Over the last few months, motorists have been frustrated at long delays on Department of Transport and Public Works roadworks along the R43 between Bot River and Hermanus. The section between Lynx Road and Sandbaai has particularly been problematic because of heavy traffic (over 15 000 vehicles per day) and a lack of viable alternative routes.
Some delays are inevitable. However, the Department designs and manages roadworks projects in such a way that inconvenience to road users is minimised. The good news is that this R37 million project is currently on schedule and the contractor is expected to complete the work in mid-2016, provided that there are no delays caused by bad weather or unforeseen events.
The members of the Hermanus project team have been monitoring traffic and putting measures in place to reduce delays as much as possible. Measures include working outside peak travelling times, changing the approach to road surfacing so that vehicles can use the road sooner than was previously the case, and reducing waiting time at stop/ go signals.
A plan has been developed for the remaining period of the contract – details below. The public will be informed of any changes that may be necessary. We would like to thank the driving public for its patience during the construction period.
25 February to 29 February |
The road will be open full-width and the contractor will be off-site for the weekend. This is to allow patches to cure and will be welcome respite for the travelling public. There will be no stop/ go controls in place. Motorists are requested to drive cautiously and adhere to applicable speed limits at all times. |
1 March to 5 April |
Lynx road to Sandbaai The road repairs (patches) have been completed. The final surfacing layer over the entire repaired road will be constructed in sections. This work will be carried out at night between 7pm and 5am with stop/ go controls. There will be no stop/ go controls on this section of road during the day. The joint between the new road and the old road will be demarcated with delineators during the day. Members of the public are urged to drive cautiously and stay within the delineated area. Brick factory to R44 intersection There will be a 24-hour stop/ go control during the first two weeks of March. Bot River Bridge to Benguela Estate There will be a 24-hour stop/ go control during the second and third week of March. Fisherhaven to Hawston There will be a 24-hour stop/ go control during the first two weeks of March. Hawston to Linx Road There will be a 24-hour stop/ go control during the second and third weeks of March. Upgrading of Fisherhaven intersection Construction of the intersection will continue until the end of March. There might be stop and go controls during the day for this work. George Viljoen intersection Construction will take place during March. Construction will take place at night. Harbour Road intersection Construction will take place during March. Construction will take place at night. |
18 March to 5 April (school holidays) |
The road will be open during the day for two-way traffic during the school holidays. |
Follow the Department on Twitter @WCGovTPW under the hashtag #roadworksWC.
You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW