Cape Town’s unfinished Foreshore Freeway Bridge could finally be completed

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10-07-2026
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NovaNews
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After construction was abandoned nearly 50 years ago, Cape Town’s iconic Foreshore Freeway Bridge, commonly known as the “bridge to nowhere”, could finally move closer to completion, says Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

During an interview on Kfm this week, Hill-Lewis said the City of Cape Town is preparing to unveil its first proposed designs for completing the unfinished structure in September this year, marking what could become a significant milestone in one of the city’s longest-running infrastructure stories.

History

The Foreshore Freeway Bridge (commonly called “Cape Town’s Unfinished Bridge”) is an incomplete section of the Eastern Boulevard Highway located in the Cape Town CBD.

Conceptualised in the 1960s to alleviate traffic congestion, construction began in the 1970s and abruptly halted in 1977 due to budget constraints.

It consists of massive, elevated reinforced concrete ramps that end abruptly, leaving several bridge stubs hanging in mid-air.

“We are well on our way to complete the famous incomplete highways in Cape Town,” Hill-Lewis said on air.

He confirmed that the proposed designs will be released as part of a public participation process.

Design proposal

“In September, we will release our first designs so it’s still a long way to go when it comes to construction. We still have to fund this as it’s a very expensive operation,” he added.

Hill-Lewis said it was crucial that work is completed.

“That intersection as you come off the elevated freeway as you come down into the City, is the busiest intersection in the whole of Cape Town so we need an intervention there and that is the only intervention possible so after nearly 50 years since the time the bridges were built, we are going to start the process of getting them done,” he said.

Various theories have sprung up as to why the project was stopped, according to Garden Apartments website.

One is that the construction and engineering teams had made a calculation error, meaning that the two sides wouldn’t line up.

Another is that a shopkeeper refused to sell his shop which stood where the flyover would pass, and thus the construction had to be stopped.

Residents, businesses and other interested stakeholders will have the opportunity to review the plans and provide feedback before any final decisions are taken.

The consultation process is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of the landmark.