Transportation Management Plan

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) provides a means to safely and efficiently guide road users
through road works and to ensure the network performance is not negatively affected by the road
works.

Traffic management is the management of occupational safety and network performance risks
associated with work activities undertaken in a traffic environment.

The TMP is therefore a risk management plan consisting of:

i. documentation of the risk assessment for the project,
ii. the procedures that will be utilised to manage the risk exposure, and
iii. traffic control procedure that will be used to outlining signage etc. which are commonly used.

A site inspection was undertaken in preparation of the TMP. During the site inspection specific site
conditions were identified such as, non-motorised transport facilities, speed limits, operating
speeds, accesses, sight distance, etc. The findings of the site inspection are included in Chapter
Seven of this report.

Transportation management addresses the traffic-related impacts of a project in a cost-effective

manner with minimal interference to the travelling public. Measures that can be implemented
include public and traveller information, transportation and incident management, construction
approaches, alternate routing, etc.

2.2 Objectives of the Traffic and Transportation Management Plan

The main objectives of the TTMP are to ensure that the safety and health of the work personnel
and road users are not unnecessary inconvenienced. Further objectives include:
i. project site overview and key project activities that may influence traffic patterns,
ii. a framework plan of the traffic and transportation management elements involved with
undertaking the construction and operation of the proposed project,
iii. a structure within which the Developer can further develop more detailed traffic and
transportation plans as a result of a detailed traffic impact study, and
iv. key management and mitigation measures that are to be adopted by the Developer, with
final approval being obtained from relevant authorities.

3
3. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This section outlines the responsibilities of the personnel to ensure the safety of workers and the
road users that pass through the site. Possible management OSH hazards that will include the
following:
i. Personal protective equipment (PPE) – High visibility clothing, appropriate footwear, sun
protection, eye and respiratory equipment to be available.
ii. Plant and equipment – all equipment must have suitable flashing lights and reversing alarms.
iii. Incident/accident procedures – outlining first aid facilities, arrangements for obtaining
medical assistance and the requirements for reporting incidents/accidents.
iv. Works personnel access – outlining details of where works personnel shall park their
vehicles and how safe access is to be provided to and from the worksite.
v. Protection of non-motorised road users from hazards associated with the road works,
prescribing the measures to be undertaken to address these hazards.

The roles of the key personnel regarding the TTMP are as follows:
i. Project Manager
The Project Manager will take overall responsibility of the TTMP and compliance with
regards to the Road Traffic Act. The Project Manager will be responsible for the co-
ordination of the engineering, procurement and construction activities, relevant policies,
methods and the implementation of the TTMP. The Project Manager will ensure that all rules
and procedures defined in the TTMP are adhered to. Encourage sound work practices and
avoid those that are off a high risk nature. Ensure all employees comply with the TTMP.
ii. Site Supervisors
The Supervisors will continuously liaise with the Developer and the Health, Safety,
Environment and Quality (HSEQ) department during the execution phase and ensure
required tools and test equipment are in place, and are safe to use.
iii. HSE Officer
The Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Officer will be responsible for all issues related to
health, safety and environment and to see that employees conform to the requirements as
laid down by the South African Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Acts,
and/or those acts applicable to South Africa.
iv. HSE Manager
The role of the HSE Manager is to lead all aspects of the HSE on the project and provide
HSE leadership.
v. Traffic Personnel
The role of traffic personnel on site involves directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic around
a construction zone, accident or other road disruption, thus ensuring the safety of emergency
response teams, construction workers and the general public. The Traffic Safety Officer will
manage the traffic on construction sites in line with SANRAL and Department of Transport
specifications.

4
4. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Traffic management is risk management and the principals, employers and persons in control of
workplaces have a statutory duty under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Mine Health
and Safety Act; to identify hazards, assess risks and consider means to control risk exposure.

Due to the size and quantity of components, trucks will be used to deliver components. It is
anticipated that trucks carrying large enough loads to be considered abnormal loads in terms of
the Road Traffic Act (Act No 29 of 1989) will be required. A permit for a vehicle carrying an
abnormal load must be obtained from the relevant Provincial Authority and/or National Authority
(SANRAL). The N2 will be used to transport the power transformers from the manufacturing
plant/supplier to the site. The vehicle must comply with the Administrative Guidelines for Granting
of Exemption Permits for the Conveyance of Abnormal Loads.

