Update

GEORGE NEWS - George motorists will be thrilled to see that the resealing of CJ Langenhoven Road between Davidson Road (Provincial Hospital) has been completed, a full month earlier than the predicted mid-October. 

"This is a testament to our Civil Engineering Department who undertook the remedial project at short notice after receiving a significant portion of the provincial budget in the form of grant funding (80%) with the proviso that the spending is completed before the end of December," said spokesperson Chantèl Edwards.

CJ Langenhoven Road and York Street are both proclaimed roads within the municipal road network, and the budget and maintenance of these roads are provided by the Western Cape Government: Transport and Public Works that is the road authority of both roads. 

CJ Langenhoven Road opened to traffic on Tuesday and shortly after, the Market/York Street intersection was opened, allowing for bi-directional traffic flow. 

"This is another roads upgrade project which is progressing well despite initial delays," said Edwards.

The newly upgraded CJ Langenhoven Street opened to traffic on Tuesday afternoon.

Investment in road infrastructure

Our roads make a critical contribution to economic development and growth and, in turn, bring about all-important social development. 

"A well-planned and well-maintained road network is vitally important for development in that they provide access to employment as well as social, health and education services. George Municipality's investment in road infrastructure directly contributes to growth and productivity in that roads are a critical component of the production process of many goods and services," said Director of Human Settlements, Planning and Development Lauren Waring.

Mayor Leon van Wyk paid a visit to view the completed CJ Langenhoven Street together with Acting Director of Civil Engineering Services, Lionel Daniels.

Access to main tourist attractions

George Tourism manager Joan Shaw is thrilled that both CJ Langenhoven Road and York Street, which are exceptionally important tourism routes, are being updated. 

"The two roads form part of the main arterial network giving visitors access to not only many tourist attractions, but to the hub of the city of George - that is the home of many regional facilities including the George Airport, George Provincial Hospital and the Mediclinic, Home Affairs offices, the Garden Route District Municipality, to name a few. York Street also houses many of the banks and foreign exchange facilities," said Shaw.

"These roads also give access to many of the main tourist attractions such as the George Golf Course, Fancourt Hotel and Estate, Redberry Farm, Herold's Bay, Gwaiing River mouth, the historical hub of the city centre, and many other first-class accommodation establishments, restaurants, and attractions, including unique shops. It is vital that these and other such routes are in tip-top condition for the upcoming festive season, along with the rest of our facilities."

York Street closes this week for resealing

York Street will close later this week for 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 completion date is currently projected by end of mid-January 2023 for the entire project, but the entire inbound lane will be completed before December. Site inspections in this regard have already been undertaken with provincial roads officials.

The works include the rehabilitation of about 1km of York Street north-bound lanes, located between Nelson Mandela Boulevard in the south and Courtenay Street in the north. The George Civil Engineering Department will simultaneously address any storm water and kerb repairs that are needed.

"George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to be patient and exercise caution during the project," said Edwards. 

"Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and roadworks personnel. There will be height differences between the two lanes while milling and asphalt construction work is in progress. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians must exercise extreme caution, especially during wet conditions and when visibility is poor and at night. Vehicles with low profile tyres and motorcyclists must take extra care." 

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