New N7 highway street lights improve safety and visibility

The Department of Transport and Public Works has installed street lighting on a 7 km stretch of the N7 highway between the Wingfield (N1) and Potsdam Interchanges, as well as on the ramps of the Bosmansdam and Refinery Interchanges. This R12 million project was undertaken to reduce the high number of pedestrian-related injuries and fatalities on this road.

The project started in October 2015 and reached practical completion in June 2016. However, delays in the provision of electricity meant that the lighting only became fully functional this month. The contractor was able to mitigate the risk of potential work disruptions due to protests in Dunoon and the closure of the N7 earlier this year by constructive engagement with the local community. 

The project has created a number of work opportunities for the residents of Dunoon in particular. There were several labour disruptions, but these were promptly resolved. A total of 3 527 person-days of work were created for local persons from Dunoon, and R538 400 went to targeted enterprises in the Western Cape.

The Department takes into account safety considerations, the economic importance of a road, and job creation when embarking on a project of this nature. The Department is hoping that improved visibility will reduce the risk of pedestrian-related incidents on this road. The 71 000 vehicles travelling on this road every day are already benefiting from this investment