The City’s Transport Directorate continues to deliver projects in Cape Town’s northern area that are aimed at relieving congestion and improving the safety of residents and motorists. Some of the areas in the northern district where projects were implemented include Belhar, Durbanville, Edgemead, Goodwood, Kraaifontein, and Northpine.
‘This Transport Month, we are focusing on the projects that were implemented in each of the City’s Transport districts across Cape Town so residents can have an idea of the progress right across the metro. In the Northern District some of our key projects over the last year or two include the Belhar Main Road and M12 Road link project – both are pivotal in alleviating traffic congestion in these areas. We also upgraded various major intersections in the areas surrounding Brackenfell Boulevard, Okavango and Fairtrees Roads. Various signalisation projects are also currently underway. I am very pleased with the strategic planning and implementation of our roads projects in this district.
‘Residents in Durbanville and Edgemead would have noticed new sidewalks and rehabilitated roads in their neighbourhoods. Our teams have worked hard to deliver safe walkways and universal access on roads and through open spaces in these areas,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase.
Over the past financial year the City has invested in various resurfacing projects in areas such as Northpine; Bernadino Heights; the Durbanville CBD and surroundings, as well as along sections of Durban Road.
‘We are now finalising two major intersection upgrades on Okavango Road in Kraaifontein and have commenced with the signalisation of the Ridge Road and Langeberg Road intersection. The teams are making great progress in these areas and will commence with further strategic signalisation and road duelling projects in the near future,’ said Alderman Purchase.
M12 (Giel Basson) from Sienna Drive to Welbeloond Road
The M12 Giel Basson to Tygervalley Road project formed part of a joint project between the City of Cape Town and Abland Development where the City invested over R21 million for the additional required infrastructure road link which now forms part of the Atlantic Hills industrial development. This road link was constructed to alleviate traffic congestion on Plattekloof Road and surrounds. This new link also connects the arterials to the N7 reducing travel time by rerouting the traffic away from the residential areas.
‘We would like to extend a special thanks to Abland Development for the successful implementation of this project and for making this opportunity possible,’ said Alderman Purchase.
Erica and Belhar Drive
The City commenced with the rehabilitation of both Erica and Belhar Drive earlier this year. R46 million was invested in the project where key portions of Erica Drive and Belhar Drive between the Stellenbosch Arterial Road and Alabama Avenue were rehabilitated. The rehabilitation of this portion of Erica Drive is pivotal as it is a major East-West link through Belhar. The road provides an alternate route to the Stellenbosch Arterial and also intersects with Symphony Way, which is a continuation of Robert Sobukwe Drive, the major North-South link to the hub of Bellville. The City also upgraded the traffic signal lights and sensors at the five major signalised intersections along this route.
Tygerberg Valley Road project
The City recently upgraded a portion of Tygerberg Valley Road between Plattekloof Road and Lionel Solomons Boulevard to a dual carriageway road. The section between Lionel Solomons Boulevard and Jonkershoek Road will be upgraded as a future phase of the project. This upgrade project will accommodate additional traffic as a result of the ongoing development of the Richmond Business Park.
Rehabilitation of Giel Basson Drive
The City has made good progress with the rehabilitation of Giel Basson Drive since commencing with construction work since the easing of the lockdown regulations. The City is spending R38 million on the rehabilitation of a key portion of Giel Basson Drive between the N1 off-ramp and Voortrekker Road. Construction is expected to take another nine months, pending any unforeseen delays.