Recognition for major road infrastructure projects in South Africa and Lesotho highlights AECOM’s engineering expertise, innovation and commitment to resilient infrastructure across African sector
Global infrastructure leader AECOM has received two commendations at the 2026 CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards, recognising the company’s contribution to major transportation infrastructure projects in South Africa and Lesotho.
The awards, presented by Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) in partnership with Aon South Africa on 21 August, celebrate technical excellence, innovation and professional achievement across the country’s consulting engineering sector.
AECOM was commended in the projects ranging from R250 million to less than R1-billion category for the R573 Moloto Road Section 2 Upgrade, undertaken for the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL). The company also received a commendation in the best international projects category for the Polihali Western Access Road (PWAR) in Lesotho, undertaken for the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA). “These two commendations reflect the breadth of our capabilities and the strength of the teams delivering complex infrastructure across Africa,” says Riaan Robberts, Managing Director, Africa, AECOM.
“They also recognise something that is fundamental to how we work in that engineering excellence is not simply about solving a technical challenge. It is about understanding the wider needs of clients, communities and the environments in which we operate. We are proud of the contribution these projects are making to safer, more resilient and better-connected communities,” says Robberts.
Improving safety and mobility on Moloto Road
The R573 Moloto Road Section 2 Upgrade involved the detailed design and contract documentation for approximately 48 km of the R573 between Moloto and Moteti in Mpumalanga, with AECOM also undertaking contract administration and construction monitoring for two contracts.
The R573 is a vital commuter route serving communities east of Pretoria, with the corridor historically affected by high accident and fatality rates. The upgrade addresses safety and mobility through the transformation of the existing single carriageway into a divided road, incorporating additional capacity, a median barrier, upgraded intersections, public transport facilities, non-motorised transport infrastructure and street lighting.
The project incorporates 24 roundabouts and 18 access management intersections, while five existing river bridges were widened and three new pedestrian bridges and three agricultural underpasses were constructed. Approximately 27 km of adjacent access roads were also upgraded to reconnect communities and businesses to formalised intersections.
AECOM introduced several innovative engineering solutions, including chicanes at roundabout approaches to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for pedestrians. The approach has subsequently been adopted across the wider R573 upgrade. Digital tools, including drone technology and data-driven dashboards, were also used to monitor construction progress and provide visual analytics of weekly site activities.
The project has also generated significant local socio-economic benefits. Contract Participation Goals for targeted enterprises and labour were exceeded, with targeted enterprise participation reaching approximately 91% above target, representing around R277 million in spend, while targeted labour participation was approximately 67% above target, representing about R65 million. The project provided opportunities for 128 local labourers and training for 968 participants.
Connecting communities and enabling the Polihali Dam project
The Polihali Western Access Road forms part of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and provides a critical connection to the proposed Polihali Reservoir. AECOM was responsible for the design and construction-related engineering services for a 55 km surfaced greenfield route through the Maluti Mountains, at elevations ranging from about 2 100 m to 2 850 m above sea level. The project also included the resurfacing and repair of 98 km of the Northern Access Road between Pitseng and Katse Dam.
The challenging high-altitude environment required specialised engineering solutions to address freeze-thaw conditions, steep and variable geology, slope stability and limited access to materials. The design incorporated three bridges, 18 major culverts, gabions and reinforced concrete and mechanically stabilised earth retaining walls. AECOM also worked with wetlands specialists to develop solutions that maintained subsurface water flows and protected high-value wetlands along the route.
Innovation included the use of drone-based surveys to assess hazardous and inaccessible slopes, three-dimensional terrain modelling, tailored slope stabilisation systems and digital dashboards for construction monitoring. Pavement and materials designs were developed specifically for the extreme climatic conditions, including the use of durability testing and polymer-modified bitumen in appropriate areas.
The project also supported local economic participation and skills development through targeted enterprise and labour participation, while AECOM implemented a Young Professional-In-Training programme that provided graduates with practical experience, mentoring and multidisciplinary exposure.
Despite challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, work and residency permits, mining licences, materials supply and the logistical constraints of working in a remote mountainous environment, the project was successfully completed to enable access to the Polihali Dam construction site and support the wider objectives of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Engineering that delivers lasting value
The two commendations demonstrate AECOM’s ability to apply multidisciplinary engineering expertise to infrastructure challenges in diverse environments, from a heavily trafficked commuter corridor in South Africa to a remote, high-altitude road network in Lesotho.
“The value of engineering is ultimately measured by what it enables,” adds Robberts. “Whether that means making a critical commuter route safer, improving access to economic opportunities or enabling a major water infrastructure programme, these projects demonstrate how technical expertise, collaboration and innovation can translate into lasting benefits for the people and communities we serve,” he concludes.
Ends
Notes to the editor
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About AECOM
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
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