The Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure is making steady progress on its landmark R373,7 million upgrade of Sir Lowry’s Pass Road (MR108).

The multi-million rand investment is set to transform traffic movement, boost road safety and enhance overall accessibility across the Gordon’s Bay region.

Construction on the flagship project commenced in April 2026 and is scheduled for completion in April 2028, subject to favourable weather and construction conditions.

Key infrastructure enhancements

The primary focus of the project is the reconstruction of approximately 4,57 km of the existing single-carriageway road into a modern Class 2 dual carriageway stretching between the N2 and Faure Marine Drive (R44).

Major design highlights and network upgrades include:

• Intersection Upgrades: Reconstruction of 17 intersections, including signalisation of 10 key intersections.
• Traffic Flow Solutions: Construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of MR108 and Faure Marine Drive, alongside additional traffic lanes and intersection improvements along Faure Marine Drive.
• Local Access Improvements: Upgrading and surfacing of Kleineryk Road, Mountain Stream Road and Aqua Road as well as enhancements to Old MR108 and various service/access roads.
• Safety & Infrastructure: Full-length street lighting along the upgraded MR108, alongside improved stormwater drainage, retaining structures, updated road signage, markings, and high-standard safety barriers.

Construction progress and traffic management

Work on site is advancing across multiple fronts. Current active operations focus on extensive earthworks and carriageway preparation, locating and relocating underground services, temporary shoulder widening, and structural work on the right-hand-side carriageway.

To minimise disruption to daily commuters, residents and local businesses the project is being rolled out in strategic stages.

Two-way traffic is intended to be maintained throughout construction using existing road sections, temporary diversions, or completed sections of the upgraded carriageway.

Motorists are urged to exercise caution, strictly observe temporary road signage and adhere to traffic management arrangements throughout the construction period.

Local economic impact and job creation

Beyond physical infrastructure the project serves as a key driver for local economic empowerment through targeted employment and enterprise procurement. Early progress highlights include:

• Work opportunities created: 33 opportunities generated so far, towards a overall project target of 230.
• Targeted labour-person days: 255 person-days recorded to date, against a full target of 29 000.
• Targeted enterprise procurement: R2,5 million spent with targeted local businesses, targeting a total expenditure of R81,2 million.

Investing in communities and future growth

Highlighting the long-term benefit of the investment, Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers emphasised that infrastructure development must deliver direct value to daily commuters and local residents.

“Every road investment must ultimately make a difference in people’s daily lives. This R373,7 million project is about more than widening a road. It is about improving safety, strengthening connectivity and creating opportunities for people and businesses through infrastructure delivery.”

Simmers added that close collaboration with the City of Cape Town and Sanral -particularly regarding the future Firlands N2 Bypass interchange will ensure the upgraded corridor seamlessly supports both current needs and long-term regional transport demands.

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