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For nearly three years motorists using the N7 Refinery Interchange have been complaining about the delays and the heavy congestion caused by the roadworks.
Since last month however, the experience over the newly completed dual carriageway bridge has been smooth sailing as the construction project and upgrade to the bridge has finally come to an end.
Construction started in July 2021 and the date of completion was end of February this year.
Part of the work carried out was the demolishing of the existing bridge which was insufficient for vehicles carrying heavy loads on the N7. The demolished bridge was replaced with the construction of two bridges over the N7, with one dedicated to westbound traffic on Plattekloof Road and the second for eastbound traffic.
This also completes the duelling of Plattekloof Road between Koeberg Road and the N1, the Western Cape Government said in a statement issued on Friday.
The interchange was officially opened by dignitaries on Friday last week.
To ease the process the road had to be partially closed for the ceremony to take place, and for motorists to pass through, unaffected. The opening, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, took place around 11:00.
Speaking to TygerBurger afterwards, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, said the newly upgraded bridge will unlock economic potential.
“We have seen in the entire lifespan of this project well over 540 job opportunities being created for the surrounding community. We have empowered close to 50 small, medium, and micro enterprises,” he said.
Simmers said the project is a R250 million investment into the development of the N7 Refinery Interchange corridor.
“On our way to the opening ceremony the Premier and I noted new companies opening up, which means that a crucial piece of infrastructure has now unlocked the true future value of this corridor,” he added.
During the construction, his office had received several complaints from the public. “I have been on the receiving side of some of the emails.” To address this issue, the contractor even worked nightshift, he said.
“The road has been duelled on both sides, up and down, which eases the flow of traffic, and I mean what took people half an hour before, will now probably take them 12 minutes,” he said.
He also noted the traffic circle at De Grendel Avenue where several motor vehicle accidents have occurred since the start of the year.
“The reason why the circle is there, is because it’s part of traffic flow and a traffic calming measure. As you know, there are behavioural aspects that contribute to these challenges, but also, there are other aspects that I am aware of that our roads team will be looking at, in conjunction with the City of Cape Town, to see how we can increase and improve on the safety aspect of the circle,” Simmers said.
Premier
The opening ceremony was also attended by Premier Alan Winde, who had high praise for the work that had been done.
“Infrastructure is critical as an enabling environment for the economy and of cause, this is not just a bridge, this is part of a bigger plan, the N7 Refinery Interchange; looking at how the city is developing, and how we need to be investing in infrastructure that enables investment, that enables the economy.
“This bridge helps families spend more time together in the evenings because you can get home earlier. This bridge enables people to get to work easier, quicker, more efficiently, so that you can be at your factory, your place of work, get your children to school far easier, far quicker. So, it enables the economy, but it is also part of how infrastructure is critical in making sure that we are a space that attracts investment and confidence, so while I am standing here, I can see distribution centres and investment that happens all around this region because you have infrastructure in place.
“This bridge is forward thinking; it is planning for the future. You got extra lanes here for the future, it makes today easier, but it also makes tomorrow much, much easier,” said Winde.
Councillor
Miquette Temlett, Ward councillor, said earlier the successful finalisation of the project holds significant importance.
“The primary aim of the initiative was to enhance traffic capacity and safety at the Refinery Interchange. Throughout its implementation, close to 500 employment opportunities were generated within the local community, with over R50 million directed towards supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Essentially, the project’s impact over the course of two and a half years underscores its considerable significance. I am extremely happy with this project and believe it will bring much traffic congestion relief to travellers and enhance the safety of road users,” Temlett said.
