CT to host Kommetjie Road project info session

© Jorge-Chaves – 123RF.com

Residents from Kommetjie in the far south and interested and affected parties have been requested to attend.

Cape Town has committed to spend R750m on road infrastructure projects over the next five years to address traffic congestion across the city. The R750m is being spent in accordance with the Congestion Management Programme which has prioritised Kommetjie in the far south as one of the main congestion areas in the city, among others.

The Kommetjie Road project is to commence by the end of October 2016 if all goes according to plan. The city will spend approximately R171m on this project which is intended to relieve congestion:

• along Kommetjie Road (M65) to the west of the Ou Kaapse Weg intersection
• along Ou Kaapse Weg (M6) between Noordhoek Road and Kommetjie Road
• at the intersection of Ou Kaapse Weg and Silvermine Road
• at the signalised intersection of Kommetjie Road and Capri Drive

The project includes the upgrading and replacement of certain underground electrical and water supply services, as well as the construction of stormwater pipelines.

The information session is take place at the King of Kings Baptist Church, corner of Ou Kaapse Weg and Buller Louw Boulevard, Kommetjie from 4pm to 7pm.

Four-lane dual-carriageways

The capacity of the existing road infrastructure will be improved by turning sections of Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg into four-lane dual-carriageways for vehicular traffic. Furthermore, the intersection at Ou Kaapse Weg and Silvermine Road will be upgraded to improve the sight distance and therefore the safety of this intersection for all road users.

"Further to the improvements for vehicular traffic, the city will also address the lack of infrastructure for pedestrians along Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg. A significant number of pedestrians walk to their destinations along these routes every morning and afternoon. Due to a lack of proper infrastructure, the pedestrians are often forced to either walk in the shoulder of the road or along dilapidated sidewalks and informal footpaths. Part of this project is to build walkways that are separate from the road so that pedestrians have a safe and convenient access route to their destinations. The newly constructed carriageways will also have shoulders that are wide enough to accommodate cyclists," said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member: Transport for Cape Town, Councillor Brett Herron.

It is the intention to have two-way traffic flow at all times for the duration of this project and this requirement has been written into the construction contract.

No stop/go system

"This means that the implementation of a stop/go system, similar to the one that was implemented along Main Road in Clovelly, will not be allowed (apart from during an emergency). In terms of their contract with TCT, the contractor is obliged to ensure that the current road capacity along Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg is maintained at all times and for as long as the project continues. In practice this means that commuters will have access to the same number of lanes during the construction period as they have available right now," said Herron.

The precautions mentioned above, are stipulated in the project contract to try to limit the inconvenience and delays to traffic as far as reasonably possible and not to worsen the current traffic congestion.

Expect unforeseen delays

"That said, roadworks are disruptive in nature and we must say upfront that unforeseen challenges can derail our best intentions and precautions. I therefore want to caution residents and visitors to expect some unforeseen delays and to please be patient. We will try our best to ensure the safety of all road users, and to work as speedily as conditions will allow. We will also communicate continuously with the local residents and affected parties through notices and alerts, updates, and newsletters with useful information for the duration of the project," said Herron.

The purpose of the public information session is to inform local residents of the upcoming roadworks.

"Maps indicating the intended road upgrades will be on display at the meeting so that residents and interested and affected parties can familiarise themselves with the project and the impact thereof. City of Cape Town officials and the contractor will be present to respond to questions. I urge Kommetjie residents and business owners to please attend the meeting so that they can plan ahead and be prepared as far as possible," said Herron.