Opportunity to comment on overpass, proposed road closures for MyCiTi bus service in Wynberg
21 June 2023
The City of Cape Town is busy finalising the detail design of the routes for the MyCiTi bus service in Wynberg and surrounds. These routes were approved by Council in 2019 and the City is now preparing for the construction of the MyCiTi infrastructure. Residents will have the opportunity to comment on the bridge over the Southern railway line, as well as the proposed full and partial road closures, from 26 June 2023. The new infrastructure is needed for the MyCiTi bus service, will improve general traffic flow, and include dedicated walking and cycle lanes. The City will also host an information day in July 2023.
The City of Cape Town’s Council approved the concept design for the MyCiTi bus routes in Wynberg in March 2019. This approval includes the route alignment from the M5/Ottery Road interchange to Main Road (M4) via South and Waterbury Roads.
Since the approval in 2019, the concept design has been further developed to accommodate a bridge crossing the Southern railway line. It is proposed that the overpass (bridge) must be wide enough to accommodate four lanes: one in each direction for the MyCiTi buses and one in each direction for normal vehicular traffic, as well as walking and cycle lanes.
A number of roads intersecting with South Road and Waterbury Road will need to be fully or partially closed, on a permanent basis, to accommodate the new dedicated bus lanes. These proposed partial and full road closures will improve the safety of the public transport and private vehicles, and ease traffic flow. It is important to note that all residents will still have access to and from their properties.
The impacted streets are as follows:
• Waterbury Road
• Ashbury Road
• Honiton Road
• Chudleigh Road
• Batts Road
• Stella Road
• Lympleigh Road
• Sussex Road
• Rotherfield Road
• Woodley Road
• Milford Road
• Platoon Road
• Troop Road
• Evremonde Road
• Churchill Road
• Napier Road
• Portswood Road
The overpass or bridge over the Southern railway line entails the following:
- The overpass will be aligned along South Road on the eastern side of Wynberg with the elevation starting at the intersection with Honiton Road
- It will pass over the railway line and will be aligned with Waterbury Road on the western side with the elevation ending at the intersection with Main Road (M4)
- The actual overpass will be 60m in length from abutment to abutment, and will be about 8m above ground level
- The bridge will be about 27m wide to accommodate one lane in each direction for general traffic, a bus lane in each direction, and a shoulder for a cycle lane and walking lane in each direction
- It will be fitted with streetlighting, and will span Brampton Road, the railway line, and Exeter Road, thus not impacting accessibility along either of these roads
‘The roll-out of the MyCiTi service will transform Wynberg. We often focus on the benefits that the MyCiTi service offers public transport commuters. What often goes unsaid, however, is how the new MyCiTi related road infrastructure will assist in alleviating general traffic congestion where the service is rolled out.
‘For example, one of the biggest reasons for the traffic congestion in the Greater Wynberg area is the missing road links that should connect the eastern and western sides of Wynberg. Commuters have few options to cross the Southern railway line that runs through the heart of Wynberg.
‘The intention is to connect Main Road and Ottery Road by building the missing link along South and Waterbury Roads. The proposed overpass will give the Wynberg and Plumstead areas an additional crossing of the railway line and this will relieve the traffic pressure on Rockley and Victoria Roads,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.
The infrastructure will also benefit pedestrians and cyclists.
‘The City is making a substantial investment in the upgrade of road infrastructure in Greater Wynberg which will transform this area and ignite urban regeneration. Apart from the benefits to commuters, the investment will have a positive impact on local businesses, and visitors using the roads or pedestrianised areas. As this rejuvenation expands, the whole of Wynberg sets to benefit, inclusive of local residents and property owners,’ said Councillor Quintas.
How to comment on the above proposals:
- Attend the public information day on 20 July 2023 at the William Herbert sports facility hall from 15:00 to 19:00
- Visit the City’s website at: www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay
- Send an email to: transport.news@capetown.gov.za
- Submit written comments at Subcouncil 20, Alphen Centre, Constantia Main Road, Constantia
- The comment period is from 26 June 2023 to 18 August 2023
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office