Legal and other provisions

The current versions of the following documents and legislative provisions apply for those planning
to conduct work within the road reserve of any public road, or to manage traffic for an event:
i. National Road Traffic Act (Act No 93 of 1996),
ii. Local Government Act,
iii. Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993),
iv. Mine Health and Safety Act 1996 No.29,
v. Compensation for Occupational Diseases Act 1993, and
vi. NEMA 107 – 1998.

5
5. RISK IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT

Risk Assessments will be drafted beforehand including all possible risks that may occur due to
traffic and transportation management. Possible activities that might involve risk reviewing include
the following:
i. Vehicles required for the transport of infrastructure (e.g. turbines and cables) and
materials would result in a direct negative impact on the used roads and road users.
Impact magnitude – Medium
Extent: The extent of the impact is regional as it will extend along the selected
transport route.
Duration: The duration would be short-term for the duration of construction.
Intensity: The intensity is likely to be medium given that the increase in traffic will
temporary, but may create a nuisance and impact on the safety of other road
users and the local neighbour.
Likelihood – There is a definite likelihood of increased traffic.
ii. Increased traffic from workers travelling to and from the site will result in a negative
direct impact on people who use the site, the N2, the R67 and the access roads within
the site.
Impact magnitude – Low
Extent: The extent of the impact is local as impact would be restricted to the immediate
vicinity of the site.
Duration: The duration would be long-term for the operation of the wind farm, but
greater during construction.
Intensity: The intensity is likely to be low given that the increase in traffic will be
minimal.
Likelihood – There is a definite likelihood of increased traffic in the area surrounding
the site and on-site during operation of the wind farm.
iii. Increased delays on vehicles at road construction sites, particularly at the accesses
onto the two national roads (i.e. the N2 and the R67).
Impact magnitude – Medium
Extent: The extent of the impact is local as impact would be restricted to the immediate
vicinity of the accesses to the site.
Duration: The duration would be short-term for the duration of construction
Intensity: The intensity is likely to be medium given that the increase in traffic will
temporary, but may create a nuisance and impact on the safety of other road
users and the local neighbour
Likelihood – There is a definite likelihood of increased delays.

The risk assessors shall as far as reasonably possible, control and/or reduce the risks to an
acceptable level.

The subcontractor that will be delivering and transporting the power transformers will be
responsible for the compilation of the Method Statements and Risk Assessments for all activities
associated with their activities.

6
6. GENERAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION

SARTSM, Chapter 13 and Volume 2

It is not possible to predict how all construction sites shall be managed because there are too
many variables. It is however considered very important to plan, and work, in a systematic manner
and in standardised steps. Extracts from the SARTSM, Chapter 13 and Volume 2, are included in
Appendix C, which outline this planning process.

All road works need to comply with the SARTSM, Chapter 13 and Volume 2.

Factors such as speed limits will be conveyed to all workforce and signs will be posted where
needed. These will be enforced by the traffic control official/s. Temporary traffic control zone
signs are to be adequate in order to convey both general and specific messages to the road users.
Adequate signage will be placed on the roads, such as: speed limits, caution: electrical road works
in progress, use of alternative roads, stop/go signs, flagman ahead, etc.

Transporting of staff
Company transport will be in the form of appropriate transportation vehicle/s. No persons will be
transported in the back of a bakkie.

Site access control

Access control will be managed at the gate to ensure that no authorized person enters the site
unless a valid access card is presented at the gate to the security guards. Control at pick-up
locations prior to entering the transportation vehicle/s, will also ensure that no unauthorized person
enters the site. All persons must be inducted before entering the gate and proof of induction must
be kept for inspection purposes. Upon entering the site all persons will also undergo alcohol
testing.

All vehicles entering the site must have a beacon light and a whip and flag to ensure that these
vehicles are visible. Necessary signage will be placed where needed and only vehicles
designated as construction vehicles will be allowed to travel on the main roads. No private
vehicles will be allowed to travel on the main roads. Those travelling with private vehicles will be
escorted to the site with their vehicles and from there they will be escorted in designated
construction vehicles.

Parking areas
Designated parking areas will be identified on site where vehicles will park during the day. A
designated walkway will also be created which will be barricaded, whereby workers can walk to
access their work areas.

