Signboards show 'Plain bus project progress
An aerial view of the progress of the MyCiti bus project along AZ Berman Drive, Mitchell's Plain.
Image: supplied
The MyCiti bus project along AZ Berman Drive is 31% complete with the City of Cape Town wanting to bring a “world-class" Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service to Mitchell’s Plain.
Roadworks are currently focused on two sections. On the northbound carriageway, work is underway between Highlands Drive and Wespoort Drive, heading from Liberty Promenade mall towards the R300. On the southbound side, crews are working between Nduli Street and Sesame Street, moving from the R300 towards Liberty Promenade.
The City has installed two signboards near the construction zones – one opposite Watergate Mall and the other in the median close to the local police station.
According to the Urban Mobility Directorate, these signs include artist impressions of what the final project is expected to look like by January 2027, the scheduled completion date. They show red bus lanes, bus stops, walking and cycle paths, a dual carriageway layout, and landscaping.
Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayoral committee member for urban mobility, visited AZ Berman Drive where two signboards were installed to give commuters an idea of what the infrastructure will look like once the project has been completed.
Image: Supplied
Traffic is being managed in phases, with lane closures, detours, and traffic switches in place.
The City says the project team is working as fast as possible while trying to minimise disruption to daily traffic.
Lentegeur resident Byron De Villiers said the current road works are an injustice to our people.
"This morning it took me 15 minutes longer to get out of Mitchell's Plain from Lentegeur. I am (usually) at work by 5.40am and I only got to work at 6am just because Morgenster is closed. There is roadworks all over the show and it's extremely frustrating," he said.
Ward 76 councillor Avron Plaatjies said on Wednesday May 28 that the recent opening of Highlands Drive represents a major improvement in local infrastructure. “The widened road, clear markings, and upgraded intersections bring real relief to daily commuters. I want to sincerely thank the residents for their patience during construction, and the City’s traffic management teams for their excellent support in making this project a success,” he said.
Rob Quintas, Mayoral committee member for urban mobility, said this is a major investment in reliable and dignified public transport for Mitchell’s Plain. “It can be difficult to remain patient and supportive of the project while you are stuck in traffic disruptions,” he said. “The short-term frustration is undeniable, but the long-term benefits will be well worth it.”
One lane in each direction on AZ Berman Drive remains open at all times. Work is scheduled to avoid peak traffic, and access to homes and businesses is being maintained.