Approximately 1.5km of Onverwacht Road will be extended from Simon Street across the N2/T2 to Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, while a 0.5km stretch of Sir Lowry’s Pass Road will be converted into a dual carriageway from Bizweni Avenue up to Onverwacht Road.;
The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of December next year, if all goes according to plan.
The Somerset West area is expanding and there are new developments, therefore more road infrastructure is required to accommodate the increase in traffic volumes and further development in the area.
The road upgrade project includes:
construction of a traffic circle at the intersection of Onverwacht Road and Chris Nissen Park;
construction of new single carriageway from Chris Nissen Park to Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road which will link up with Alpine Crescent;
dualling of Onverwacht Road between the N2/T2 and Chris Nissen Park;
dualling of Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road from Bizweni Road to Onverwacht Road;
dualling of Onverwacht Road between the N2/T2 and Simon Street and upgrading of signals;
and widening of a portion of the N2 to create an extra left-turn lane onto Onverwacht Road.
Fernwood residents will be affected directly as most of the works will be done around this area.
“This project is implemented in line with the City’s organisational development and transformation plan which prioritises the implementation of targeted programmes to reduce congestion,” said Anda Ntsodo, the City’s mayoral committee member for Area East.
“The works will have minimal effect on residents and businesses around the area as most of them are off the roadways and along vacant properties.
“There will be no road closures but traffic will be diverted to ensure there’s an easy flow. However, motorist can use alternate routes via Reunion Drive, N2/T2, Hlati Drive, depending on the direction they are driving.”
Traffic will be managed through signage and personnel on duty during the construction period.
“Roads form a critical component of the development of neighbourhoods and communities,” said Brett Herron, the City’s mayoral committee member for transport and urban development.
“Roads provide access to neighbourhoods and also to critical emergency services when these are required. The road will be user-friendly and less congested because it will offer easy access in and out the area,” added Mr Herron.
“As part of the upgrades, we are also building sidewalks which will help improve the safety of our streets for both pedestrians and motorists. Most importantly, these roads upgrades will help to alleviate traffic congestion in this area,” said Mr Herron.