Rules for vehicle safety:

i. Personnel must be trained, declared competent and authorised to operate a specified
vehicle.
ii. The vehicle must be in a safe and good working condition, with daily inspections conducted.
iii. Drivers/operators must at all times consider and adapt to environment conditions.
iv. Drivers/operators must at all times comply with all relevant traffic rules and regulations.
v. Seatbelts shall be worn when driving and/or operating vehicles or plant fitted with seatbelts.
vii. No talking on cell phones while driving will be permitted and alcohol or drugs are prohibited.
viii Adhere to all site traffic rules and signage, including speed limits.

7
7. ACCESS CONDITIONS

On-site inspections were performed on 26 February 2020. The focus on the site inspections was
to determine the desirability of the proposed access with regards to factors such as:
i. sight distance,
ii. non-motorised facilities,
iii. speed limits and operating speeds,
iv. access condition, access width, etc.

There are seven proposed accesses which are shown in Figure 7.1.

Access 7

Access 6

Access 5

Access 4
Access 1

Access 2

Access 3

Figure 7.1: Proposed accesses

8
It should be noted that the sight distance is based on a single unit vehicle, i.e. a standard
construction vehicles. It does not include abnormal vehicles as these will need to be escorted onto
site via the relevant traffic official/s.

Once the extent of the access improvements have been identified then the required traffic
management measures are to be planned.

Table 7.1: Summary of Access No. 1

Speed surveys on the main road Sight distances
Direction Distance (m)

Speed Survey Southbound Northbound Sight Distance type Available- Direction towards Comments
Required
Speed (km/h) North South

1 62 71 Intersection sight distance - stop control 490

Does not meet the requirement in both directions.
290 190
Will require flagman etc.
2 63 74 Intersection sight distance - yield control 230

3 68 80 Vegetation impacting on Sight distance No

4 69 83

5 75 85 General characteristics of roads

6 78 90 Roadway Shoulder
Road
7 78 93 Width (m) Surface type Surface type Width (m)

8 81 95 Main road - R67 8 Black top Black top West = 0.7, East = 0.7

9 82 95 Side road - access 4 Gravel None NA

10 97 108

Highest Speed 97 108 General characteristics of sidewalks

Average Speed 75 87 Roadway

Along Road Comments
85th perc. Speed 82 95 Width (m) Surface type Condition

Current speed limit 100 km/h Main road - R67 (western side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

Main road - R67 (eastern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

Position of access (nearest route marker) Side road - access (northern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

R67-2 Side road - access (southern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

4,6

General characteristics of access gate

Access Distance (m) Comments

Distance from edge of road to property 10

Distance from edge of property to gate NA No gate close to road

Access View to the south View to the north

None None

Access road Sidewalk along R67 Sidewalks along Access road

9
Table 7.2: Summary of Access No. 2

Speed surveys on the main road Sight distances

Direction Distance (m)

Speed Survey Southbound Northbound Sight Distance type Available- Direction towards Comments
Required
Speed (km/h) North South

1 79 76 Intersection sight distance - stop control 490

110 > 900 Very short to the north and will require flagman etc.
2 83 87 Intersection sight distance - yield control 230

3 90 88 Vegetation impacting on Sight distance No

4 99 92

5 104 95 General characteristics of roads

106 95 Roadway Shoulder
6
Road
7 111 98 Width (m) Surface type Surface type Width (m)

8 112 100 Main road - R67 8,7 Black top Black top West = 1.0, East = 0.7

9 114 100 Side road - access (MN50682) 4 Gravel None NA

10 130 117

Highest Speed 130 117 General characteristics of sidewalks

103 95 Roadway
Average Speed
Along Road Comments
85th perc. Speed 113 100 Width (m) Surface type Condition

Current speed limit 100 km/h Main road - R67 (western side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

Main road - R67 (eastern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

Position of access (nearest route marker) Side road - access (northern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

R67-2 Side road - access (southern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

2,2

General characteristics of access gate

Access Distance (m) Comments

Distance from edge of road to property 7

Distance from edge of property to gate NA No gate close to road

Access View to the south View to the north

None None

Access road Sidewalk along R67 Sidewalks along Access road

10
Table 7.3: Summary of Access No. 3
Speed surveys on the main road Sight distances
Direction Distance (m)

Speed Survey Southbound Northbound Sight Distance type Available- Direction towards Comments
Required
Speed (km/h) North South

79 76 Intersection sight distance - stop control 490 Meets the requirement in both directions.
1
530 670
83 87 Intersection sight distance - yield control 230 Meets the requirement in both directions.
2
3 90 88 Vegetation impacting on Sight distance No

