The City of Cape Town has announced additional roadworks along AZ Berman Drive, with disruptions and delays expected from Wednesday.

This is as construction of the MyCiTi infrastructure continues along that Road. The City’s Urban Mobility Chief, Rob Quintas, said that the ongoing construction aims to improve infrastructure for the MyCiTi Bus Rapid Transit service but will lead to lane closures, traffic switches, and temporary road closures over the coming months.

• 12 March – 20 March
  – Half-lane closures on the R300 On/Off Ramps
  – Intersection of Sesame Street and AZ Berman Drive will be closed. Detour will be via Bottlebrush Street.

Thereafter, motorists should be prepared for delays, particularly with a scheduled traffic lane switch on 28 March, where northbound traffic will be rerouted to the completed northbound lane, affecting the stretch from Nduli Street to Katjiepiering Street. Quintas said these road closures will allow for construction of another lane for the MyCiTi route.

• 23 March – 30 April 2025
  – Intersection of Highlands Dr and AZ Berman Drive will be closed. Detour via Morgenster Road.
  – Intersection of Marguerite Street and AZ Berman Drive will be closed. Detour via Pentuna Street.

“At least one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction along AZ Berman Drive at all times. Work has also been scheduled to avoid peak traffic times and we will ensure that access to homes and businesses will be maintained throughout the construction period,” said Quintas.

Quintas emphasised that while the construction would cause short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefits of a safer, more efficient, and reliable public transport system would be worth the wait.

“We can assure you that the inconvenience during the course of this major construction work will be worth it in the long run when the MyCiTi Phase 2A route is up and running and providing a safe, affordable and reliable public transport service to residents in the area.”

However, community leaders, such as Marshall Nelson from the Mitchell’s Plain Integrated Development Forum, have voiced concerns. They argue that the project has not adequately addressed local issues, including gang violence and unemployment.

Nelson also highlighted the potential risks posed to commuters navigating through gang-affected areas.

“The problem we’ll be facing now in communities, like Lentegeur, with the heavy gang violence taking place, we are now putting [the lives of] people that need to travel between these roads [at risk],” said Nelson.

Despite these concerns, the City remains committed to completing the MyCiTi project.

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