The Dardanelles project was awarded on 3 January 2021 (revised completion date: 5 June 2025) at a value of R2.046 billion (October 2023). The 53-month contract involves the upgrade of National Route 3, Section 2 between Cato Ridge I/C (km 20.200) and Dardanelles (km 26.600). Works include upgrading and constructing ramps and provincial roads, drainage systems, retaining walls, road widening, bridge rehabilitation, new structures, median barriers, road sign gantries, and asphalt surfacing. Major structures include two retaining walls, a rail underpass, central pile foundations for a future bridge, and multiple bridge rehabilitations.