4 99 92

5 104 95 General characteristics of roads

106 95 Roadway Shoulder
6
Road
7 111 98 Width (m) Surface type Surface type Width (m)

8 112 100 Main road - R67 11 Black top Black top West = 1.8, East = 1.8
Black top then
9 114 100 Side road - access 8 & 10 None NA
Gravel

10 130 117

Highest Speed 130 117 General characteristics of sidewalks

103 95 Roadway
Average Speed
Along Road Comments
85th perc. Speed 113 100 Width (m) Surface type Condition

Current speed limit 100 km/h Main road - R67 (western side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

Main road - R67 (eastern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

Position of access (nearest route marker) Side road - access (northern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

R67-2 Side road - access (southern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

1,8

General characteristics of access gate

Access Distance (m) Comments

Distance from edge of road to property 10

Distance from edge of property to gate NA No gate close to road

Access View to the south View to the north

None

Access road first 100m Access road after 100m Sidewalks along Access road

11
Table 7.4: Summary of Access No. 4
Speed surveys on the main road Sight distances
Direction Distance (m)

Speed Survey Westbound eastbound Sight Distance type Available- Direction towards Comments
Required
Speed (km/h) East West

1 77 74 Intersection sight distance - stop control 590 Meets the requirement in both directions.
> 900 500
2 90 110 Intersection sight distance - yield control 300 Meets the requirement in both directions.

3 101 110 Vegetation impacting on Sight distance No

4 103 113

5 103 115 General characteristics of roads

109 117 Roadway Shoulder
6
Road
7 110 122 Width (m) Surface type Surface type Width (m)

8 112 127 Main road - N2 13,2 Black top Black top North = 2.4, South = 3.0

9 120 127 Side road - access 4 Gravel None NA

10 127 135

Highest Speed 127 135 General characteristics of sidewalks

105 115 Roadway
Average Speed
Along Road Comments
85th perc. Speed 116 127 Width (m) Surface type Condition

Current speed limit 120 km/h Main road - N2 (northern side) 3 Concrete Good Side walk is very wide and in good condition

Main road - N2 (southern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

Position of access (nearest route marker) Side road - access (eastern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

N2-13 Side road - access (western side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

63,4E

General characteristics of access gate

Access Distance (m) Comments

Distance from edge of road to property 7

Distance from edge of property to gate 100 No gate close to road

Access View to the east View to the west

None

Access road Sidewalk along N2 Sidewalks along Access road

12
Table 7.5: Summary of Access No. 5
Speed surveys on the main road Sight distances
Direction Distance (m)

Speed Survey Westbound Eastbound Sight Distance type Available- Direction towards Comments
Required
Speed (km/h) East West

1 81 70 Intersection sight distance - stop control 590

Does not meet the requirement towads the east and
410 > 900
requires a flagman etc.
2 98 76 Intersection sight distance - yield control 300

3 99 79 Vegetation impacting on Sight distance No

4 102 86

5 112 98 General characteristics of roads

112 101 Roadway Shoulder
6
Road
7 114 106 Width (m) Surface type Surface type Width (m)

8 128 115 Main road - N2 13,1 Black top Black top North = 1.0, South = 3.0

9 130 122 Side road - access 4 Gravel None NA

10 152 157

Highest Speed 152 157 General characteristics of sidewalks

113 101 Roadway
Average Speed
Along Road Comments
85th perc. Speed 129 119 Width (m) Surface type Condition

Current speed limit 120 km/h Main road - N2 (northern side) 3 Concrete Good Side walk is very wide and in good condition

Main road - N2 (southern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

Position of access (nearest route marker) Side road - access (eastern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

N2-13 Side road - access (western side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

65,4E

General characteristics of access gate

Access Distance (m) Comments

Distance from edge of road to property 15

Distance from edge of property to gate 100 No gate close to road

Access View to the east View to the west

None

Access road Sidewalk along N2 Sidewalks along Access road

13
Table 7.6: Summary of Access No. 6
Speed surveys on the main road Sight distances
Direction Distance (m)

Speed Survey Westbound Eastbound Sight Distance type Available- Direction towards Comments
Required
Speed (km/h) East West

1 49 102 Intersection sight distance - stop control 490

Does not meet the requirementtowards the east and
320 530
requires a flagman etc.
2 77 117 Intersection sight distance - yield control 230

