Update on Robertson - Bonnievale roadworks

A plan is in place to make up for lost time on a Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) project to rehabilitate the R317 between Robertson and Bonnievale. This R205 million project started in January 2017 and is expected to be complete in August 2018. The road was constructed over 40 years ago and had reached the end of its operational life.

A total of 13 km is being rehabilitated, and safety is being improved by widening the road and the Cogmanskloof Bridge. Other work currently under way includes the rebuilding and replacement of culverts, the reconstruction of 5 km of road through the centre of Bonnievale, and the installation of sewer and water services.

DTPW is aware that delays are frustrating, but some inconvenience during construction is inevitable. Half-width construction (closing one side of the road) is in place in four sections with stop/ go controls to manage the flow of traffic. Traffic lights have been installed at the Cogmanskloof Bridge and certain other places and motorists can expect a waiting period of between 15 and 20 minutes.

DTPW is committed to creating short-term Expanded Public Works Programme employment and skills training opportunities. To date, the contractor has created over 50 000 person-days of work, and spent R21,7 million on targeted enterprises.

Join the Department on Twitter @WCGovTPW under the hashtag #roadworksWC