CAPE TOWN – Motorists in Claremont face ongoing traffic disruptions after the city implemented an emergency lane reduction on Stanhope Bridge.
Only one lane in each direction remains open after a retaining wall on the south-east quadrant of the bridge failed on Monday 26 January. The lane reduction has caused severe congestion, especially during peak hours.
The closure affects commuters travelling along Imam Haron Road, Main Road and Palmyra Road.
City confirms no injuries
Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Cllr Rob Quintas, said the city had introduced the lane reduction to protect road users and workers.
“The lane reduction on Stanhope Bridge in Claremont is an emergency intervention after the existing retaining wall on the south-east quadrant of the bridge failed on Monday,” Quintas said.
He confirmed that no workers or members of the public had been injured.
“To ensure safety, the city immediately cordoned off the affected area on and below the bridge.”
Traffic backed up through Claremont CBD
Earlier on Monday afternoon, a partial collapse of a supporting embankment beneath the bridge forced officials to close one lane. This resulted in heavy traffic congestion in and out of the Claremont central business district.
Although one lane remained open at the time, motorists experienced long delays. The city has advised road users to avoid the area where possible and to use alternative routes.
Repairs could take six weeks
The city has appointed a contractor to investigate the cause of the retaining wall failure. The contractor will begin remedial work as soon as possible.
Due to the complexity of the repairs, reinstating the retaining wall could take up to six weeks, provided work progresses as planned.
“We apologise for the inconvenience to motorists, residents and the general public,” Quintas said.
“We empathise with affected commuters and will try our utmost to complete the work as quickly as possible.”
- The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate began work on Stanhope Bridge in mid-2025. The work forms part of the MyCiTi Phase 2A construction project. The city expects construction on the bridge to continue until the end of 2027.
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