3 79 120 Vegetation impacting on Sight distance No

4 81 123

5 86 123 General characteristics of roads

104 125 Roadway Shoulder
6
Road
7 110 131 Width (m) Surface type Surface type Width (m)

8 114 132 Main road - N2 15 Black top Black top North = 3.0, South = 1.0

9 115 133 Side road - access 4 Gravel None NA

10 119 146

Highest Speed 119 146 General characteristics of sidewalks

93 125 Roadway
Average Speed
Along Road Comments
85th perc. Speed 114 132 Width (m) Surface type Condition

Current speed limit 100 km/h Main road - N2 (northern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

Main road - N2 (southern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

Position of access (nearest route marker) Side road - access (eastern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

N2-13 Side road - access (western side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

72,0E

General characteristics of access gate

Access Distance (m) Comments

Distance from edge of road to property 14 increases to 40m if along access road

Distance from edge of property to gate 10

Access View to the east View to the west

Notes: There is a sharp angle off the N2 and therefore abormal vehicles will
have to approach from the west. Alternatively access to be relocated to
eliminate sharp bend. Also access road is under tower cables and will most
likely need to be relocated just east of the tower.

Access road

14
Table 7.7: Summary of Access No. 7

Speed surveys on the main road Sight distances

Direction Distance (m)

Speed Survey Westbound Eastbound Sight Distance type Available- Direction towards Comments
Required
Speed (km/h) East West

85 74 Intersection sight distance - stop control 490 Meets the requirement in both directions.
1
520 > 900
108 88 Intersection sight distance - yield control 230 Meets the requirement in both directions.
2

3 111 102 Vegetation impacting on Sight distance No

4 116 105

5 116 107 General characteristics of roads

122 113 Roadway Shoulder
6
Road
7 122 118 Width (m) Surface type Surface type Width (m)

8 129 125 Main road - N2 14,7 Black top Black top North = 2.7, South = 1.2

9 131 127 Side road - access 5,8 Gravel None NA

10 137 134

Highest Speed 137 134 General characteristics of sidewalks

118 109 Roadway
Average Speed
Along Road Comments
85th perc. Speed 130 126 Width (m) Surface type Condition

Current speed limit 100 km/h Main road - N2 (northern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

Main road - N2 (southern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

Position of access (nearest route marker) Side road - access (eastern side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

N2-13 Side road - access (western side) NA NA NA No sidewalk

74,6E

General characteristics of access gate

Access Distance (m) Comments

Distance from edge of road to property 10

Distance from edge of property to gate 18

Access View to the east View to the west

None
None

Access road Sidewalk along N2 Sidewalks along Access road

15
8. ABNORMAL LOADS TRANSPORTED ON NATIONAL ROADS

The National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996) (NRTA) and the National Road Traffic Regulations,
2000 (NRTR), prescribe certain limitations on vehicle dimensions and axle and vehicle masses
that a vehicle using a public road must comply with. However, certain vehicles and loads cannot
be moved on public roads without exceeding the limitations in terms of the dimensions and/or
mass as prescribed in the NRTR. Where such a vehicle or load cannot be dismantled, without
disproportionate effort, expense or risk of damage, into units that can travel or be transported
legally, it is classified as an abnormal load. Provision for such abnormal vehicles and loads is
made in the NRTA, and specifically in Section 811 of the NRTA, which reads as follows:

‘‘Vehicle and load may be exempted from provisions of Act

81. (1) The Minister may, after the applicant has paid the fees or charges referred to in Section
7(3) and subject to such conditions as he or she may determine, authorise in writing, either
generally or specifically, the operation on a public road of a vehicle which, due to such vehicle’s
original design cannot comply with this Act.
(2) The MEC may, after the applicant has paid the fees or charges referred to in Section 7(3) and
subject to such conditions as he or she may determine, authorise in writing, either generally or
specifically, the conveyance in a safe manner on a public road of passengers or any load
otherwise than in accordance with this Act.
(3) An MEC shall determine the fees or charges payable for a vehicle or load that does not comply
with this Act.’’ When the movement of an abnormal load is considered to be in the economic
and/or social interest of the country, an exemption permit may be issued to allow a vehicle(s)
transporting such an abnormal load to operate on a public road for a limited period.

