Cape Town is set to host its first-ever E-Prix event this weekend, and the city’s traffic department has implemented road closures as part of a wider strategic plan to curb lawlessness at the event.
2023 E-Prix: Roads to avoid in Cape Town this weekend
Capetonians have been advised to find alternative routes in and around the Atlantic Seaboard this weekend, as Cape Town prepares to host a high-level Formula E event for the first time ever.
In a statement quoted by News24, Cape Town police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut confirmed that a multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement officials will be out in full swing in the centre city to ensure “the safety of the public and participants.”
With more than 20 000 people expected to flock to the circuit, which runs through Green Point and the V&A Waterfront, these road closures will be in place to control mass movements.
NOTE: The 2023 E-Prix road closures will be in place until 04:00 on Sunday, 26 February 2023. Some road closures may be temporary but motorists are generally advised to avoid these routes at all costs this weekend.
- Helen Suzman Boulevard
- Intersection at Buitengracht Street
- Intersection at Beach Road
- Intersection at Green Point roundabout
- Between Vlei Road and Granger Bay Boulevard
- Vlei Road
- Between Helen Suzman Boulevard and Fritz Sonnenberg Road
- Beach Road
- Intersection at Granger Bay Boulevard (V&A Waterfront roundabout)
- Between Granger Bay Boulevard and Fritz Sonnenberg Road
Furthermore, E-Prix fans travelling by car are advised to park as furthest away as possible from the action to avoid a traffic hazard after the event.
Battery Park’s free parking area, as well as lots at Dock Road Junction and the Silo district, are just a few places available for motorists.
Moreover, Dock Road will serve as the only entrance and exit to the V&A Waterfront for shoppers, and access to Sea Point will only be open via Somerset and High-Level Road.
Motorists are warned to expect heavy congestion in the Atlantic Seaboard and the Foreshore this weekend.
MyCiTi routes that will be affected by the Formula E event
Public transport commuters will also feel the pinch of Cape Town’s first-ever 100% renewable energy-powered motorsport event.
While taxis operating in and around the centre city will be available, and possibly flouting every traffic rule to get commuters to their respective destinations on time, MyCiTi ticketholders may need to practice a lot more patience than usually required.
Due to the 2023 E-Prix activity taking place this weekend, MyCiTi buses operating on these routes will likely be delayed:
- Civic Centre to Sea Point
- Adderley to Hangberg, via Sea Point and Hout Bay Harbour
- Adderley to Hangberg via Sea Point and Imizamo Yethu
- Adderley to Hout Bay Beach
- Waterfront to Upper Kloof Street
- Waterfront to Du Noon via Civic Centre
2023 E-Prix race schedule and how to watch in South Africa
Here are all the race start times and the watch schedules for this weekend’s E-Prix event:
Friday, 24 February 2023
- Free Practice 1 @ 17:00 CAT (SuperSport channel 215 on DStv. Broadcast starts at 16:55)
Saturday, 25 February 2023
- Free Practice 2 @ 09:10 CAT (SuperSport channel 215 on DStv. Broadcast starts at 09:05)
- Qualifying Round @ 11:40 CAT (SuperSport channel 215 on DStv. Broadcast starts at 11:30)
- Round 5 @ 16:00 CAT (SuperSport channel 215 on DStv. The build-up broadcast starts at 15:30)