Cape Town motorists face a significant road closure on Plattekloof Road this weekend, as part of the N7 highway multimillion-rand project nears completion.
Plattekloof Road weekend closure: Here’s everything you must know
The N7 highway project, valued at R285 million, is on track to enhance traffic capacity and safety at the Refinery Interchange.
Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers acknowledged minor delays primarily due to weather conditions but confirmed the project’s completion is expected in the early part of next year.
“I am pleased with the progress that has been made on this project. The project plays a critical role as it forms an integral part of the long-term development of the N7 corridor as well as the greater integrated transport plan for the Cape metropole,” he told Cape Argus.
The next phase of the project necessitates the closure of Plattekloof Road over the N7 from 19:00 on Friday, 24 November 2023 to 05:00 on Monday, 27 November 2023.
While the N7 northbound off- and on-ramps, and the southbound off-and on-ramps at Refinery Interchange, will remain accessible, Simmers highlighted the unavoidable timing of the closure during the Black Friday weekend.
“I know that it has caused frustration and inconvenience during construction, but the team has demonstrated their commitment to sticking to the plan. The long-term benefit will be invaluable to the region,” he added.
The necessary closure of Plattekloof Road means motorists have the following alternative routes to navigate around the area:
- Giel Basson Drive: This route runs parallel to a portion of Plattekloof Road and can be used as an alternative for east-west travel. It connects to the N1, offering access to various parts of Cape Town.
- De Grendel Road: Another parallel route to the south of Plattekloof Road, De Grendel Road, can be used to bypass closures, connecting with Giel Basson Drive and other major roads.
- Tygerberg Valley Road (M13): For those travelling between the northern suburbs and the city, Tygerberg Valley Road can be a viable alternative, especially if the closure is towards the eastern end of Plattekloof Road.
- N1 Freeway: The N1, running parallel to Plattekloof Road but further south, is a major arterial route that can be used to circumvent closures, especially for longer-distance travel or accessing different parts of the city.
- Francie van Zijl Drive: This road is useful for motorists travelling to or from the Tygerberg Hospital and surrounding areas. It links directly to the N1, facilitating broader access.
- Koeberg Road (M14): Koeberg Road, running to the west of Plattekloof Road, provides an alternative route for north-south travel, linking the suburbs with the city centre.
- McIntyre Road: This is another north-south alternative that can be used, particularly if the closure is near the western end of Plattekloof Road.
This upgrade aims to bolster both the capacity and safety of traffic operations at the Refinery Interchange and introduces a dual-carriageway system along Plattekloof Road.