The Administrative Guidelines for Granting of Exemption Permits for the Conveyance of Abnormal
Loads, issued by the COTO, 2015, deals with the administrative procedures relating to the
registration of abnormal vehicles and the application to or issuing of exemption permits.

The fundamental principles guiding this process are:

i. An exemption permit for an abnormal load will only be considered for an indivisible load,
abnormal in dimension and/or mass, where there is no possibility of transporting the load in a
legal manner;
ii. The damage to the road infrastructure by an abnormal vehicle has to be recovered from the
carrier;
iii. The risks to other road users must be reduced to a level equivalent to what it would be
without the presence of the abnormal vehicle on the road; and
iv. The conditions imposed must take the economic and/or social interest of the country and
public at large into account.
v. The purpose of the exemption permit system is not to undermine or circumvent the NRTA
and the NRTR.
vi. The issuing authority can deviate from the guidelines and/or impose additional requirements
when taking the circumstances applicable to each application into account.

As abnormal loads have to be transported by road to the site, a permit will need to be obtained
from the Eastern Cape Department of Transport.

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In addition, SANRAL require a route clearance report to be undertaken. The requirements of the
route clearance report are included in Appendix A, which include the following:
i. Delay to road users.
ii. Road closures.
iii. Road construction works.
iv. Wide loads.
v. Monitoring and records.

It should be noted that SANRAL reserves the right to oppose any issued abnormal load permit in
the event of any un-envisioned delay or disruption to public road users on National roads, or in the
event that the carrier does not consistently meet the requirements as set out in Appendix A.

A detailed programme will be issued in advance as to when the abnormal vehicles will be used.
The local municipality will be notified prior to the transporting of abnormal loads which might have
a negative impact on the public road users. Traffic planners/personnel will ensure that the lane
width, turning movements and vertical alignments of temporary arrangements are suitable for
these vehicles. All personnel will be advised to stay clear of any trucks with abnormal loads.
Heavy oversized vehicles with abnormal loads will be escorted into site. All heavy oversized
vehicles or heavy mobile equipment are to have the right of way.

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9. EMERGENCY PLANNNING

Contact details of emergency services will be conveyed to all necessary personnel, thus ensuring
that in the event of an incident occurring, the necessary service/s are informed immediately.

Provision will be made to ensure that in the event of an incident occurring, access to the site will
be available and accessible to emergency services to travel through the site where the incident
occurred.

The following list provides a few contact numbers for emergency services in the vicinity of the site:
i. Police – 10111
ii. Ambulance – 10 177/ Net care 082 911
iii. Fire Brigade – 046 622 2932
iv. Disaster Management – 046 603 6048
v. Settlers Hospital – 046 622 2215
vi. Fort England Hospital – 046 602 2300
vii. Med-Life Ambulance Service – 046 622 7976
viii. Netcare 911 Air Ambulance – 082 911

D M McQUIRK Pr. Eng.

MSc. Transportation & Traffic Eng., BSc Civil Eng, Dipl Traffic Safety Management
Registered with ECSA 970660, member of IMESA

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 APPENDIX A

ABNORMAL LOADS TRANSPORTED ON NATIONAL ROADS

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Conditions to carriers of frequent abnormal loads for wind turbines to be included into the
route clearance report and abnormal load permits

The statement by the Professional Engineer regarding road safety and traffic engineering aspects
shall ensure that the transportation of the intended abnormal loads shall conform to the maximum
impacts on road users as detailed below. In order to assist the analysis of traffic impacts,
SANRAL traffic monitoring information is available for use.

1. Delay to Road Users:

- Queue lengths: not more than 6 vehicles for longer than 1km should follow behind the
abnormal load train without being afforded the opportunity to overtake.
- No single vehicle may follow the abnormal train for more than 5km without being
afforded the opportunity to overtake.
- Assessment of the national road constraints and road user trends to be done to plan
abnormal passage and to minimise delays to the public road users.
- Utilisation of climbing lanes, rest areas and additional constructed pull-off areas must
be actively planned to achieve overtaking of the abnormal train.
- The above requirements must apply in all weather conditions.

2. Road Closures:
- No longer than 3 hours of accumulated closures per week for all abnormal passage/ all
carriers on a road link of 200km shall be permitted. (On mountain pass closures, this
closure time could be extended to 6 hours accumulated per week, which closure would
be required mainly for the long loads around small radius curves.)
- The carrier must co-ordinate long closures (excess of 1 hour) with other Road
Authorities as well as SANRAL construction projects where blasting or other closures
could be undertaken. Advance warning of repetitive closures in excess of 15 minutes
must be signposted, and signing to be approved by SANRAL. Where abnormal
closures and construction closures are located within 50km, they must in all instances
be co-ordinated.

