On Tuesday, 16 February 2021, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase, accompanied the Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Bonginkosi Madikizela, at the opening of the N2 pedestrian bridge on the corner of De Beers Avenue and Trunk Road 2 (N2) near Somerset West.
The project cost approximately R22,6 million, of which the City’s contribution amounted to R14 million.
Construction commenced on 10 May 2019 and was scheduled to take 15 months to complete, however, that period was extended due to unforeseen delays, which included the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project entailed the construction of a new pedestrian bridge with ramps and staircases at De Beers Avenue that cross Trunk Road 2 Section 1 near Somerset West.
‘The safety of our residents, in particular the learners who use this stretch of the road to get to school, was at the motivation to complete this project. We wanted to create a safe passage for the pedestrians to cross the N2 and eliminate the conflict points between pedestrians and vehicles.
‘Before this bridge was constructed, pedestrians risked their lives daily crossing a four lane national road. That is now a thing of the past. The bridge will allow residents to cross the road without fear of being knocked over by vehicles travelling at speed. The opening coincides with the start of school for the new year, making it a lot easier for the learners to cross the road. I am very proud of this project and that we managed to complete it in time for learners,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase.