The roll-out of Phase 2A of the MyCiTi bus service to the Metro-South East is gaining momentum. Once implemented, commuters will have direct, scheduled, safe, and affordable public transport between Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha and Claremont and Wynberg.

The City of Cape Town’s Council approved the concept design of the Phase 2A trunk routes and the locations of the MyCiTi stations in 2016 and 2019. This followed after an extensive public participation process that took place from October 2014 to July 2015 and which included numerous public meetings where residents were consulted about the proposed conceptual design for the trunk routes.

The conceptual design that was approved by Council in 2016 and 2019 forms the basis for the detail design process.

During the detail design process, the City has identified some roads that need to be fully or partially closed to vehicular traffic on a permanent basis so that the MyCiTi service can be rolled-out to these areas. The closures are either needed for the MyCiTi stations and improvements of intersections and upgrades to walking and cycling facilities, or for the dedicated public transport lanes.

The proposed full and partial road closures will assist with road safety and traffic signals along the corridor will be optimised to improve the flow of traffic.

‘Although it may take a while for residents to get used to the partial or full road closures, everybody will still have access to and from their properties. I encourage residents to please participate in this process and to let us know, should they have any concerns,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase.

Commuters, residents, owners of properties in close proximity to the affected streets, and interested and affected parties can submit objections with detailed motivations to the City until 25 June 2021.

For further details or to submit an objection please visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/have-your-say.

Objections may also be submitted by email: transport.info@capetown.gov.za; or by hand at the relevant Subcouncil office.

The affected roads that may be fully or partially closed are as follows:

• 1st Avenue at the intersection with Emms Drive in Nyanga
• Govan Mbeki Road at the intersection with Philippi Village access road in Philippi
• Indwe Street at the intersection with Govan Mbeki Road in Philippi
• Govan Mbeki Road at the intersection with the Island access road opposite the Lansdowne Fire and Rescue service in Khayelitsha
• AZ Berman Drive at the intersection with Bottlebrush Street in Mitchells Plain
• AZ Berman Drive at the intersection with Petunia Street in Mitchells Plain
• Block Road, partial closure between the intersection with Chukker Road and Haroldene Road in Lansdowne
• Belmont Avenue, full closure between the intersection with Chukker Road and Civic Road in Lansdowne
• Lansdowne Road, full closure between St Kilda Road and Taronga Road
• Turf Hall Road, full closure at the intersection with Haywood Road/Flamingo Road
• Dalewood Road, partial closure between Riversdale Road and Benona Road in Lansdowne
• Racecourse Road, median closure at the intersection with Prince Arthur Road

The City will consider the submissions received during the public participation process. A final recommendation on the proposed closures will be submitted to Council for approval, together with a report on the outcome of the participation process.

‘The roll-out of Phase 2A is a massive undertaking by the City to bring affordable public transport closer to those who need it most. Many temporary work opportunities will be created once construction and the upgrades are under way. Local businesses also stand to benefit from subcontracting their goods and services. The routes will connect about 30 communities along the way and will significantly improve access to opportunities and amenities.

‘The City’s investment will assist with urban regeneration of the areas where the routes and stations will be constructed, and we hope to see private investment and developments following over time. I encourage residents to please go online and view the details,’ said Alderman Purchase.