- The closure of a portion of Weltevreden Way between Westridge and Rocklands in Mitchells Plain has been extended, causing frustration among motorists.
- Initially set to be completed by the end of June, the roadworks are now expected to finish by 17 July, with potential further delays due to weather.
- Phase 2 of the road rehabilitation will start on 1 August and is expected to continue until February 2025, impacting traffic flow further.
As one of the main arterial routes in and out of Mitchells Plain and surrounding areas, closure of a portion of Weltevreden Way between Westridge and Rocklands has motorists perturbed.
With the closure meant to have been finalised by the end of June, work continues on this portion of road between Morgenster and Spine roads.
But, motorists may need to practise a little more patience, as TygerBurger is reliably informed that a second vital intersection of the road may soon be impacted.
Rob Quintas, Mayco member for urban mobility, says the roadworks should be completed next week.
Delays
“The completion date was shifted to Wednesday 17 July due to the delay in the contractual start date and the public holiday on Wednesday 29 May. The contractor’s Traffic Management Plan (TMP) was provisionally scheduled to have the roads opened by Friday 5 July (not a contractual commitment), but as with any project, there are at times unforeseen delays. The City always provides provisional completion dates which at times do have to change depending on the weather, for example,” he says.
While the date is set for Wednesday, this is still dependent on unforeseen delays such as inclement weather, says Quintas.
He confirmed that Phase 2 of the rehabilitation of Jakes Gerwel Drive (which becomes Weltevreden Way and vice versa) will be impacted from just before the R300 intersection to just before the Oliver Tambo intersection.
“It is anticipated to start on Thursday 1 August and be completed in February 2025. These are provisional completion dates only, and again, I must iterate may change depending on the weather and other unforeseeable delays,” says Quintas.
Complaints of continued delays in both the morning and evening have frustrated motorists.
“The congestion has mainly been due to the schools in the area, and the general public having to use these routes as alternative routes, which are in the vicinity where the schools are situated. Due to the nature of the rehabilitation works required no further measures can be made to alleviate congestion over and above what is already in place. This is due to the existing road network layout whilst still allowing all commuters access to their intended destinations,” says Quintas.
“The local bus service provider has been engaged on further possible measures to assist bus commuters but due to the narrow roads within the residential suburb, no suitable alternative was identified than what was already in place. We apologise for the inconvenience, but roadworks are always inconvenient due its nature, and request residents to please be patient while we do our best to maintain our road network which is one of our biggest assets in keeping people, goods, and services mobile.”
Temporary closure
In a March media release ahead of the roadworks, the City indicated the temporary closure at this portion of Weltevreden Road from Monday 11 March to Saturday 29 June, weather permitting.
“The rehabilitation project will be done in two stages. Residents and commuters making use of this stretch of road must please take note of the relevant deviations. Clear road closure and detour signage will be implemented to direct motorists around Weltevreden Road. This is a key road for road users travelling to and from Mitchells Plain,” said Quintas at the time. Quintas further acknowledged the impact on the traffic for residents in the surrounding areas.
- For information, follow @CityofCTAlerts on X (formerly Twitter) or contact the call centre on 0860 103 089.
