Bus Rapid project completion date extended to March

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10-02-2026
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Pretoria Rekord
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Councillors and residents continue to raise concerns about safety, traffic disruptions, and the economic impact on businesses, while the project appears to be at a standstill.

The Tshwane metro has confirmed that the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 2B construction along Lynnwood Road is now expected to be completed by March 2.

This is more than a year later than the original completion date of November 26, 2024.

According to the metro, the revised completion date may still be revised, with a possible extension currently under review.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo attributed the delays to several challenges encountered during the construction process.

“This includes wayleave approvals, expropriation and access to expropriated areas, as well as extensive existing underground services, and new stormwater requirements,” said Mashigo.

Responding to concerns about traffic lanes being closed for extended periods without sufficient warning, Mashigo said communication regarding lane closures was carried out through a Community Liaison Officer (CLO).

He added that the lane reductions and signage currently in place comply with an approved traffic management plan, which was approved before construction to mitigate traffic impacts.

Addressing concerns about dangerous road conditions between University and Atterbury roads, including potholes, uneven surfaces, and poor visibility, Mashigo said issues are addressed with the on-site project team as and when they are raised.

“In response to complaints about inadequate road signage, particularly on medians, the contractor has been instructed to finalise road markings in identified areas of concern,” said Mashigo.

He also acknowledged that there have been periods where little to no visible construction activity appeared to be taking place, stating that delays during the construction period affected overall project progress.

Mashigo confirmed that expenditure on the Lynnwood Road portion of the BRT Line 2B project currently stands at more than R118-million.

“Penalties against the contractor are not applicable at this stage, as the project is still considered to be within the contract period,” said Mashigo.

Meetings were held with businesses at Shell on the corner of Lynnwood and Church Avenue, Roper Street near the University of Pretoria, and other areas.

The project stakeholder management team informed businesses of the project implementation plans before construction.

While acknowledging reports of job losses linked to reduced access and prolonged disruptions, he stated that the project has also created job opportunities for local unemployed residents.

“To reassure the public, the city has a CLO appointed through the ward councillor who continues to provide information on disruptions, while a team of professional engineers monitors the project on a daily basis.”

Despite the metro’s response, roadworks along Lynnwood Road have once again come under fire, with councillors and residents raising concerns over deteriorating road conditions, prolonged lane closures, and the economic impact of the delayed project.

For months, motorists have had to navigate pothole-riddled sections of Lynnwood Road, particularly at busy intersections where vehicles turn across oncoming traffic.

Yellow plastic barriers were seen piled up after recent rain, while construction activity appeared to have slowed significantly.

The BRT project starts at the Menlyn Mall on Atterbury Road, continues down Atterbury into Lynnwood Road, and extends to Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Arcadia.

Ward councillor Siobhan Muller said the impact of the delays can no longer be ignored.

“As councillors, we have had a number of questions regarding the mess along Lynnwood Road for the construction of Line 2B of the BRT,” she said.

“The enormous impact on students, scholars, parents, drivers, businesses, and even job losses cannot be ignored.”

Muller added that despite numerous meetings and assurances, several businesses are already under strain.

She said several businesses along Lynnwood Road are facing serious financial impacts, which have already resulted in job losses.

Muller and fellow ward councillor Tiaan Dippenaar met with metro officials, engineers, and the contractor earlier this week to raise a list of urgent concerns.

These included lane closures without sufficient warning, lanes remaining closed for months, hazardous road conditions, visible delays, and what councillors described as a lack of adequate manpower on site.

Dippenaar said the condition of the road has become a safety risk.

“Potholes and dangerous road conditions between University Road and Atterbury Road are worsening by the day,” he said.

“There is also a serious lack of road signage, especially on the medians, which makes the situation even more hazardous for motorists.”

Both councillors highlighted the knock-on effects on access to businesses, UP, and surrounding areas, as well as the broader economic impact on the community.

Residents are now being encouraged to take action.

Muller and Dippenaar have invited the public to sign a petition on Friday at the Menlo Park SPAR on 13th Street, calling for clear timelines, accountability, and answers on why the project continues to run far beyond its original schedule.

“This project is already well over its original timeline.

“Residents deserve to know when it will be finalised, why so few workers are visible on site, and what the true cost of these delays is for businesses, residents, and the community as a whole,” Muller said."