Brackenfell residents and daily commuters finally have their chance to weigh in on what could be the most significant road infrastructure transformation the area has seen in decades.
The City of Cape Town has launched a comprehensive public participation process for the ambitious Kruis Road upgrade project, giving community members until 12 December to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions about plans.
A response to explosive growth
Anyone who regularly travels through Brackenfell will tell you that the area has been experiencing unprecedented growth that the current road infrastructure simply wasn’t designed to handle. City officials have acknowledged this reality, stating that the area directly surrounding the Kruis Road corridor is experiencing what they describe as “a surge in development.”
According to officials, the proposed upgrade isn’t just about improving current conditions, it’s about getting ahead of the curve and preparing for the continued growth that seems to shows no signs of slowing down.
City officials say the upgrade is essential to facilitate bulk road infrastructure improvements and reduce the impact of future traffic on the municipal road network.
Comprehensive upgrade planned
The current single Kruis Road-carriageway between Bottelary Road and Ronelle Street will be completely reimagined as a modern dual carriageway, effectively doubling the road’s capacity.
The intersection at Ronelle Street will be redesigned around a new roundabout. Perhaps most significantly for daily commuters, the busy Bottelary Road intersection will receive a complete overhaul.
The existing traffic signals will be relocated and upgraded to work with the new dual carriageway design, potentially reducing those frustrating wait times that have become a daily reality for so many motorists. The project also include facilities for what planners call “active mobility” – think cycling lanes and pedestrian pathways – as well as improved infrastructure for public transport.
Ward councillor Johan Loods is positive about the planned upgrade. “It is a proactive measure to add capacity to the current road infrastructure in the presence of a traffic volume problem on this road during peak traffic times,” he told TygerBurger on Friday.
Multiple ways to participate
Under the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, residents and interested parties have several options to submit their input. Digital submissions can be made via email to urbanmobility.CT@capetown.gov.za (reference number: 110252607) or through the City’s online platforms at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay or www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate.
In-person submissions can be made at the Subcouncil 2 office at 87 Brighton Way, Kraaifontein or at Brackenfell public bibrary on Paradys Street.
Public information session
A public information session is scheduled for November 20 from 15:00 to 18:00 at the Subcouncil 2 office boardroom on the first floor.
The City has committed to providing special assistance for residents who cannot read or write, people with disabilities, and other disadvantaged groups to ensure their voices are heard in the consultation process. Residents with questions about the submission process can contact Andre Louw from the Public Participation Unit at 021 400 9809 or Andre.Louw@capetown.gov.za.Technical queries about the project should be directed to Stefan de Villiers at 021 444 4937.
