The R520 million road infrastructure project in the Garden Route District Municipality is the largest provincial government investment in the area and is expected to span approximately 44 months. Designed to improve mobility, safety, and economic growth, the project is currently about 57% complete and is on track for completion by the end of the second quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.
Tertuis Simmers, the Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, highlighted the challenges posed by the project’s location, which includes numerous underground services and aging infrastructure. He noted that delays were necessary to replace these aging services to prevent future failures. Additionally, unexpected discoveries of unrecorded services during excavations required the project team to develop quick engineering solutions.
Garret Street, a crucial link between Mossel Bay’s industrial area and residential suburbs, has faced restricted access due to construction. The construction team prioritized the needs of the majority, leading to temporary road closures. Despite these challenges, the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) is committed to reopening Garret Street for Bayview access by March 20, 2025.
As of February 2025, R35 million of the R85 million budget has been spent, with 31,000 person-days of work created, resulting in 218 job opportunities. The project has also engaged 29 local subcontractors, with a total value exceeding R8 million.
Upcoming milestones include the re-alignment of the Langeberg Mall entrance and the completion of new on- and off-ramps from the N2 by the end of April 2025. The project team has implemented innovative strategies to expedite work, including closing intersections to facilitate quicker construction.
Minister Simmers acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the roadworks but assured that the long-term benefits would outweigh the short-term disruptions. He also addressed a petition against a new pedestrian footpath connecting Sonskynvallei to Hartenbos, confirming that the footpath was part of the approved plans aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and access to economic opportunities. The DOI appreciates the patience of road users during this significant infrastructure investment.