The newly upgraded N7 Refinery Interchange was officially opened on Friday.
As per the Western Cape Government (WCG), the project aims to improve the capacity and safety of traffic operations along Plattekloof Road, playing a key role in the long-term development of the N7 corridor.
Also read: N7/Refinery interchange project to be completed in February 2024
‘Given the fact that as many as 150 000 people are moving to the Western Cape each year, we need to ensure that we keep pace with an ever-growing population and rapid urbanisation,’ Premier Alan Winde said at the ceremonial opening.
‘We are also thinking smarter, employing innovation, in how we connect communities through our roadways. This interchange is far more than just tar, steel, and cement. It should also be seen as an economic enabler linking citizens to economic opportunities.’
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The R250 million Refinery Interchange created jobs for 57 local businesses, including small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs, as well as 534 employment opportunities and 47 enterprise development opportunities during construction.
The project included:
- Constructing a new west-bound carriageway (WBCW);
- Constructing a west-bound road-over-road overpass bridge;
- Reconstructing and widening the interchange ramps;
- Rehabilitating and widening the existing road-over-rail bridge;
- The construction of a structural overlay and new wing walls;
- Constructing the new WBCW;
- The demolition of the existing road-over-road overpass bridge;
- Reconstructing the eastbound carriageway;
- Reconstructing the east-bound carriageway;
- Constructing the east-bound road-over-road overpass bridge (B6089);
- Constructing reinforced concrete retaining walls/impact barriers on Ramps and
- Constructing the eastern and western terminals.
The existing bridge was demolished as it was insufficient for vehicles carrying heavy loads on the N7 and replaced with two bridges over the N7. One is dedicated to westbound traffic on Plattekloof Road while the other is dedicated to eastbound traffic, completing the dualling of Plattekloof Road between Koeberg Road and the N1.
‘This project underscores our commitment to enhancing infrastructure to accommodate our growing population and support economic connectivity,’ said Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers.
‘By investing in smarter, long-term infrastructure solutions, we are not just building roads; we are unlocking economic opportunities and ensuring safer, more efficient travel for all.’
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Also read:
R271 million Refinery interchange project set to boost future economy
Picture: Western Cape Government