The installation of a long-promised traffic light at the perilous Helling Street and Brackenfell Boulevard intersection has brought immense relief to residents of Protea Heights and Sonkring, who have waited years for this vital safety measure.
After budget was finally made available, work started last week with road lines being painted. Installation is projected to be completed this week.
Requested nine years ago
This traffic light was requested back in 2017 as traffic increased on Brackenfell Boulevard as a result of extending the boulevard in both directions making it increasingly difficult and even treacherous to turn right out of Helling Street in Brackenfell Boulevard. Additionally, vehicles exiting Sonkring faced similar challenges.
Residents called the intersection “the most frustrating cross in the Cape”, especially during peak-hour traffic when cars backed up for several street blocks while waiting to turn.
We hope the traffic light intersection will provide the necessary control of traffic and will make it easier and safer for residents.
Following the hit-and-run incident at the intersection in 2018, in which a young girl was knocked off her scooter, the calls for the traffic light became more urgent and City officials revisited the request, noting “the changing traffic patterns in the vicinity”. An investigation followed of which a feedback report was submitted to Subcouncil 2 for subsequent approval.
Ward 8 councillor Johann Loots said, “We are pleased with the installation of the traffic lights as the community have been requesting this for some time. We hope the traffic light intersection will provide the necessary control of traffic and will make it easier and safer for residents of both Sonkring and Protea Heights to access Brackenfell Boulevard.”
