Update

GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality is doing major upgrades to various streets in George that are severely affecting traffic flow during peak hours.

In a statement issued on Tuesday 16 August, the municipality called for patience among motorists. It said the projects could not be staggered due to the time frames within which they have to be completed to meet the conditions of grant funding that was received for the upgrades.

The following major projects are underway:

York Street traffic circles

This project is funded by various private stakeholders.

Construction of the two new traffic circles in York Street next to the old tourist resort (Mount View Resort) between the Hope Street circle and the Go George bus depot started on Monday 8 August and is expected to be completed during December. 

These road upgrades are required to accommodate the additional traffic which is expected to be generated by the proposed Mediclinic, 1 on York lifestyle development, and residential developments where the crocodile farm was previously situated. 

The designs adhere to municipal and provincial requirements, but the project is funded by various private stakeholders.

The construction will take place in two phases, which entails the following:

Phase 1 has commenced in August and entails the construction of two “half circles” in the western carriageway. During this phase, the western dual lane carriageway (indicated in yellow) will be closed to traffic. Motorists will be diverted to the eastern dual-lane carriageway (indicated in red) which will be used for two-way traffic.

Phase 2 is expected to commence in October and entails the construction of the other two “half circles” to complete the full circles in the eastern carriageway. During this phase, the eastern dual-lane carriageway (indicated in red) will be closed to traffic. Motorists will be diverted to the western dual-lane carriageway (indicated in yellow) which will be used for two-way traffic.

During Phase 1 of the construction of the two traffic circles in York Street, the western dual-lane carriageway (indicated in yellow) will be closed to traffic.Market Street
This project, which is funded mainly from the Public Transport Network Grant, will see a significant positive upgrade in the central business district. The five phases are progressing well, noting that the project did experience ongoing challenges with intermittent and frequent rain that is always problematic with deeper excavations. 

The optic fibre service provider co-ordinated their installations with the works and impact on sidewalk space in certain areas, but this work has been concluded.

The full project extends from York Street to Hope Street in five phases. Two phases are complete, and one is nearing completion (end of August). The last two are progressing very well and are set to be completed in February 2023. 

These phases comprise a full rebuild and upgrade of the full road reserve and the asphalting of the pedestrian walkways, including the paving of the furniture zone. 

The furniture zone is the area for all street furniture (benches), streetlights, waste bins, etc. and acts as a buffer between the roadway and the pedestrian sidewalk.

As far as possible, direct property access is maintained and Alewijn Dippenaar makes the necessary arrangements /provisions in advance with any affected business owner. Business and property owners affected by the road construction are requested to contact Dippenaar at dyndev@mweb.co.za or on 082 457 5675 if they have any queries or concerns. 

They must not communicate directly with, or request information from the contractor’s personnel.

The contractor working into the late hours of the evening in Market Street.

Airway Road
This project is funded mainly from the Public Transport Network Grant.

The introduction of the Go George public bus transport service and the increased traffic volumes in Airway Road have led to serious degradation of the road structure, requiring a rebuild to renew the life cycle of this important transport asset. 

The work consists of rehabilitation of the 600m of Airway Road, including realignment of the traffic circles. The project is set to be completed by mid-October.

Golf Street
This project is funded mainly from the Public Transport Network Grant.

The introduction of the Go George public bus transport service and the increased traffic volumes in Golf Street have led to serious degradation of the road structure, requiring a rebuild to renew the life cycle of this important transport asset. 

The work consists of rebuilding the majority of Golf Street and is set to commence in the second portion of 2022, subject to the securing of sufficient funding.

Tabata Street Phase 2
This project is funded mainly from the Public Transport Network Grant.

The upgrading of the next portion of Tabata Street, Thembalethu, from Mfayana Street to Mbewo Street (about 600m), commenced in July and the contractor is progressing with the works. This phase of construction is set to be completed by end February 2023. 

The improvements to this main arterial through Zone 12, 13 and 15 will improve the experience of road users, pedestrians and the lives of residents.

The road, sidewalk (similar to other community routes) and storm water system upgrades will improve vehicle and pedestrian movement and reduce flooding of the street and properties. 

The entire intended Tabata Street upgrade extends from the intersection with Nelson Mandela Boulevard (Fourways) to where the road re-joins Nelson Mandela Boulevard and will be implemented in phases, subject to the securing of sufficient funding.

Thembalethu / N2 Bridge Widening
This project is funded jointly by Sanral and the Public Transport Network Grant.

This strategic upgrade is long overdue and involves the doubling of the original bridge, significant improvements to sidewalks and non-motorised transport facilities, upgrading N2 on/off ramps, and the widening of Nelson Mandela Boulevard between Main/Ncamazana Street in the north and Tabata/Ngcakani Street in the south. 

It has taken more than 12 years to secure funding for this project. It will see a marked improvement in traffic flow and the safety of all road users, and especially residents of Thembalethu, this being the only access to Thembalethu. Construction work has commenced with an anticipated completion date in May 2024.

Resealing of Roads (Asphalt resealing)
Provincial Government Western Cape provides 80% of the funding for these projects.

CJ Langenhoven Road and York Street are both proclaimed roads within the municipal road network. As part of the grant funding for maintenance of these roads provided by Western Cape Government: Transport and Public Works (which is the road authority of both roads), George Municipality was fortunate to get a significant portion of the provincial budget for such roads. 

The condition of the grant funding is that it be spent before the end of December 2022, which calls for an overlapping of the two projects to meet the condition. 

Consideration has been given to coordinate the two projects to ensure that traffic disruptions are limited to the absolute minimum. With the projects being rolled out in winter, it makes it difficult to programme night work, due to a drop in the temperature that makes it difficult to work with asphalt and the placement thereof.

Resealing of CJ Langenhoven Road (phase 2) between Davidson Road (Provincial Hospital) and York Street has commenced and follows on phase 1 that took place between Witfontein and Davidson Road. 

The remedial work will require the milling and removal of existing bituminous layers as well as milling and removal of existing gravel base layers. The milling operations will be followed by the placing of new bituminous base layers and surface layers. The above work will be carried out in half-widths and CJ Langenhoven Street will be restricted to one-way traffic at times.

Traffic will be managed by means of Stop and Go or rerouted. This will lead to traffic congestion and delays. Access to businesses will be maintained, however parking between Palm Road and York Street will be impacted. Reconstruction and repairs to kerbs will have no major traffic impact. The anticipated completed date is mid-October.

Similar to CJ Langenhoven Road (phase 2), York Street also requires the milling and removal of existing bituminous layers as well as milling and removal of existing gravel base layers that will be followed by the placing of new bituminous base layers and surface layers. 

The anticipated commencement date is mid-September with a completion date projected by end of December.

General construction information

The impact on traffic movement varies for each project depending on the nature of the work done, and the details are published in advertisements in local print media and on the George Municipality social media channels ahead of commencement of construction. 

If the Go George service will be affected, this is communicated by Go George champions on location as well as via the usual social media and other communication platforms. 

Municipal services such as water, sewerage and electricity may be temporarily disrupted, and planned disruptions will be communicated via social media when required.

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