Transport for Cape Town, the city’s transport authority, is spending about R55.4-million on resurfacing major traffic arteries in Observatory, Woodstock, Paarden Eiland, Newlands, Claremont, and Wynberg.

“All in all, the three projects amount to the value of R55.4-million for the resurfacing of nearly 9.2 km of road across the city, mayoral committee member: Transport for Cape Town Brett Herron said in a statement.

“The projects are already underway, with the majority of roadworks taking place at night in an effort to minimise the inconvenience to road users and disruptions to traffic. The works should be completed in the latter part of the year if all goes according to plan,” he said.

Transport for Cape Town is responsible for maintaining the city’s road network of over 10 620 km.

“We are trying our best with the limited resources at our disposal – financially and otherwise – to ensure that people and goods can move around within the city for years to come.

“Preventative maintenance, such as resurfacing and the installation of storm-water infrastructure for proper drainage, ensures that our roads do not disintegrate or become riddled with potholes.

“In this way, we can preserve one of our most important assets – our road infrastructure – for longer, and we are saving the city much needed money in this challenging economic climate,” Herron said.

The M3 freeway was being resurfaced between Newlands Avenue in Newlands and the Trovato Link in Wynberg, inclusive of the on- and off-ramps at the top of Wynberg Hill. The project value was nearly R16.6 million and covered a section of dual carriageway of about 2.5 km.

“Once completed, the quality of the road surface will be much improved, with a new skid-resistant surface which is said to reduce tyre noise and water spray from tyres in wet conditions. We are also installing a subsoil drain along a portion of the the northbound carriageway to prevent water ingress that is detrimental to the road structure,” said Herron.

Liesbeek Parkway was being resurfaced between the intersection with Settlers Way (the N2 freeway) and Lower Main Road in Observatory at a cost of about R16.3-million and covering about 2.3 km of road.

“We are removing the existing failing asphalt with a milling machine and replacing it with more flexible and durable asphalt containing rubber crumbs from recycled tyres. Minor repairs to the kerbs will be carried out and we are also installing subsoil drains to prevent ground water ingress onto the road.”

Lower Church Street was being resurfaced between the intersection with FW de Klerk Boulevard and Albert Road in Woodstock, inclusive of the on- and off-ramps. Marine Drive was being resurfaced from the intersection with FW de Klerk Boulevard to the Salt River bridge in Paarden Eiland, including the FW de Klerk Boulevard on- and off-ramps. The resurfacing of both roads amounted to R22.5-million and covered about 4.5 km of road.

“We are trying our best to do the maintenance and upgrades to the roads mentioned as fast as we can, weather permitting. I want to thank road users for their patience. Once completed, we will all benefit – from the local business owners to the residents and visitors to Cape Town,” Herron said.