Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Evolution: The Saxdowns Road Extension Project in Kuils River Spawns a New Age of City Transportation

3 mins read
urban mobility transportation

Cape Town is extending Saxdowns Road to improve traffic flow and promote sustainable modes of transportation. The project will include a single carriageway, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes, as well as a traffic signal, street lighting, and stormwater pipe. This comprehensive approach will ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The project is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025 and will bolster the residential area of Kuils River while setting a new benchmark for urban development in the region.

Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate has launched an initiative to extend Saxdowns Road, which is expected to become a critical link road in the region’s transit system. The project will bolster the rapidly developing residential region of the city by establishing a single carriageway, universally accessible sidewalks, and bicycle lanes aimed at promoting healthier and eco-friendly modes of transportation. The comprehensive approach ensures that safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability are embedded as key elements of the project. The project is slated for completion by the third quarter of 2025.

Part 1: A New Chapter in Urban Mobility

Cape Town’s cityscape is in a constant state of flux. One striking illustration of this is the remarkable progress currently taking place in Kuils River. The Urban Mobility Directorate of the City of Cape Town has recently launched an audacious initiative, the extension of Saxdowns Road. Spanning from Langverwacht Road to Van Riebeeck Road, this bold endeavor is a crucial component of the City’s comprehensive Congestion Management Strategy. The central objective of this strategy is to alleviate the steadily increasing traffic congestion in the rapidly expanding Kuils River area.

The extension of Saxdowns Road is poised to function as a critical link road. Its strategic location, sandwiched between Bottelary Road in the north and Van Riebeeck Road in the south, earmarks this project to assume a central role in the region’s transit system. Over the past few weeks, thorough groundwork for the project has taken place, with actual road construction occurring from 07:30 to 17:30 on weekdays, and additional days being included as necessary.

Reflecting the City’s dedication to timeliness and efficiency, the project is slated for completion by the third quarter of 2025. Once finished, the single carriageway will complete the missing connection in Saxdowns Road, offering an essential road access and non-motorised transport infrastructure. This will bolster the rapidly developing residential region of the city.

Part 2: A Comprehensive Range of Improvements

The project is anticipated to bring about a host of enhancements. First and foremost, it will complete the arterial road network within the Kuils River area. As Councillor Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, underscores, this feature is an integral part of the City’s overarching strategy to alleviate traffic congestion. The ultimate goal of the strategy is to minimize delays and facilitate smoother access by achieving a more balanced distribution of traffic flow.

However, the modifications are not confined to roads alone. The Saxdowns Road extension will establish a single carriageway stretching from Langverwacht Road in the north to Van Riebeeck Road in the south. It will also involve the duplication of the road at its junctions with Langverwacht Road and Van Riebeeck Road.

Moreover, the project involves the building of universally accessible sidewalks on either side of the newly extended Saxdowns Road. The addition of these pathways exemplifies the City’s dedication to fostering an inclusive urban environment for all its inhabitants.

Part 3: Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Mobility

The project will also incorporate the addition of bicycle lanes, an initiative aimed at promoting healthier and more eco-friendly modes of transport. These lanes stand as proof of the City’s commitment to nurturing a bicycle-friendly culture, a successful practice implemented by numerous global cities.

Furthermore, the project will encompass the installation of a traffic signal at the Van Riebeeck Road intersection, street lighting, and a large stormwater pipe along Van Riebeeck Road leading to the canal at Dumas Road. This comprehensive approach ensures that safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability are embedded as key elements of the project.

As the project progresses, residents are advised to steer clear of the construction site. The City extends its appreciation to the residents for their cooperation and patience during this transformative phase.

Part 4: A Bright Future Ahead

While the project is currently in progress, further information regarding its progression and timeline will be shared in due course. This is merely the beginning of a series of improvements aimed at ameliorating the living conditions for the residents of Cape Town. As it unfolds, the Saxdowns Road extension promises to inject a renewed vitality into Kuils River, establishing a new benchmark for urban development in the region.

1. What is the Saxdowns Road Extension Project in Kuils River?

The Saxdowns Road Extension Project in Kuils River is a new initiative by Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate to extend Saxdowns Road in order to improve traffic flow and promote sustainable modes of transportation.

2. When is the project expected to be completed?

The project is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.

3. What are the key components of the project?

The project includes a single carriageway, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes, as well as a traffic signal, street lighting, and stormwater pipe. These comprehensive improvements ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

4. What is the ultimate goal of the Congestion Management Strategy?

The ultimate goal of the Congestion Management Strategy is to minimize delays and facilitate smoother access by achieving a more balanced distribution of traffic flow.

5. What other improvements will the project bring about?

The project will also establish a comprehensive arterial road network within the Kuils River area, duplicate the road at its junctions with Langverwacht Road and Van Riebeeck Road, and provide universally accessible sidewalks.

6. What is the City’s commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive urban mobility?

The City is committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive urban mobility by incorporating the addition of bicycle lanes and ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability are embedded as key elements of the project.

Previous Story

A Chronicle of Violence: The Unexpected Devastation Befalling the Mkhize Brothers

Next Story

Elevating Journeys: The Unconventional Approach of Lift Airline

Latest from Blog

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Firefighters Bring Joy to Children

In December 2024, firefighters brightened the holidays for children in care facilities by delivering wrapped gifts with big smiles. Partnering with Pick n Pay, they spread joy and gratitude after receiving support during a tough summer of wildfires. Each visit was a heartwarming reminder of kindness, as firefighters became symbols of generosity, teaching kids about empathy and community spirit. This joyful initiative shows how simple acts of giving can light up lives and strengthen bonds in the community.

A Persistent Nightmare in Embalenhle: Justice Served

In Embalenhle, South Africa, a dark nightmare unfolded as Themba Prince Shongwe committed terrible crimes, including rapes and murders, from 2016 to 2018. The community lived in fear as he targeted innocent girls, causing heartbreak and loss. Finally, justice was served when he was found guilty and sentenced to nine life terms in prison, bringing relief to the grieving families and a sense of safety back to the community. This victory shines a light on the importance of standing against violence and working together to protect the vulnerable.

Illuminating Cape Town: Lighting Up Safety and Community

Cape Town’s streetlight program shines brightly as it manages over 245,000 lights, making the city safer and more inviting, especially during the festive season. The community plays a vital role by reporting issues and staying alert, working together to protect these lights from theft and vandalism. With a focus on sustainability, the city is switching to energyefficient LEDs, reducing its environmental impact while keeping streets welllit. This initiative not only lights up the city but also brings people together, creating a warm and safe atmosphere that showcases Cape Town’s beauty at night.

A Beacon of Hope: Gugulethu’s New Housing Project

The Gugulethu Infill Housing Project is bringing joy and hope to the community of Gugulethu, South Africa, by building 52 new homes for deserving families. This celebration marks a fresh start for many, especially the elderly and middleaged residents who finally have a safe place to call home. As they move in, they not only gain shelter but also a sense of belonging and stability. This project symbolizes the community’s strength and resilience, showing that together, they can overcome challenges and build a brighter future. The new homes are more than just buildings; they represent dreams coming true and a promise of better days ahead.

Championing Justice: The Journey of Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst

Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst is a fearless leader in South Africa’s fight against violence and crime, especially those targeting women and children. With over thirty years of service, she created Child Protection Units and now leads the National SECI Unit, tackling serious issues like serial rape and child pornography. Her team’s recent success in a major operation has led to arrests and rescued children, showing the powerful impact of her work. Colonel van der Klashorst inspires others with her passion for justice, making her a shining example of hope and resilience in the battle for a safer society.