Ascending City Transit: Traffic Regulation Revisions along AZ Berman Drive for MyCiTi Project

The MyCiTi Project is making traffic regulation revisions along AZ Berman Drive for the subsequent phase of the bus services, lasting for about nine months. The modifications include surrendering one northbound lane during peak hours to make way for a third right-turning lane heading south at the intersection of AZ Berman and Highlands Drive. Temporary poles and a pedestrian crossing with signalized traffic lights will be in place for convenience and safety. This is part of the city’s investment towards the future of its transportation infrastructure, providing safe and cost-effective public transport to alleviate traffic congestion and uplift nearby regions.

What are the traffic regulation revisions along AZ Berman Drive for the MyCiTi Project?
Traffic movements along AZ Berman Drive will undergo modifications for the subsequent phase of the MyCiTi bus services, lasting for about nine months. Temporary disruptions include the surrendering of one northbound lane during peak hours to make way for a third right-turning lane heading south at the intersection of AZ Berman and Highlands Drive. Public transport stops will be temporarily out of reach, but temporary poles and a pedestrian crossing with signalized traffic lights will be in place for convenience and safety.

On the 17th of June, 2024, the rapidly-progressing neighborhood of Mitchells Plain was abuzz with a critical notification regarding modifications in traffic movements along the primary AZ Berman Drive. These alterations, devised to smooth the way for the subsequent phase of the MyCiTi bus services, are forecasted to endure for a span of about nine months.

The forthcoming construction signifies the launch of Phase 2A of MyCiTi, a plan that aspires to link the inhabitants of Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain with the bustling centers of Claremont and Wynberg through a superior, efficient bus service. The execution of this plan and accompanying roadworks will directly affect the flow of traffic along the Stock Road/AZ Berman Drive passage, nestled between the intersections of Nduli Street and Petunia Road.

As this major endeavor progresses, the understanding and collaboration of the residents have been commendable. The city’s Urban Mobility Mayoral Committee Member, Councillor Rob Quintas, expressed his appreciation to the populace. He acknowledged that the planned work will necessitate longer travel times for motorists in the area and encouraged them to prepare their travel accordingly, allow for additional travel time, and follow the signage to ensure safe traffic movement.

Section 2: The Broader Perspective and Benefits

While conceding the temporary disturbances, Councillor Quintas highlighted the broader outlook. The construction, although causing short-term disruptions, is a part of an investment towards the future of the city’s transportation infrastructure, aligning with the Metro South-east corridor program. This initiative aims to provide safe, cost-effective, and direct public transport, which will subsequently alleviate traffic congestion, uplift the nearby regions, and secure the smooth mobility of Mitchells Plain residents in the future.

In the ensuing nine months, dwellers and travelers should be aware of the following alterations:

Taking into account the ebb and flow of commuters, two traffic lanes will be maintained in both the north and southbound directions along AZ Berman Drive. Nevertheless, during the crunch of the afternoon peak hours, beginning from 15h00, one northbound lane will be surrendered to make way for a third, dedicated right-turning lane heading south at the intersection of AZ Berman and Highlands Drive.

Section 3: Detailed Changes and Safety Measures

The logic behind the introduction of a third lane moving south on AZ Berman Drive from 15h00 onwards is to prepare for a heavy right-turning movement from AZ Berman Drive onto Highlands Drive. This tactical adjustment hopes to ease traffic congestion during peak hours.

Public transport stops along the impacted stretch will be temporarily out of reach for commuters during the construction period. Temporary poles have been put in place along the temporary road arrangement to guarantee passenger security and convenience during the construction phase.

A provisional walkway, along with a pedestrian crossing equipped with signalized traffic lights and visible signage, has been organized. This provision will allow pedestrians to safely bypass the construction area, ensuring their walking routes stay unobstructed.

As the city undergoes this significant transformation, it is crucial to consider that these modifications, albeit briefly inconvenient, are conceived with the city’s future prosperity in mind. This substantial endeavor portends to equip the inhabitants of Mitchells Plain with a secure, efficient, and cost-effective public transport service, revolutionizing the way the community interacts, travels, and flourishes.

What is the MyCiTi Project?

The MyCiTi Project is a plan to provide safe and cost-effective public transport to alleviate traffic congestion and uplift nearby regions. It aims to link the inhabitants of Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain with the bustling centers of Claremont and Wynberg through a superior, efficient bus service.

How long will the traffic regulation revisions along AZ Berman Drive last?

The modifications, which include surrendering one northbound lane during peak hours to make way for a third right-turning lane heading south at the intersection of AZ Berman and Highlands Drive, will last for about nine months.

Will public transport stops be affected by the modifications?

Yes, public transport stops along the impacted stretch will be temporarily out of reach for commuters during the nine-month construction period.

What safety measures will be put in place during the construction period?

Temporary poles have been put in place along the temporary road arrangement to guarantee passenger security and convenience during the construction phase. A provisional walkway, along with a pedestrian crossing equipped with signalized traffic lights and visible signage, has been organized.

Why is a third lane moving south on AZ Berman Drive from 15h00 onwards being introduced?

The introduction of a third lane moving south on AZ Berman Drive from 15h00 onwards is to prepare for a heavy right-turning movement from AZ Berman Drive onto Highlands Drive, which hopes to ease traffic congestion during peak hours.

What is the Metro South-east corridor program?

The Metro South-east corridor program is an initiative that aims to provide safe, cost-effective, and direct public transport, which will subsequently alleviate traffic congestion, uplift the nearby regions, and secure the smooth mobility of Mitchells Plain residents in the future.