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Johannesburg - The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) warned of traffic delays on the N1 north, between Hanover and Colesberg in the Northern Cape, on Wednesday because of a strike by construction workers.
"We wish to assure motorists that we will attempt to minimise the effect of the industrial action on our operations as well as their travel arrangements," said Sanral spokesperson Kobus van der Walt.
"Road safety was the main reason behind the decision to divert traffic," he said.
Van der Walt said strike action had affected construction activity, which had caused the need for traffic diversion. This would add 70km to the route.
Construction workers in the Western Cape marched to the Building Industry Bargaining Council (BIBC) in Cape Town on Wednesday to demand higher wages.
The march, by members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), started in Robert Sobukwe Road, said NUM regional spokesman Benson Ngqentsu.
In a statement, the BIBC said it received a notice from the NUM on Tuesday about the march.
"They requested someone to be available to receive their memorandum, but did not indicate the reason for the march," it said.
The workers handed over a memorandum to BIBC officials on Wednesday afternoon.
Construction workers downed tools on Monday, demanding a 13% wage increase.
The SA Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (Safcec) - which represents employers - tabled a 7.5% offer, which was rejected.
Ngqentsu said the march was a success despite inclement weather in Cape Town.
"Approximately 1 300 construction workers in red T-shirts marched to the BIBC," he said.
