R530 million Louis Fourie Road upgrade officially opened in Mossel Bay

Media release by Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers

Major infrastructure investment delivers improved road connectivity, 325 work opportunities and R133 million in enterprise participation

Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers today officially opened the upgraded Louis Fourie Road (R102) in Mossel Bay, marking the completion of a R530 million infrastructure investment by the Western Cape Government Department of Infrastructure. Delivered over more than four years, the project represents one of the largest single government infrastructure investments in the Garden Route District Municipality, strengthening a key transport corridor connecting Mossel Bay, Diaz Beach, Voorbaai and Hartenbos. The project has transformed more than 3km of Louis Fourie Road from a single carriageway into a modern dual carriageway, supported by major intersection improvements, new bridges, upgraded access roads and pedestrian infrastructure.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister Simmers emphasised that the significance of the project extends well beyond the physical road infrastructure.

“Today we are not simply opening an upgraded road. We are delivering an infrastructure investment that will serve the people of Mossel Bay for years to come. This R530 million project represents improved connectivity, better road infrastructure and real economic opportunities for local workers and businesses.

Infrastructure is ultimately about people. It is about connecting communities, supporting businesses and ensuring that our investments create opportunities that extend beyond the construction phase.”

R133 million in enterprise participation and 325 work opportunities

Beyond the physical infrastructure improvements, the project has made a significant contribution to economic participation, employment and skills development.

During construction, from July 2022 to October 2026, approximately R133 million was directed towards targeted enterprises and suppliers.

This included:

• R15.2 million to local Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Grade 1CE and 2CE contractors.
• R20 million to emerging CIDB Grade 3CE to 5CE contractors.
• R98 million to local suppliers.
• R29.6 million paid in local labour wages.
• 325 work opportunities created.
• More than 60 000 person-days of work generated.

Practical on-site training and mentoring also formed part of the project, supporting skills development and creating opportunities for longer-term participation in the construction industry.

Minister Simmers highlighted the importance of ensuring that infrastructure investment translates into tangible economic benefits.

“Infrastructure investment must create value beyond the physical structures we build. On this project, 325 work opportunities were created, more than 60 000 person-days of work were generated, and approximately R133 million flowed to targeted enterprises. Behind these figures are workers who earned an income, emerging contractors who gained valuable experience and suppliers who participated in delivering this major investment. This is how infrastructure delivery can support livelihoods, develop skills and strengthen local economic participation.”

A major upgrade to a key Garden Route transport corridor

The Louis Fourie Road upgrade involved substantial road construction, bridge development, intersection improvements and the upgrading of supporting infrastructure.

Key improvements include:

• Upgrading more than 3km of road from a single to a dual carriageway, including a central median.
• Upgrading major intersections along the route.
• Rebuilding the N2 on- and offramps and constructing a new traffic circle.
• Constructing a new bridge over the Blinde River.
• Realigning and upgrading the Langeberg Mall access road.
• Constructing a new pedestrian walkway between Waboom Road and Sonskynvallei.
• Constructing a new bi-directional rail-over-road bridge on Garret Street.
• Building a new road linking Garret Street and Gericke Street.
• Upgrading the Transnet Freight Rail crossing at Langeberg Mall.
• Resurfacing approximately 6km of existing road sections adjoining the upgraded dual carriageway.

The project also required significant supporting engineering works, including the relocation of municipal water and sewer infrastructure, an electricity substation and PetroSA-related infrastructure, as well as stormwater improvements, culvert extensions and retaining walls.

Together, these improvements strengthen the road network serving residential communities, commercial areas and important economic destinations in Mossel Bay.

Infrastructure that supports long-term economic development

Louis Fourie Road, formerly part of the N2 before the national route was realigned in the 1980s, remains an important transport connection within the greater Mossel Bay area.

The completed upgrade provides enhanced road infrastructure to support the movement of residents, workers, businesses and visitors.

Minister Simmers said the investment reflects the Western Cape Government’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that responds to the needs of growing communities while supporting economic development.

“Mossel Bay and the broader Garden Route continue to require infrastructure that can support their development and economic potential. Our responsibility is to plan, invest and deliver infrastructure that responds to those needs. This project demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained investment, engineering expertise and collaboration. The true value of this R530 million investment will be measured not only by the road we have completed, but by the opportunities it helps unlock for the people and businesses who depend on it.”

The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the engineering teams, contractors, local workers, participating enterprises and project partners who contributed to the successful completion of the upgrade.

He thanked residents, businesses and road users for their patience during the construction period.

“The construction phase may be complete, but the value of this investment will continue to be realised for years to come. We remain committed to building infrastructure that connects our communities, strengthens our economy and improves the lives of the people we serve”, Minister Simmers concluded.

Watch: Minister Simmers opens Louis Fourie Road

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