Some of the worst traffic congestion in Cape Town is experienced at the Koeberg Interchange, where the N1 and N5 highways intersect.

The intersection was designed and built long before the drastic increase in traffic experienced today, and also before the many business, shopping and residential developments such as Canal Walk in the area added to the already busy traffic flow.

A study on the N1 Corridor identified the need for several infrastructural improvements, including this interchange.

The City of Cape Town owns the Table Bay Boulevard section of the N1 between the city centre and Salt River, while the N1 from Salt River to the R300 (including the Koeberg Interchange) falls under the Provincial Government of the Western Cape.

Forces were joined and the implementation of the infrastructural improvements and additions was split into phases. Due to the size and complexity of the project, it has been split into more than one contract.

Tenders for the upgrading of Koeberg Interchange have been called for and work is due to start shortly, while the tender for the upgrade of Table Bay Boulevard was advertised at the end of February; work is expected to get underway in May.

What changes will be made?

Phase 1

• Directional ramps connecting the M5 with the N1
• An extra traffic lane on the N1 south-bound
• Widening the N1 north-bound through Koeberg Interchange to three lane
• Two extra traffic lanes on the N1 north-bound after Koeberg Interchange
• An extra lane on Table Bay Boulevard north-bound
• Relocating existing services and modifying existing structures, and minor realignments
• Rehabilitation of both carriageways

Phase 2

Implementing the N1 BRT Busway Scheme, which will use the area of the disused Paardeneiland railway line

Phase 3

• Widening the south-bound carriageway of the N1 through the Koeberg Interchange from two to three lanes
• Building an extra traffic lane on the south-bound carriageway of Table Bay Boulevard between Koeberg Interchange and Marine Drive Interchange
• Building of a walkway deck and pedestrian paths
• Widening of the bridge carrying Table Bay Boulevard over the disused Paardeneiland railway line

What about road closures?

While there will be some road disruptions and fewer lanes, the contractors and city officials will make every attempt to ensure that traffic flow will not be adversely affected, especially during peak hours.

Budget and timing

The Koeberg Interchange project is expected to cost R610-million, while the Table Bay Boulevard rehabilitation project will cost R120-million. Work will be completed by early 2010.

Koeberg interchange construction progress
(Click on image to view larger image)

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