The City of Cape Town’s transport directorate has recently completed the rehabilitation of Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road. The project commenced in September 2017, and up to 4km of road has been rehabilitated during this two-year period.
“The total cost of the project was approximately R72.5 million, but more importantly, the residents and the local economy of the area benefited through the injection of approximately R11.8 million in employment opportunities during the contract. Thus, not only will our residents benefit from the investment in the longevity of our road infrastructure; local residents also had the opportunity to earn an income,” said the City’s mayoral committee member for transport, Felicity Purchase.
The project entailed the following:
The rehabilitation of Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road from the N2 highway to the Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road – a stretch of approximately 1.6km;
The rehabilitation of a portion of Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road – a stretch of approximately 2.4km;
A new widened bridge over the Sir Lowry’s River, including new sidewalks on both sides;
New underground stormwater infrastructure to replace the open channels;
New sidewalks from the N2 into the village on one side of the road; new sidewalks through the village on both sides of the road; and new sidewalks from William Sargent Street along Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road to Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road;
Improved street lighting;
New traffic calming measures, including two new raised intersections, a raised pedestrian crossing with two new speed humps, and a new traffic circle;
Improved level crossing at the railway line;
Improved taxi rank on Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road; and
Widening of a portion of Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road.
The roadworks were essential because the road was in an extremely poor condition. The bridge over the Sir Lowry’s River was substandard and unsafe, particularly for pedestrians. Numerous pedestrians, including school children use the road and the sidewalks to walk through the village.
Thus, improved and new non-motorised transport (NMT) facilities were required for safety reasons.
Also, many motorists use this route as an alternative route into Somerset West and traffic calming was required due to high speeds, and the great number of pedestrians in the vicinity of the road. The stormwater infrastructure was poor with most of the stormwater flowing in open channels which created potential health hazards.
“This flagship project is testament of our commitment to delivering infrastructure projects that help improve the quality of life for poorer communities.
“Also, key to our service delivery, is the safety of our residents and road users. We are providing safe spaces in more controlled environments for pedestrians to cross the roads,” said Ms Purchase.
The traffic calming measures will assist with pedestrian safety.
“I also want to appeal to our road users to be mindful of each other when travelling on our roads. Obey the traffic rules and signals to ensure that we all get to equally enjoy the benefits provided by the new roads.”
