MOSSEL BAY – A R530 million upgrade to Louis Fourie Road in Mossel Bay was officially opened this week. The project transformed more than 3 km of the key Garden Route transport corridor from a single into a dual carriageway. Furthermore, it delivered 325 work opportunities along the way.

Tertuis Simmers, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, cut the ribbon on the project. It was delivered over more than four years by the Western Cape Government Department of Infrastructure. The upgrade strengthens a vital route connecting Mossel Bay, Diaz Beach, Voorbaai and Hartenbos. Major intersection improvements, new bridges, upgraded access roads and pedestrian infrastructure were also added.

“Today we are not simply opening an upgraded road,” Simmers said. “We are delivering an infrastructure investment that will serve the people of Mossel Bay for years to come. Infrastructure is ultimately about people. It is about connecting communities, supporting businesses and ensuring that our investments create opportunities that extend beyond the construction phase.”

Economic boost

Beyond the tar and concrete, the project pumped roughly R133 million into targeted enterprises and suppliers during construction, from July 2022 to October this year. About R15.2 million went to local Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Grade 1CE and 2CE contractors. Meanwhile, R20 million went to emerging Grade 3CE to 5CE contractors. R98 million was allocated to local suppliers. Local labour wages totalled R29.6 million.

The project created 325 work opportunities and generated more than 60 000 person-days of work. In addition, practical on-site training and mentoring supported skills development for longer-term participation in the construction industry.

Simmers stressed the importance of translating infrastructure spending into tangible economic benefits. “Behind these figures are workers who earned an income, emerging contractors who gained valuable experience and suppliers who participated in delivering this major investment. This is how infrastructure delivery can support livelihoods, develop skills and strengthen local economic participation.”

Key corridor

The upgrade involved substantial engineering, including a central median, rebuilt N2 on- and off-ramps, a new traffic circle, a new bridge over the Blinde River, realignment of the Langeberg Mall access road and a new pedestrian walkway between Waboom Road and Sonskynvallei. Besides that, a new bi-directional rail-over-road bridge was constructed on Garret Street, along with a new link road between Garret Street and Gericke Street. The Transnet Freight Rail crossing at Langeberg Mall was upgraded, and about 6km of adjoining road was resurfaced.

Supporting works included the relocation of municipal water and sewer infrastructure, an electricity substation and PetroSA-related infrastructure. In addition, there were stormwater improvements, culvert extensions and retaining walls.

Louis Fourie Road, formerly part of the N2 before the national route was realigned in the 1980s, remains an important transport connection within greater Mossel Bay.

Long-term value

Simmers said the investment reflects the Western Cape Government’s commitment to infrastructure that responds to the needs of growing communities.

“Mossel Bay and the broader Garden Route continue to require infrastructure that can support their development and economic potential,” he said. “The true value of this R530 million investment will be measured not only by the road we have completed, but by the opportunities it helps unlock for the people and businesses who depend on it.”

Simmers thanked engineering teams, contractors, local workers and project partners, and acknowledged residents, businesses and road users for their patience during construction. “The construction phase may be complete, but the value of this investment will continue to be realised for years to come,” he said.

ALSO READ: Sishen-Saldanha railway: 861 km lifeline getting a R8.9 billion makeover