The City of Cape Town’s Transport and Urban Development Authority will next week commence with the construction of new and improved roads, non-motorised facilities, traffic calming measures, and a new bridge over the Sir Lowry’s River which will benefit and add to the safety of the residents of Sun City, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village and Mission Grounds. The R55 million project will take place over approximately 24 months.
Residents of Sun City, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, and Mission Grounds in the Helderberg region had the opportunity to attend a public open day at the Sun City Community Centre where they could view the final project plans and the artist’s impressions for a R55 million upgrade project.
This comes as the City of Cape Town’s Transport and Urban Development Authority (TDA) is gearing up to commence with a project which will drive the construction of new and improved roads, non-motorised facilities, and traffic calming measures as well as a new bridge over the Sir Lowry’s River.
The project consists of:
- The rehabilitation of Sir Lowry’s Pass Road from the N2 through the Village to the T-junction and also Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road from the Knorhoek turn-off to past William Sergeant Street
- New sidewalks on Sir Lowry’s Pass Road from the N2 and through the village and on Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road
- A new bridge over the Sir Lowry’s River
- New stormwater infrastructure that will take the current open channels underground
- Installation of a new second traffic circle and two raised intersections for traffic calming through the village to increase pedestrian safety
‘More motorists are using Sir Lowry’s Pass Road (from the N2 to the T-junction) and Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road (from the T-junction to Somerset West) as alternative routes to get to Somerset West instead of using the N2. As a result, these roads are in a poor condition and have been identified as part of the project for rehabilitation.
‘Other aspects of the project include the bridge over the Sir Lowry’s River, which is also in a poor condition and does not have capacity to handle big flood events. The new bridge has therefore been designed to accommodate higher flows. Also, the stormwater infrastructure that has been in an open channel through parts of the village will be placed underground.
‘The project also includes the construction of new sidewalks from the N2 and through the village on both roads as well as the installation of a new second traffic circle and two raised intersections for traffic calming through the village to increase pedestrian safety. The existing non-motorised transport infrastructure is either in a poor condition or non-existent in many places. The traffic calming is to ensure that motorists go through the residential area slowly, which will add to the safety of residents.
‘We are certain that the much-needed R55 million investment into the roads and infrastructure in this area will benefit and add to the safety of the residents of Sun City, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village and Mission Grounds,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Urban Development, Councillor Brett Herron.
Construction is scheduled to commence on Monday 16 October 2017.
‘This project will take approximately 24 months to complete. With a project of this nature, motorists can expect delays while work is under way. All construction will take place under stop/go controls. Our teams will, however, make every effort to minimise the impact on traffic as much as possible. We ask motorists to please exercise patience during this period. Communities will be notified when the construction commences,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Area East, Councillor Anda Ntsodo.
The City’s Organisational Development and Transformation Plan (ODTP) was adopted by Council last year to improve the way in which the administration works and delivers services and this project is in line with one of the ODTP’s priorities for dense and transit-oriented growth and development.
‘This project will contribute towards addressing the transport inefficiencies that exist in that area and it is an example of investments being prioritised for infrastructure which will benefit both the motorists and residents. Upon completion, this project will also encourage non-motorised forms of transport. We, together with the residents, are looking forward to the enjoying the benefits and the improved safety that this project will bring,’ said Councillor Ntsodo.