After months of construction on the upgrade of the R27/Berkshire Boulevard intersection, motorists will be happy to know that phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed by the end of November.
The R27/Berkshire Boulevard intersection upgrade project, which is the work of the City of Cape Town, is being implemented in conjunction with Garden Cities in a phased approach.
To date, the main earthworks and installation of underground services have been completed.
Once completed, this upgrade will serve to alleviate traffic congestion and improve peak traffic flow from Sunningdale and Big Bay, as well as for R27 road users in the Bloubergstrand area.
Traffic congestion
Traffic at the R27/Berkshire Boulevard intersection is a nightmare for motorists during peak hours, often having to wait in traffic for long periods.
“It is exhausting,” says Bernard Haines who travels daily on this route to and from work.
“Even though construction is a headache at the moment, just thinking of how this stretch of road will look like afterwards is blissful. I think others agree as well,” he says.
The City says that through the provision of additional lanes and independent turning lanes, traffic congestion at the intersection will be reduced and will allow for improved traffic flow.
The traffic signals will be upgraded to accommodate the turning lanes and the timing will be adjusted to reduce vehicle standing time and to allow pedestrians to safely cross the intersection.
Pedestrian sidewalk
The upgrade will also see a pedestrian sidewalk along Big Bay Boulevard to link with the existing non-motorised transport network along Berkshire Boulevard and Otto du Plessis Drive in Big Bay.
“This is much needed,” says Haines. He adds that foot traffic is a concern and the sidewalk will bring relief to motorists.
The project is on track for completion towards the end of April 2023 and will aid significantly in alleviating traffic flow along this busy route, in addition to accommodating future development in the Sunningdale and Sandown areas.
Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayco member for urban mobility, visited the intersection upgrade last week as part of his Transport Month oversight tour.
“This public/private contribution, which provides an improved road use experience for all commuters, is a welcome component of our congestion relief management programme. We ask that the community please cooperate with our team on the ground while the project is ongoing. We would like to upgrade this intersection to improve traffic flow and accommodate future expansion in the area. We have measures in place to help direct residents during the construction period and we urge all road users to please comply,” he says.
- For enquiries, call the Transport Information Centre (toll-free 24/7) on 0800 65 64 63, or email transport.info@capetown.gov.za.
