Amid complaints by Durbanville and Philadelphia farmers about the poor road surface of alternative roads during the construction period of the new Van Schoorsdrift interchange, good progress has been made with the project, according to a report by the provincial department of infrastructure.
The interchange approximately 4,5 km north of the Potsdam interchange on the N7, is part of a broader project to upgrade about 10 km of the N7 to freeway standards. This three-year project at a cost of over R780 million started in March and entails the construction of a single 5 km carriageway road, with a narrow diamond interchange on the N7, a bridge over the Diep River, and an additional four bridges to accommodate the safe movement of crossing traffic.
Philadelphia Agricultural Society complained in June this year already about the poor condition of especially Van Schoorsdrift Road (Old Malmesbury Road), which is currently being used as an alternative route – especially between the R304 (Philadelphia Road) and the N7, as well as the R304 between Klipheuwel Road and the N7.
Motorists have to drive on the wrong side of the road to avoid the numerous potholes, Jan-Louw Herholdt, chair of Philadelphia Agricultural Society, said in a letter in June to the department.
A dangerous pothole on Contermanskloof Road at the Afrisam entrance has also been reported.
Francois Berry, councillor for Ward 105, urges road users to be very careful when making use of these roads. “I am in constant communication with the department to maintain the potholes and road reserves. I fully understand the frustration, but am looking forward to the end result,” he says.
“The department is trying their best to maintain the pothole at the Afrisam entrance on Contermanskloof Road, but it has proven futile due to the number of heavily loaded trucks that use this intersection,” Berry says.
End of lifespan
Regarding the poor condition of Van Schoorsdrift Road, the department is looking at alternative measures to maintain the road, since the road is at the end of its lifespan and the recent floods were also a big contributing factor.”
He continues that he is happy about the good progress that is being made on the new Van Schoorsdrift interchange.
“As with other road users from our area, we cannot wait for this intersection to be reopened for access to the N7. Access to the N7 from Vissershok is currently via Contermanskloof to the N7 at the Malibongwe interchange,” he says.
According to a media release by the provincial department of infrastructure, a new 5 km road (MR244) will be built to link Vissershok Road (OP72) with a future road to be called Berkshire Boulevard (OP72) from a point just west of the Malanshoogte Road (Contermanskloof Road).
Six new bridges
This will require the construction of six new bridges, including the Van Schoorsdrift interchange bridge over the N7 currently under construction and a bridge over the Diep River.
The Van Schoorsdrift Road or Old Malmesbury Road (DR1111) will be realigned for access to the Vissershok Road. Four of the new bridges will link farmlands and City of Cape Town land, which are bisected by the realigned Vissershok and Van Schoorsdrift Roads.
It is anticipated that these farmlands will in future become developed land, according to the media release.
Streetlighting will be installed on the interchange bridge and along the N7 from Potsdam interchange to Melkbos interchange.
Motorists who have had an accident or their vehicle damaged must contact the directorate for financial governance at DOI.LossControl@westerncape.gov.za
