R373.7 million Sir Lowry’s Pass Road upgrade advances safer travel and improved connectivity

Media release by Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers

The Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure is making good progress on its R373.7 million upgrade of Sir Lowry’s Pass Road (MR108), a significant road infrastructure investment aimed at improving road safety, traffic movement and accessibility in the Gordon's Bay area. Construction commenced in April 2026 and is scheduled for completion in April 2028, subject to favourable construction conditions.

The project involves reconstructing approximately 4.57km of the existing single-carriageway road into a Class 2 dual carriageway between the N2 and Faure Marine Drive (R44).

The investment will also deliver improvements to adjoining roads, intersections, stormwater infrastructure and street lighting.

Construction progressing on several fronts

• Since construction commenced, activities have focused on:
• Earthworks and preparation for the new carriageway.
• Locating, protecting and relocating existing services.
• Temporary widening of road shoulders to accommodate construction activities.
• Construction of the right-hand-side carriageway.

The project is being implemented in stages to minimise traffic disruption and maintain access to affected properties. Two-way traffic is intended to be maintained throughout construction using existing road sections, temporary diversions or completed sections of the upgraded carriageway.

Major improvements to road safety and connectivity

The project includes substantial improvements to the existing road network:

• Reconstruction of 17 intersections, including 10 intersections that will be signalised.
• Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of MR108 and Faure Marine Drive.
• Additional traffic lanes and intersection improvements along Faure Marine Drive.
• Upgrading and surfacing of Kleineryk Road, Mountain Stream Road and Aqua Road.
• Improvements to the Old MR108 and various access and service roads.
• Street lighting along the full length of the upgraded MR108.
• Improved stormwater drainage, retaining structures, road signs, markings and safety barriers

These improvements are intended to provide safer and more efficient travel while improving access to surrounding properties and communities

Creating work opportunities and supporting local enterprises

Beyond the road improvements, the project is intended to contribute to economic participation through employment opportunities and targeted enterprise procurement. Highlights so far are:

• 33 work opportunities created, against a project target of 230.
• 255 targeted-labour person-days recorded, against a target of 29 000.
• R2.5 million in procurement expenditure with targeted enterprises, against a target of R81.2 million

Investing in infrastructure that serves communities

Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers said:

“Every road investment must ultimately make a difference in people's daily lives. This R373.7 million project is about more than widening a road. It is about improving safety, strengthening connectivity and creating opportunities for people and businesses through infrastructure delivery.

“We are encouraged by the construction activities already under way. Our focus remains on delivering quality infrastructure while managing the impact of construction on motorists, residents and businesses.

“Through effective cooperation with the City of Cape Town and other stakeholders, including SANRAL in relation to the future Firlands N2 Bypass interchange, we are working to ensure that infrastructure investments support both present needs and future transport connectivity.”

Maintaining access during construction

The Department recognises that construction on an existing road corridor can cause inconvenience to motorists, residents and businesses. Construction will continue in stages, with traffic accommodation measures implemented to maintain movement and access wherever practicable. Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution, observe temporary road signs and comply with traffic management arrangements.

Media enquiries

Stephen Heyns
Acting Head of Communication
Western Cape Department of Infrastructure
Email:  stephen.heyns@westerncape.gov.za
Tel:  021 483 0597