The work commenced in May 2019 and is currently underway in all three areas. If all goes as planned, the project should be completed in May 2021.

‘Improving road safety and making the city accessible to as many people as possible are some of our service delivery priorities. The project features safer pedestrian crossings, universal access for those with special needs, and improved infrastructure in general. Other benefits from this project are the temporary work opportunities to local residents, and the improvements at the informal trading area for traders in Atlantis,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase.

The cost is as follows:

• R 13,5 million on repair work and new facilities in the Atlantis area;
• R 12 million on repair work and new facilities in the Blaauwberg North area; and
• R700 000 for work along Birkenhead Drive in Milnerton

‘The work includes standardised universal access between the roadway and the pedestrian walkways to avoid tripping hazards. This means we need to create smooth and safe walking conditions for those who are blind, or whose sight are impaired, and to also warn them of possible hazards ahead. Tactile pavers will be used at the ramps to alert blind or visually impaired pedestrians of signalised intersections and crossings,’ said Alderman Purchase.

The ramps will also provide easier access to cyclists and persons with special needs.

‘Also, we will provide double access at the intersections where space is available. By double access we mean the intersection can be used by both pedestrians and cyclists. The ramps at the intersections will ease the grade difference between the sidewalks and roadways which will make it safer and easier for crossing,’ said Alderman Purchase.

The width of the walkways depends on the location and will differ throughout the project. The width will vary between 1,2 meters and 3 meters.

The work is taking place along the following roads:

• Gie Road
• Ringwood Road
• Humewood Road
  
• Wood Drive
• Landscaped areas between Sandown and Parklands Main Roads
• Birkenhead Drive
• The Atlantis area
• Atlantis informal trading area

‘The work in the areas is similar in nature, with the exception of the informal trading area in Atlantis, adding an economic element to the project. Atlantis is a growing economic hub with a number of informal traders. The new space will provide better access to the traders which will benefit their businesses and livelihood,’ said Alderman Purchase.

The construction work at the informal trading area will include the following:

• construction of an asphalt surfaced area, with clearly marked trading bays for traders;
• construction of concrete walkways at the informal trading area, raised pedestrian crossings and improved road marking and road signage;
• upgrading of the parking area adjacent to the informal trading area; and
• upgrading of stormwater infrastructure at the informal trading area.

End