Ashton to Montagu through Cogmanskloof roadworks update

The construction work has continued after the Covid-19 Level 5 lockdown was lifted. The completion date of the project has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and is currently expected in September 2021.

Work is currently underway in Cogmanskloof, Montagu, and Ashton. The Ashton Bridge construction, specifically the attachment of the steel cables between the arch and the deck tiebeam, is progressing well.

Construction progress

Since the previous report, the contractor has completed the following activities:

• The LHS subbase road layers from km 19.72 to 20.34, and km 22.30 to 22.50.
• The backfill at Retaining Wall W161 in Cogmanskloof.
• The installation and stressing of anchor plates on the Ashton Bridge arch.

The contractor is currently busy with the following activities:

The contractor has reported that the following activities will commence during the next three months:

• Construction of road layerworks at the tunnel in Cogmanskloof.
• Final asphalt surfacing in Montagu.

Possible delays

• Weather: The contractor’s programme allows for normal inclement weather days.
• Materials: Even though there is an asphalt shortage at the moment, there are currently no foreseeable delays on the project due to material shortages.

Road and access closures

• The road construction in Ashton impedes access to properties adjoining
• Ashton Main Road. The contractor will communicate with affected residents
• as the work progresses.
• The sidewalk construction in Montagu impedes access to properties adjoining Long St. The contractor will communicate with affected residents
• as the work progresses.
• The western entrance to Van Riebeeck St in Montagu remains closed.
• Access is still available via Church St.

General traffic accommodation

• Two-way traffic is accommodated in Ashton and Cogmanskloof with stop-go’s:
• The stop-go system at the R60 turn-off to Swellendam will remain in operation until August 2020. Average delay is less than 5 minutes.
• The stop-go system in Cogmanskloof will remain in operation until 2021. Average delay is less than 15 minutes. The stop-go system in Ashton will remain in operation until July 2020. Average delay is less than 10 minutes.

Interesting facts

This construction project has created direct work opportunities for over 270 people from the Western Cape. The cumulative man-days worked by people from the local community (Ashton, Zolani, Montagu, and Ashbury) is over 35 000, resulting in a substantial amount paid in wages to the local community.

Contact numbers

• General Enquiries: Site Agent: Robert Salvage 083 747 0247
• Road Emergencies: Traffic Safety Officer: Zavior Fourie 071 855 8669
• Traffic Accommodation Enquiries: Traffic Safety Officer: Zavior Fourie 071 855 8669