3. Road Construction works:

- The carrier shall liaise continuously at projects of road construction sites to ensure
passage of abnormal loads at construction works constraints (which change regularly)
and potential damage to temporary bypasses. Should alteration of construction works
be required by the carrier, the carrier shall liaise with the Engineer supervising the
construction project and be required to pay for any alterations, disruptions or
construction delays which may be caused. SANRAL reserves the right to limit passage
on construction works to non-abnormal vehicles dimensions and loads, unless suitable
arrangements have been made to allow for the passage of abnormal vehicles and
loads. Contact details of SANRAL construction projects are available from the relevant
SANRAL Regional offices.

4. Wide Loads:
- Unless other acceptable arrangements are provided to SANRAL, abnormally wide
loads along two directional roads, where the abnormal width plus 0.4m is in excess of
half the surfaced road width, must be done under stop/go conditions, not longer than 5
km in length. Public vehicles in both directions shall be afforded the opportunity to

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 overtake the abnormal load at the stop/go point. For lesser trafficked roads, and with
SANRAL approval, the delay impact criteria (number of vehicles in queue and length of
following) may be used instead of the 5km stop/go length criteria.
- Under conditions of reduced visibility, abnormally wide loads in the above stated vehicle
width /road width limit should not be transported.

5. Monitoring and Records:

- The carrier shall ensure that all dangerous/illegal overtaking of the abnormal load and
train are recorded, and provided to SANRAL on request.
- The carrier shall ensure that all deviations to these requirements are recorded, and
provided to SANRAL on request.
- The carrier shall ensure that all newly identified risks are recorded and conveyed to
Provincial Roads Authority and to SANRAL, and negative impacts are mitigated.

6. General:
- The detailed route description for each type of abnormal load, frequency and general
travel times must be submitted to SANRAL for assessment. Periods of high or peak
traffic flows must be identified and avoided as much as possible.
- The route clearance statement for each type of abnormal load must be included in the
report to be submitted to SANRAL for assessment, which must incorporate the above
requirements.
- A statement of passage of dimensional and mass abnormal loads over /under
structures and bridges must be submitted to SANRAL for consideration, with protective
measures where required.
- The modification of National Road infrastructure for the passage of abnormal loads
requires separate consents by SANRAL.
- SANRAL approval shall be required in the event of abnormal loads being planned to
overnight on a consistent basis, within National Road reserves.
- The carrier must indicate what advertising will be done to warn to road users, nationally,
of the impacts of the abnormal load passage, as well as indicating alternate routes.
This must be done on a continuous basis as the transport of abnormal loading unfolds.
- Provision for curtailing of transportation of abnormal loads in adverse weather
conditions, and measures to be undertaken in the event of incidents such as crashes
and breakdowns must be included in the planning.
- SANRAL reserves the right to oppose any issued abnormal load permit in the event of
any un-envisioned delay or disruption to public road users on National roads, or in the
event that the carrier consistently not meeting the above requirements.

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 APPENDIX B

SIGHT DISTANCES

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 290m sight distance for yield condition-
Single unit vehicles (60km/h)

490m sight distance for yield condition-

Single unit vehicles (100km/h)

590m sight distance for yield condition-

Single unit vehicles (120km/h)

Figure B.1 Intersection sight distance for turning maneuvers-stop condition

140m sight distance for yield condition-

Single unit vehicles (60km/h)

230m sight distance for yield condition-

Single unit vehicles (100km/h)

300m sight distance for yield condition-

Single unit vehicles (120km/h)

Figure B.2 Intersection sight distance for turning maneuvers- yield condition

160m sight distance for crossing

maneuvers- Single unit vehicles (three
lanes) - (60km/h)

250m sight distance for crossing

maneuvers- Single unit vehicles (three
lanes) - (100km/h)

330m sight distance for crossing

maneuvers- Single unit vehicles (three
lanes) - (120km/h)

Figure B.3 Intersection sight distance for crossing maneuvers

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 APPENDIX C

EXTRACTS FROM CHAPTER 13, VOLUME 2 OF THE SARTSM

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