GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality is planning a series of major road infrastructure projects, with an estimated combined investment of more than R1.7bn, to improve connectivity, ease traffic pressures and accommodate the municipality’s continued growth.

 The proposed projects include widening York Street, upgrading Hansmoeskraal Road and extending Rand Street with a new bridge crossing over the N2 to provide additional access to Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu.

George Mayor Ald Browen Johnson said planning ahead was essential to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with the municipality's growth. 

“As George continues to grow, we must ensure that our road network develops alongside our communities. We cannot wait for congestion to become an even greater challenge before taking action,” said Johnson.

 Major road projects

The municipality is progressing the following key projects:

• York Street widening – approximately R130m: The project includes widening the bridges at Groeneweide and near Pacaltsdorp Cemetery to increase road capacity and improve traffic flow along this important route.
• Hansmoeskraal Road upgrade – approximately R285m: The proposed upgrade will improve the road infrastructure and convert the existing gravel road to a tarred road. An allocation of R11 million has been made in the 2026/2027 municipal budget towards this project.
• Rand Street extension and additional access – approximately R1.3bn: This larger project includes new road infrastructure and a proposed bridge crossing over the N2, with the aim of providing an additional access route serving Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu.

 Planning and funding

The planning process for these projects began during the previous budget cycle, when provision was made for the necessary road studies and assessments. These studies have since been completed, allowing the municipality to progress to the next stages of planning, funding and implementation.

For the Hansmoeskraal Road upgrade, the municipality intends to make further funding available through the adjustment budget process to assist with acquiring properties required within the road reserve.

The municipality is also pursuing funding applications to National Treasury for the upgrading and regrading of identified public transport routes. These improvements are important in ensuring that public transport infrastructure supports reliable access to employment, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

The proposed projects are being advanced through the relevant planning, funding and approval processes. Their implementation will depend on funding availability, the necessary approvals and the completion of statutory and other requirements.

Johnson said investment in road infrastructure was about more than improving traffic flow. “Reliable road infrastructure is essential to the daily lives of our residents, the operation of businesses and the movement of people across our municipal area. We want to ensure that our communities are better connected and that our infrastructure supports economic opportunities and future development,” he said.

"George Municipality will continue to plan and pursue infrastructure investments that respond to current needs while preparing the municipality for future growth."

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