Revamping Gordon’s Bay: Road Modifications and Access Changes around Village Plaza

Gordon’s Bay, a charming town located on the Western Cape’s edge, is set to receive a series of road layout and access modifications surrounding its bustling Village Plaza. Spearheading the project, the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate, in collaboration with the Village Plaza Centre’s owners and EFG Engineers, aims to enhance road safety and accessibility to the shopping hub. These changes will not only enhance safety but also provide an opportunity for the town to evolve into a more pedestrian-friendly and accessible space.

Modifications to Road Layout and Access

The comprehensive plan encompasses various modifications, including the construction of right-turn lanes into the Faure Marine Drive median island, providing sheltered turns into the service station and Wildeboom Road. Additionally, alterations to road markings on Faure Marine Drive, coming from the Strand side, will accommodate a new left-turn lane into Wildeboom Road. Furthermore, kerbs will be constructed along Faure Marine Drive, stretching between Wildeboom Road and Water Way, enforcing a single through lane.

To ensure a smooth transition, ingress into Water Way will be closed, while Wildeboom Road will be extended across the road verge and stormwater channel, connecting Faure Marine Drive to the existing Wildeboom Road. The possibility of constructing kerbs along the service station (Erf 1053) is being considered to prohibit right-turn egress.

Changes to Traffic Flow

The newly revamped Wildeboom Road will function as a two-way road from the Village Plaza front parking area to Lancaster Road, with vehicles being restricted from traveling from Wildeboom Road to Faure Marine Drive. Water Way will also undergo a traffic flow amendment, barring vehicles from entering it from Faure Marine Drive. However, the current exit from Water Way onto Faure Marine Drive will remain functional. Water Way will continue to operate as a two-way road from the Village Plaza front parking area to Lancaster Road.

Road users approaching from Strand along Faure Marine Drive will still have the option to turn right into the service station (Erf 1053) via the existing median break. However, vehicles will be restricted from exiting the service station towards Rooi Els. To return to the Rooi Els side, motorists must turn left from the service station towards the Strand and make a U-turn at the next median break or roundabout.

The anticipated shift in traffic patterns will see motorists who previously used Water Way to travel from Faure Marine Drive to Lancaster Road now opting for the Wildeboom Road route. Egress from the area will remain via Water Way, leading back onto Faure Marine Drive. A recent traffic count suggests that approximately 60 vehicles during the afternoon peak hour will be affected by these changes.

Benefits of Modifications

The proposed alterations to the road layout and access in Gordon’s Bay reflect the town’s growth and its commitment to prioritizing safety, accessibility, and efficient traffic management. With careful planning and execution, Gordon’s Bay is poised to become an even more attractive destination for both residents and visitors, opening new doors to future development and community connectivity.