The spotlight is on bridge structures along Jakes Gerwel Drive over the next few months, and well into the New Year. This is as the City has begun repair work on many of these structures.
Some of the pedestrian bridges/crossings may be partially closed to perform works. In such cases, pedestrian users will be guided across affected structures by clear signage and/or flag personnel.
Spotlight on Jakes Gerwel Drive crossing bridges
In a statement, pedestrians, road users, residents and business owners are asked to be aware of this repair work. It is already underway and will continue for the next ten months. A spokesperson for the Urban Mobility Directorate says the work will be done on the stretch from the Bonte-Langa pedestrian bridge near Bonteheuwel and Langa in the North until the two Newfields Pedestrian Bridges near Hanover Park in the South.
“Projects like these form part of the City’s efforts to keep Cape Town moving safely,” added Quintas.
Bridges: Crossing the Divide
The Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, says some of the pedestrian bridges/crossings may be partially closed. He says, in such cases, pedestrians will be guided across affected structures by clear signage and/or flag personnel. He added, “Although the repairs are on the pedestrian bridges and crossings, congestion can still be expected,” he added. The MMC says this is possible since traffic travelling in both directions might be affected on the mentioned roads. Quintas urged road users to use alternative routes while the repair work is under way.
He said, “We thank residents for their patience while these essential repairs are being done over the next few months.”
Bridging the Gap
Quintas said that when the work affects traffic on the mentioned roads, motorists are asked to find an alternative route. Quintas reminded people that the work takes place Monday to Saturday, from 06:00 to 19:00. He added that workers aim to restore the condition of the concrete and steel fixtures of the identified bridge structures, as well as adjacent staircases. This restoration work is aimed at bringing these structures to a safe working state, especially to allow for safe pedestrian passage across the busy Jakes Gerwel Drive.
Over the Edge
Quintas furthermore promised that the workers will ensure that the pedestrian crossings remain accessible to the public and in use throughout the repair works, just at a lower capacity. This will be the case until repairs are completed. He says this repair work is needed to ensure that the City’s pedestrian infrastructure is in an optimal condition and safe to use.
The High Road
Repair work will be carried out at the following structures:
Bonte-Langa pedestrian bridge over Jakes Gerwel Drive between Bonteheuwel and Langa.
Langa Canal Crossing between Bonteheuwel and Langa.
College Road Bridge over College Road at Jakes Gerwel Drive between Surrey Estate and Gatesville.
Subway between Gatesville Road in Gatesville and Durr Road in Surrey Estate.
Turfhall Road Bridge over Turfhall Road at Jakes Gerwel Drive.
Newfields North pedestrian bridge over Jakes Gerwel Drive between Mymoena Crescent in Sand Industria and Lodewyk Road in Newfields.
Newfields South pedestrian bridge over Jakes Gerwel Drive between Silica Road in Sand Industria and Landsburg Road in Hanover Park.
Quintas added that the work is expected to be finished by 30 June 2027 if all goes according to plan.
City repairing Jakes Gerwel Drive bridge structures
Quintas further said it’s important to note that the work areas under the bridge will be demarcated to regulate traffic flow through the affected area. This means there would be partial lane closures on Jakes Gerwel Drive, Turfhall Road and College Road while repairs are in progress. He has asked residents to be cautious while work is underway. People are asked to pay attention to road signs and flag personnel. At the same and be vigilant in and around the affected structures.
