Khayelitsha traffic diverted to assist building of new rail bridge

By Celeste Ganga
28 February 2008

For the next year starting from Friday (29 February 2008) traffic in Khayelitsha will be diverted at the junction of Walter Sisulu and Oscar Mpetha roads onto a new by pass road to speed up the construction of an overhead railway bridge to the new station.

It’s been said that the 4,5 kilometre rail extension, estimated to cost over R300 million, is expected to increase the number of rail commuters by more than 40 000 in the next decade. It will mainly benefit Makhaza, Harare, Mandela Park and Kuyasa residents. The rail extension will provide four road-over-rail bridges, four stations and two transport interchanges.

For many Khayelitsha residents the project will eventually provide enhanced access to public transport close to their homes and businesses.

“Motorists travelling from Cape Town along Walter Sisulu road will turn left into Batandwa Ndodo road, right into Oliver Tambo road and then right in Steve Tshwete road. Residents in the area will have unhindered access to their homes,” explains site agent Louis Mouton.

He adds that those using Walter Sisulu road to travel from Strand in the direction of Cape Town will need to turn right into Steve Tshwete road, left into Tambo road and left into Batandwa Ndodo road.

Mouton calls on motorists and pedestrians to be patient and exercise caution during the construction phase.