The Strand seawall upgrade project is making significant strides, with approximately 400 m of the 720-m main structure already installed, keeping the project on schedule for completion before the 2026 festive season.
The multi-million rand initiative, which aims to strengthen coastal protection and enhance the Beach Road popular promenade, continues with bulk excavations, foundation casting, and the installation of large, specially engineered concrete units.
Eddie Andrews, deputy mayor and Mayoral Commiteee member for Spatial Planning and Environment, provided a comprehensive update on the project’s status, challenges, and traffic plans for the upcoming holiday season. He further confirmed that the project is progressing well and is on track.
“Portions of upgraded underground services adjoining the seawall have been installed landward of the seawall as opposed to the existing locations on the beach, improving resilience and protection from coastal processes, and ensuring long-term service delivery,” Andrews said.
The project’s key subsequent steps involve reinstating the beach, backfilling the land side, installing new services, placing the curved cope units, and paving the new promenade. This work follows the successful placement of 36 L-shaped wall units, with over 300 cope units and 90 wall units already manufactured and ready for placement.
While the overall timeline is steady, Andrews acknowledged that the construction has encountered minor hurdles. “As with any construction project, there are minor delays and challenges that have been experienced, which have been mitigated by the responsive contractor and professional team,” he explained.
“These are mainly linked to old, decommissioned or uncharted services. This remains a challenge in the environment that we are working in and needs to be managed with caution.”
Regarding the expected congestion during the December and January holiday period, the current traffic management system, which uses jersey barriers and signage, will remain in place over the builders’ break (mid-December to mid-January).
This entails north-bound traffic (toward the swimming pool) travelling on Beach Road, while south-bound traffic (toward Greenways) is directed via a clearly signposted detour to rejoin Beach Road.
“Road users and pedestrians are urged to remain vigilant and comply with all signage and instructions from flag persons.”
General road users are advised to use Gordon’s Bay Drive to avoid the usual festive season congestion.
Work on the seawall project will halt around Saturday 13 December and will resume around Monday 12 January, but limited site activity will continue until Friday 19 December.
The Strand Municipal Swimming Pool will operate as usual over the festive season.
Andrews further noted more details on the construction progress and site access over the builders’ break will be shared early December.
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