"The R300 million investment in the refurbishment of Strandfontein Road (M17) is a momentous milestone in the future roll-out of Phase 2A of the MyCiTi service. This is but one example of how communities from the metro south-east will benefit from the City’s endeavor to provide affordable, scheduled public transport to our residents on the Cape Flats. It will take at least five years to get Phase 2A fully operational, based on financial allocations from the National Government. In the meantime, however, residents will benefit from the infrastructure upgrades associated with this major project,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member: Transport for Cape Town, councillor Brett Herron.
The refurbishment is being done in two phases. The first phase is under way already and the second phase will commence on Monday 3 October 2016:
• The first phase entails the section of Strandfontein Road between the intersections with Govan Mbeki Drive (M9) and New Ottery Road (M68). Four additional lanes are being constructed – two lanes for the new southbound dual carriageway and another two bus rapid transit (BRT, or dedicated red lanes) in the median for the MyCiTi buses. The BRT lanes give the MyCiTi buses the advantage of not having to operate in mixed traffic, meaning the buses are not delayed by congestion when they are travelling on the red roads
• The second phase entails the section of Strandfontein Road between the intersections with 5th Avenue/Schaapkraal Road (M35) and Emerald Way. A new southbound dual carriageway will be constructed to the eastern side of the existing road. Walkways will be constructed along both sides of Strandfontein Road – these will be wide enough to be shared between pedestrians and cyclists
"Strandfontein Road carries a high volume of traffic during the peak hours. Once completed, the new southbound dual carriageway will add significant capacity to the existing route, which will assist in alleviating traffic congestion. Residents from the adjacent suburbs of Ottery, Lotus River, and Pelican Park will benefit from this investment, as will other road users who travel along this arterial route to and from work," said Herron.
The project will be completed in October 2017, if all goes as planned.
Road users should please note that for the duration of the construction project there will be no direct access onto and off Strandfontein Road at the following intersections:
• Olieboom Road
• 12th Avenue
• 13th Avenue
• 14th Avenue
• 15th Avenue
• 16th Avenue
• 17th Avenue
Apart from safety concerns, these intersections will be closed to traffic to allow for the refurbishment and installation of underground services. Traffic will be diverted along 5th Avenue/Schaapkraal Road (M35), 18th Avenue, and the recently constructed Schaap Road, which now serves as a service road.
"We have constructed a new road, called Schaap Road, between 11th Avenue and 18th Avenue. Schaap Road is approximately 1.2 km long and runs parallel with Strandfontein Road, allowing access to the properties which will not be accessible from Strandfontein Road. Schaap Road will be open to traffic as from 2pm on Monday 3 October 2016," said Herron.
Road users are requested to please adhere to the construction signage and speed limits.
"We apologise for the inconvenience caused during the construction period but, once completed, the residents and visitors to this area will greatly benefit from the significant investment in the road infrastructure. The newly constructed Schaap Road is one of the positive additions for residents from the Schaapkraal area," said Herron.
Road users can phone the Transport Information Centre (TIC) on 0800 65 64 63 for more information. The TIC is available 24/7 and is toll-free from a landline. Callers can be assisted in English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans.
