The R797m Van Schoorsdrift Road Safety Improvement Project on the N7, north of Cape Town, is nearing completion, with the upgraded route expected to open in March 2027.
Source: Arrive Alive. A man stands on the N7 near the Van Schoorsdrift interchange.
The project covers a 10km stretch of the N7 between the Potsdam and Melkbosstrand interchanges, an important transport link connecting Cape Town's northern suburbs with the West Coast and destinations further north.
The project began in March 2024, with initial work involving site clearance, bulk earthworks and the relocation of affected utilities. The five at-grade intersections on the N7 which were closed for the upgrade were Vissershok Road (OP111), Klein Vissershok Road (OP89), Frankdale Road (OP47), which provides access to the City of Cape Town landfill site, the Van Schoorsdrif access to the Old Malmesbury Road (DR1111) and Morningstar Road (MR215).
By October 2026, 95% of stormwater drainage works and 98% of kerb construction had been completed, with significant progress also made on the bridge structures and new road alignment. Streetlighting installation is underway.
The upgrade is improving road safety and traffic flow along this busy section of the N7, which carries significant commuter and heavy vehicle traffic, including trucks accessing the Vissershok and Frankdale landfill sites.
Safer interchange design
The Western Cape Government identified the stretch as a safety concern because it was the only remaining section of the N7 between Goodwood and Malmesbury that did not meet freeway standards.
The project includes a new grade-separated interchange - approximately 4.5km north of the Potsdam Interchange - around 5km of new road and six bridge structures.
The new interchange will allow vehicles to enter and exit the N7 using dedicated ramps and bridges, eliminating dangerous crossings and right-hand turns across oncoming traffic. The project also includes new technology that will weigh trucks while they are moving, enabling authorities to identify potentially overloaded heavy vehicles without requiring every truck to stop at a weighbridge.
The infrastructure investment comes amid continued growth in Cape Town's northern suburbs, where expanding residential, commercial and industrial development is placing increasing demands on the transport network.
Economic participation targets
Beyond addressing existing traffic bottlenecks and easing congestion, the project is designed to accommodate future development and economic activity. The new 5km MR244 road will link Vissershok Road with the future Berkshire Boulevard, near Malanshoogte and Contermanskloof roads, forming part of a higher-order transport route between the West Coast and Durbanville.
Four of the project's six bridges will reconnect farmland and City-owned land currently divided by the existing road network, improving access and potentially unlocking land for future development. The Department of Infrastructure believes some of this farmland could be developed, creating opportunities for further commercial and industrial activity and supporting investment in Cape Town's northern growth corridor.
“Every milestone brings us closer to a safer, more efficient N7 that will serve residents, businesses and future generations,” said Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertius Simmers said.
Beyond the roadworks, Simmers announced in October 2024 that the project was set to create 280 work opportunities; 65,000 person-days of employment and that 24 local enterprises and 10 emerging contractors were expected to be involved.
As reported in October 2026, the project has already generated 394 work opportunities, 83,102 person days of employment while R131.8m has been spent on targeted enterprises.
Source: Western Cape Government. Early earthworks in 2024 marked the start of construction on the Van Schoorsdrift interchange with land clearance preparing the site for major upgrades.
