Construction is under way on the N2 Leiden–Camden project, a major road upgrade that will transform approximately 28.4 km of the existing two-lane road into a four-lane divided dual carriageway, with two lanes in each direction.
The project forms part of SANRAL’s broader upgrade of the Mpumalanga section of the N2. Following a mobilisation period that began on 1 April 2026, physical construction commenced on 16 July. The project has a planned construction period of 42 months, with completion anticipated by 16 January 2029.
Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to improve safety and traffic capacity along a route heavily used by trucks transporting agricultural and mining products. The N2 also connects with the N11 and N17 around Ermelo, bringing together freight, tourist and daily commuter traffic.
Key features of the project include:
- Widening and realigning 28.4 km of the N2.
- Constructing a four-lane divided dual carriageway.
- Demolishing and replacing six existing bridges.
- Upgrading 14 intersections.
- Constructing approximately 18.7 km of secondary roads.
- Improving surface and subsurface drainage.
- Building a pavement designed to accommodate projected traffic volumes over a 30-year period.
- Introducing guardrails, drainage inlets and fencing where required.
The existing bridges must be replaced because they were designed for the current two-lane road and cannot accommodate the wider dual-carriageway layout. Bypasses, temporary detours and traffic signs will be introduced to accommodate motorists while work continues.
The project is also expected to benefit surrounding communities. According to SANRAL, 8% of the construction value must be spent on local labour, with workers recruited from within the Msukaligwa Local Municipality. Local businesses will also have opportunities to participate through an open tender process for targeted enterprises.
While motorists may experience temporary inconvenience during construction, the completed route is expected to provide safer and more efficient travel between Leiden and Camden, while supporting freight movement and economic activity in the region.