The long-drawn-out project of adding a third lane to the N1 between Plattekloof and Old Oak interchange will finally be completed this May after being in the works for more than three years.
This project, spearheaded by the Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW), was initially expected to be completed in February but experienced some delays.
The new N1 lane will help accommodate the 120 000 vehicles that travel along the stretch of road every day and is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion on what is considered to be one of Cape Town’s busiest roads.
Currently, the project is in Phase 3, and includes widening the barrier as well as completing the asphalt paving work. Construction of drainage systems in the road reserve next to the outbound auxiliary lane between Durban Road and Old Oak, as well as inbound between Jip de Jager and Plattekloof, is also currently underway.
So far, R41-million of the project’s R487-million budget has been spent on targeted labour and targeted enterprises, and 40 417 days of work have been created for people from Cape Town who live next to the parts of the N1 currently under construction.
Motorists are being thanked by the DTPW for their patience while the project has been underway and it apologises for the frustrating delays that affected many residents during the project.
The MEC of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant, is expected to open the Old Oak West Bridge over the N1 on April 30 and motorists will finally be able to enjoy the newly-built lane.
Picture: Department of Transport and Public Works
