W Cape road upgrade to improve traffic flow

Tags

---

27-10-2025
Read : 8 times
South African Government News Agency
Source

The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI) has completed a project to upgrade 3.8 km of the MR 201 (R301) from a single carriageway to a dual carriageway. 

This stretch is located between the N1 at Paarl and Kliprug Road (OP5255).

The DOI Director for Operational Support, Jandré Bakker, said this section of the MR 201 is now classified as a Class E (ii) dual carriageway. 

It has a width of five meters for most of its length, tapering to 1.9 meters at intersections to accommodate a right-turning lane. 

In addition, there is a 2.8-meter surfaced shoulder along most of the route, which includes a curb and drainage channel throughout.

“A pedestrian sidewalk and a median have been built, and traffic signals and lighting have been installed. Two major culverts across non-perennial rivers have been lengthened, and an existing culvert has been replaced. A new urban drainage system has been built to direct stormwater into the nearest natural drainage channel,” said Bakker.  

He said the catchpits and inlet structures have been constructed to feed into the urban stormwater system, while enhancements have also been made to traffic capacity at intersections.

Kliprug Road was realigned to upgrade the intersection of the MR201 and Kliprug Road from a roundabout to a signalised T-junction, with an investment of R214.8 million.

Western Cape Infrastructure MEC, Tertuis Simmers, said: “There is a staggered junction at OP5256, which provides access to the Wildepaarde and Azalea Acres developments, along with the road accesses to the Zanddrift and Boschenmeer developments.”

The MEC said the plan, as envisaged in the current contract was to consolidate all these access roads to one access on MR201 for reasons of safety and mobility. 

“However, at the time of construction, the Zanddrift development had not yet commenced, and its starting date was uncertain. This meant that existing access roads to Wildepaarde and Boschenmeer could not be closed. 

“Modifications were made to the median island and the turning lane layout to maintain access. The consolidated intersection, as envisaged in the current contract, including the realignment of OP5256 that will be required, will be undertaken by Zanddrift Development when that project commences,” said Simmers. 

The MEC reports that the project generated 241 short-term job opportunities, exceeding the target of 200. 

According to Simmers, the project created a total of 39 786 person-days of work, surpassing the goal of 20 000.

In addition, R48.5 million was spent on procuring goods and services from targeted enterprises, which is significantly higher than the target of R26 million.

“A total of 14 local enterprises and six emerging contractors benefited from the project, and both those contract participation goals were met,” Simmers added.

The MEC said this project is part of a significant investment in the area, with various projects currently underway. 

“I wish to thank road users for their patience during the 33-month construction process,” Simmers added. – SAnews.gov.za