The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate issued a crucial notice to residents, road users and businesses regarding the closure of Kloof Road, a vital connection between town and Camps Bay.
This section of Kloof Road, stretching from Kloofnek Road to Round House Road, has been deemed unsafe for use following extreme storm damage.
A major slope failure occurred last year, resulting in substantial damage and washouts along the road. The closure is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.
The area affected falls under SANParks management. Obtaining the necessary permits is mandatory for construction, further extending the project timeline. The estimated 24-month period may fluctuate based on these variables and the City urges community understanding and support throughout the process.
The mountainside, while appearing solid, is composed of decomposed granite, posing a high risk during construction due to its crumbly nature. Meticulous stabilisation efforts are required to address this challenge. The City has engaged consulting engineers, and ongoing investigations will guide the repair strategy.
During the closure, road users are encouraged to opt for alternative routes via Geneva Drive and Segdemoor Road in Camps Bay, leading to Lower Kloof Road. Community cooperation is vital as the City tackles this major project, prioritising safety and long-term stability.
The closure is a result of a level nine storm event in late September 2023, causing significant landslides across Cape Town. Intense rainfall, coupled with an already saturated environment, led to uncontrolled surface water runoff, destabilising the embankment and triggering instability along Kloof Road.
To address the slip failure, the Urban Mobility Directorate is working on a design that stabilises the collapsed slope’s ‘toe,’ allowing for the importation of new material to fill the resulting gap.