The South African National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral) has received a €120m loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the rehabilitation and expansion of two major toll-free roads located in the northern area of South Africa.

The project, part of an ongoing upgrade and extension initiative, represents a key element of the country’s transport infrastructure as it will help decrease travel time and transportation costs.

Project work involves renovation and widening of a 30km stretch from the R21 linking Pretoria and the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg as well as a 160km upgrade between Springs and Ermelo on the N17 that connects Swaziland with Johannesburg.

The road improvement plan will increase safety for travellers by providing emergency lanes, enhanced road alignment and grade separated junctions.

The EIB’s loan can be made accessible in South Africa’s rand currency, bringing additional value to the project and increasing the long-term sustainability of toll road operations of Sanral.