City invests R171 million to address congestion in Kommetjie in the far south

20 October 2016

The City will spend approximately R171 million on this project which is intended to relieve congestion on the main traffic routes and at key intersections in the Kommetjie area.

The Kommetjie Road Project is part of the City’s Congestion Management Programme which has prioritised Kommetjie as one of the areas in need of intervention. The project will commence on Monday 24 October 2016 if all goes as planned and is set to take place over a period of 30 months, pending any unforeseen challenges.

"The peak-hour period on roads leading to and from Kommetjie, Sun Valley, Sunnydale, Masiphumelele, Capri, Imhoff’s Gift, and Ocean View exceeds three hours. We have therefore committed to spend R171 million on new road infrastructure, including dual carriageways, to alleviate the congestion along sections of Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg. We will also provide infrastructure for the high number of pedestrians and cyclists in the area as well as queue-jump lanes for public transport vehicles such as minibus-taxis and buses, to benefit public transport users." Brett HerronCity Mayoral Committee Member: Transport for Cape Town

The roadworks will cover a distance of approximately 3,5 km:

Kommetjie Road (M65) will be upgraded to a four-lane dual-carriageway between Capri Drive and Corsair Way, and the existing roadway will be rehabilitated
Ou Kaapse Weg (M6) will be upgraded to a four-lane dual-carriageway between Noordhoek Main Road and Kommetjie Road, and the existing roadway will be rehabilitated
The intersection at Ou Kaapse Weg and Silvermine Road will be upgraded to improve the sight distance for road users
Four signalised intersections will be upgraded with additional turning lanes to improve the capacity and flow of traffic:
At Kommetjie Road and Capri Drive
At Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg
At Ou Kaapse Weg and Buller Louw Boulevard
At Ou Kaapse Weg and Noordhoek Main Road
Queue-jump lanes will be provided for public transport vehicles such as buses and minibus-taxis on Kommetjie Road (M65) at the intersection with Ou Kaapse Weg

"We will address the lack of infrastructure for pedestrians along Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg with the provision of walkways that are separate from the road so that pedestrians have safe access routes to their destinations. The walkways will be constructed on either side of the carriageways – they will be 3 m wide and can be shared by pedestrians and cyclists. The newly constructed carriageways will also have shoulders that are 2,4 m wide to accommodate cyclists. Non-motorised transport is pivotal to the City’s efforts to reduce private vehicle use. This means that with every road infrastructure project, we will try to make provision for pedestrians and cyclists where the conditions allow for it as part of creating a sustainable and functioning city." Brett HerronCity Mayoral Committee Member: Transport for Cape Town

The project includes the upgrading and replacement of underground water mains, the upgrading of existing and construction of new stormwater infrastructure, and the relocation of electrical cables and ducting for fibre-optic cables.

‘We will also plant over 500 young trees, beautify the intersections with water-wise plants, and install benches where appropriate. Furthermore, new street lights will be installed along Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg,’ said Councillor Herron.

The City is well aware of the traffic congestion on Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg during peak-hour periods.

It is the intention to have two-way traffic flow at all times for the duration of this project and this requirement has been written into the construction contract.

‘This means that the implementation of a stop/go system will not be allowed apart from during an emergency. In terms of their contract with TCT, the contractor is obliged to ensure that the current road capacity along Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg is maintained at all times and for as long as the project continues. In practice this means that commuters will have access to the same number of lanes during the construction period as they have available right now,’ said Councillor Herron.

These precautions are stipulated in the project contract to try to limit the inconvenience and delays to traffic as far as reasonably possible and not to worsen the current traffic congestion.

‘However, roadworks are disruptive in nature and unexpected challenges can derail our best intentions and precautions. Residents and visitors should therefore expect some unforeseen delays. I want to request that road users please travel outside of the peak hours where possible, opt for public transport, or make use of car-pooling and car-sharing where public transport services are not available,’ said Councillor Herron.

The City will implement measures to ensure the safety of road users during the construction period.

‘Special provision will be made for pedestrians, we will use signboards to communicate with road users along the major routes, and temporary concrete barriers will be used to demarcate the construction sites. The speed limit will be reduced as needed and I request that road users please adhere to these limits and to be patient,’ said Councillor Herron.

TCT will communicate with the local residents and affected parties on a continual basis through notices and alerts, updates and newsletters. Regular community meetings will be hosted to provide interested and affected parties with the latest information.

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