Categories: News

Transforming Khayelitsha: Japhta K Masemola Road Receives a Facelift

Khayelitsha is getting a much-needed facelift starting in October 2023, with roadworks focused on the intersections of Japhta K Masemola Road with Swartklip Road/Old Faure Road and Mew Way. These upgrades will extend the life of the road network, and improve infrastructure to provide a more efficient and reliable transportation system for the community. With a careful construction schedule aimed at minimizing disruptions, the project is expected to result in a smoother and safer travel experience for all road users, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for Khayelitsha.

Subheading: Upgrades on Swartklip Road and Mew Way Intersections in the Pipeline

Starting on October 2, 2023, the Urban Mobility Directorate of the City of Cape Town will commence a series of roadworks aimed at revitalizing the bustling Khayelitsha area. The main focus will be the intersections of Japhta K Masemola Road with Swartklip Road/Old Faure Road and Mew Way. This maintenance project aims to extend the life of the city’s road network and set the foundation for a more efficient and reliable transportation system in the community.

The comprehensive project is expected to span six weeks, with completion targeted for November 14, 2023. Construction will take place from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 09:00 and 15:30. This carefully considered schedule is intended to minimize disruption to the everyday routines of commuters and residents, particularly during peak travel times.

At the core of these roadwork enhancements is an extensive list of tasks that will ultimately result in a smoother and safer travel experience for everyone. The process starts with the milling of existing surfacing at strategically selected areas, followed by the milling of the existing base layer. A new bitumen-treated base will be laid, topped by a fresh asphalt wearing course covering the entire width of the road and intersection.

Moreover, the project includes a variety of supplementary tasks intended to improve the overall infrastructure of the area. Among these are the removal and replacement of magnetometers, as well as the installation of new ones as required. Guardrails and surfaced sidewalks will undergo repairs, while batter slopes and median islands will be filled and fixed.

New kerbs will be supplied and installed, and the entire section will be marked with retro-reflective road marking paint to enhance visibility and safety for all road users.

Subheading: Traffic Management Strategies During Construction

During the construction period, certain lanes will be closed, with traffic flow managed through a STOP-GO system. This method will be implemented only when a single lane closure is inadequate to accommodate the normal traffic flow. Given that these intersections consist of dual carriageways, the STOP-GO system will be used tactically to keep the area as accessible as possible.

The significance of these road upgrades is enormous, especially considering the high volume of traffic in the area. In addition to private vehicles, both minibus-taxis and buses regularly travel through the Swartklip Road and Mew Way intersections on Japhta K Masemola Road, underscoring the need for improved infrastructure.

In light of this, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, has stressed the commitment to minimizing lane closures during morning and afternoon peak hours. He highlights the importance of the project, stating, “The resurfacing of these intersections will prolong the longevity of the road.”

Subheading: A Brighter Future for Khayelitsha

In summary, the upcoming roadworks at the Japhta K Masemola Road intersections with Swartklip Road and Mew Way represent a much-needed investment in the infrastructure of the Khayelitsha area. By revitalizing these crucial intersections, the City of Cape Town demonstrates a dedication to providing a more efficient, reliable, and safer transportation system for all residents and commuters in the community. As the project unfolds, the community can look forward to a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for Khayelitsha.

1. What is the purpose of the roadworks in Khayelitsha?

The purpose of the roadworks in Khayelitsha is to revitalize the area and improve the infrastructure to provide a more efficient and reliable transportation system for the community.

2. When will the roadworks begin and end?

The roadworks are scheduled to begin on October 2, 2023, and are targeted for completion on November 14, 2023.

3. What is the focus of the roadworks?

The main focus of the roadworks will be the intersections of Japhta K Masemola Road with Swartklip Road/Old Faure Road and Mew Way.

4. What tasks will be done during the roadworks?

The roadworks will include milling of existing surfacing and base layer, laying a new bitumen-treated base, topping with a fresh asphalt wearing course, removal and replacement of magnetometers, repairs of guardrails and surfaced sidewalks, filling and fixing of batter slopes and median islands, installation of new kerbs, and marking the entire section with retro-reflective road marking paint.

5. Will traffic be affected during the roadworks?

Yes, certain lanes will be closed, and traffic flow will be managed through a STOP-GO system. This method will be implemented only when a single lane closure is inadequate to accommodate the normal traffic flow.

6. Will the roadworks affect peak hour traffic?

Efforts will be made to minimize lane closures during morning and afternoon peak hours to minimize disruption to commuters.

7. Why are these roadworks important?

The roadworks are important to extend the life of the city’s road network and provide a more efficient and reliable transportation system for the community.

8. What is the expected impact of the roadworks on Khayelitsha?

The roadworks are expected to result in a smoother and safer travel experience for all road users, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for Khayelitsha.

Emma Botha

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