New dual carriageway plan to alleviate traffic

KiwiNeko14 via Wikimedia Commons

"All in all, we will spend approximately R100 million on the project – first of all to build a new carriageway south of the existing Plattekloof Road and secondly to refurbish the existing Plattekloof Road after we have completed the construction of the new carriageway. Once completed, this important artery will be a dual carriageway all the way from the N7 freeway in the west to the N1 freeway in the east,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member: Transport for Cape Town, Councillor Brett Herron.

The project should commence within the next three weeks if all goes according to plan.

Traffic alleviation

"The new carriageway will bring great relief to motorists in terms of traffic alleviation in this area and it is also being built as part of the conditions of approval for the new Richmond Business Park development, situated between the N7 freeway and De Grendel," said Councillor Herron.

Improvements to Tygerberg Valley Road, such as the provision of additional lanes and turning lanes, will follow within the next six months or so pending the progress with the development of the Richmond Business Park.

Three phased project

The project to turn Plattekloof Road into a dual carriageway will be done in three phases:

• The first phase is to commence at the intersection with Tygerberg Valley Road. Contractors will construct the new dual carriageway next to (south of) the existing Plattekloof Road, all the way to the intersection with Bosmansdam Road, covering a distance of about 2,2 km

• The second phase of the construction of the new carriageway will cover the section between Bosmansdam Road and Gert van Rooyen Avenue, covering a distance of approximately 1,2 km

• The third and final phase entails the rehabilitation of the existing Plattekloof Road and is only to commence after the new carriageway is completed

Little disruption to traffic flow

"We intend to build the new carriageway within 12 months or so and then to complete the rehabilitation of the existing roadway within the following eight months. We will try our best to keep to these timeframes, but residents should bear in mind that unforeseen challenges and bad weather may lead to delays that are beyond our control," said Councilor Herron.

Importantly, the existing Plattekloof Road will be open to two-way traffic for the duration of the project while the new carriageway is being built. Once completed, the traffic will be diverted to the new carriageway so that TCT can commence with the rehabilitation of the existing road. As such, road users can expect little disruption to the flow of traffic.

Bigger demand for road infrastucture

"Apart from replacing the road surface and installing new stormwater infrastructure, TCT will also build new sidewalks next to the existing road and along the new carriageway. Furthermore, the road will be wide enough so that cyclists are able to ride in the shoulder of the carriageways," said Councillor Herron.

The intersections with Vryburger Avenue, Bosmansdam Road, and Welgemeend Street will be upgraded as well to suit the new road network and to ensure road safety of those turning into and out of the dual carriageway.

"We are excited about this project and are looking forward to the benefits which this investment will bring to the local community. We have recorded a significant increase in our population the past 10 years or so, leading to a bigger demand for road infrastructure and developments such as the one that is envisioned in Richmond. As such, the City must plan ahead for future growth and I am confident that the Plattekloof Road project will significantly contribute to the progress we want to see in the years to come," said Councillor Herron.