The City of Cape Town has announced a detailed traffic management plan set to take effect from February as construction enters the next phase of the Strand Seawall Project.

The initiative, aimed at upgrading coastal infrastructure and enhancing public safety, will introduce temporary road closures, detours, and speed restrictions along Beach Road, with completion expected by November 2026.

The R200-million Strand Seawall refurbishment will unfold in five phases, each spanning approximately five months, beginning near the Strand Pavilion and progressing eastward toward Greenways Estate. While beach access will remain largely open, specific sections under active construction will see temporary restrictions, with work zones shifting as the project advances.

Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee member for Spatial Planning and the Environment Alderman Eddie Andrews emphasised the City’s commitment to minimizing disruptions. “The traffic management plan prioritises public safety and ensures traffic flow in this busy tourist area. We’ve scheduled heavy machinery movements during off-peak hours and will keep residents informed as work progresses.”

Key traffic adjustments

Starting Monday 3 February, motorists can expect the following changes:

North-bound traffic diversion: Vehicles on Beach Road will be re–routed onto Michau Street.

Temporary road markings:A stop sign and right-turn lane will be added at the Beach Road and Alex Pienaar Street intersection.

Lane closures:A 220-m stretch of the northbound lane on Beach Road, between Van Ryneveld Street and Alex Pienaar Street will close.

Safety measures:Concrete barriers, plastic traffic barriers, and pedestrian netting will be installed, alongside reduced speed limits (40 km/h) and flagmen in high-visibility gear to direct traffic. Pedestrians and cyclists will encounter detour signs guiding them around construction zones, while digital maps of affected areas are available on the City’s website.

The current phase focuses on constructing an upgraded seawall, universally accessible promenade, and traffic-calming measures along Beach Road. Once complete, the area will mirror the revamped section completed during the first phase, which introduced improved walkways and coastal defences. “These upgrades will benefit both residents and visitors, creating a safer, more accessible coastline,” Andrews said.

Commuters are urged to plan alternate routes, adhere to reduced speed limits near work zones, and follow signage.