R510: The wait rolls into 2027

Attendees at the R510 stakeholder engagement in Northam on 13 October 2026, where the outstanding construction work was announced as expected to begin in January 2027.

Platinum Bushvelder newspaper | Northam – Motorists hoping to see construction resume on the long-delayed R510 before the end of this year face a disappointing update: work on the remaining 27-kilometre stretch is now expected to begin in January 2027.

The latest timeframe was announced during a stakeholder engagement hosted by Thabazimbi Local Municipality (TLM), in partnership with the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL), in Northam on Tuesday 13 October 2026.

It comes shortly after Platinum Bushvelder’s 9 October article, “R510: The meeting is over. When does the work begin?”, reported SANRAL’s earlier expectation that construction would start in October 2026, following mobilisation during August and September. Completion was then anticipated by 30 November 2027.

The municipality’s latest statement gives no reason for the change in the expected construction start and does not indicate whether the earlier completion target remains achievable.

For road users who have already waited years for the unfinished project to resume, January means another stretch of waiting.

The well-attended Northam session introduced SANRAL’s presence in the area, provided an update on the R510 Upgrade Project and formally introduced the appointed contractor responsible for completing the outstanding works.

According to TLM, the project was suspended several years ago.

Community members and stakeholders were given an opportunity to ask questions, seek clarity and offer input as SANRAL and the contractor outlined the planned work. Welcoming attendees, mayor cllr Andries Tshukudu emphasised the importance of keeping communities informed and giving them meaningful opportunities to participate in infrastructure projects that directly affect their lives.

Those present included municipal councillors, the municipal management team led by municipal manager Gopolang Clement Letsoalo, SANRAL representatives, the appointed contractor, stakeholders and community members.