Boontjieskraal roadworks finally complete at a cost of R43.5 million

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09-10-2025
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NovaNews
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BOT RIVER – A modest 6.72 km road upgrade that began in 2020 has finally been completed at a cost of R43.5 million, was officially opened by the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure this week.

The lengthy project to upgrade Main Road 276 (Boontjieskraal Road) between Caledon and Bot River faced significant delays due to various factors including adverse weather conditions that forced the department to repeatedly redirect resources to emergency responses during 2023 and 2024.

Originally planned as a long-term, in-house project to be implemented by the Overberg District Municipality using internal staff and equipment, the upgrade was derailed by extensive flood damage across the Overberg and neighboring districts.

“Before the drainage infrastructure and appurtenant works could be completed, adverse weather forced the Department of Infrastructure to shift its internal resources to respond to the impact of adverse weather conditions,” explained Jandre Bakker, DOI Director of Operational Support.

The department was forced to redirect construction crews originally assigned to Boontjieskraal Road to emergency repair work when several critical routes lost access completely, requiring urgent intervention. With in-house teams stretched thin maintaining network functionality, a decision was made to appoint an external contractor to complete the upgrade.

The route, which connects the N2 to the R43 (Villiersdorp road), required extensive rehabilitation work after two sections developed severe cracking at high fills.

The scope of work included building a 100 m retaining wall to support the road, constructing another retaining wall in an eroded cutting, installing concrete-lined drains and sub-soil drains, and adding erosion protection measures. Additional improvements included a rumble strip installation, fence and gate replacements, new guardrails, and updated road signage and markings.

During the ceremonial opening, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers highlighted the project’s economic impact, noting it created 113 short-term work opportunities and generated 6,885 person-days of employment.

“R11.8 million was spent on procuring goods and services from targeted enterprises, and three local enterprises and four emerging contractors benefited from the project,” Minister Simmers said.

Despite its relatively short length, Simmers highlighted the road’s significance to the region’s economy and agricultural sector. The upgrade transformed what was previously a gravel road, significantly reducing travel times for regular users.

“This road is of both economic and agricultural importance,” Simmers stated. “I am often asked how my department decides on which roads to upgrade from gravel to surfaced roads, and a variety of factors are taken into consideration.”

These factors include vehicle counts, road condition, future importance within the broader network, and economic significance—all balanced within tight budget constraints.

The minister concluded with an appeal to motorists: “While we do our bit by constructing and maintaining quality transport infrastructure, I call on road users to do their part and use these assets responsibly.”

The project highlighted the challenges of managing in-house construction projects during emergency situations. Officials noted that while certain projects can be successfully undertaken internally, unforeseen emergencies such as widespread storm damage can significantly impact in-house capacity, making outsourcing necessary to maintain both project delivery and network resilience.

But according to locals, the road will again have to be closed due to work to be done at the railway crossing – but when this will happen, waits to be seen.