Key Takeaways
- Cape Town’s busiest transport corridor is undergoing overnight road upgrades to improve traffic flow and road safety
- The project involves two stretches in Goodwood and surrounds, with work running from 7pm to 5:30am, Sunday to Friday
- Construction is expected to be completed by mid-February 2026, with a festive season break from 12 December to 12 January 2026
- Transport officials are advising drivers to approach the affected stretches with caution and plan for added travel time
- The project is part of the City’s broader road-management programme aimed at improving surface durability and safety across Cape Town’s mobility network
Introduction to the Road Upgrades
The City of Cape Town has commenced overnight road upgrades on one of its busiest transport corridors, aiming to minimize daytime disruption while keeping traffic flowing smoothly. The project, carried out by the Roads Infrastructure Management team, involves two stretches in Goodwood and surrounds, specifically Jakes Gerwel Drive between Voortrekker Road and Frans Conradie Drive, and Jan Smuts Drive from Oude Molen High School to Welwyn Avenue. The work is scheduled to run from 7pm to 5:30am, Sunday to Friday, with an expected completion date of mid-February 2026, barring any delays.
Construction Details and Timeline
Construction on the project has already begun, with crews currently working on Voortrekker Road, where base patching and surface patching are being carried out. Once this phase is complete, the focus will shift to Jan Smuts Drive, where new asphalt will be surfaced across the roadway, and any damaged or missing kerbs will be replaced. The City has assured that all road markings removed or disrupted during the process will be reinstated once resurfacing is complete. The project will pause for the festive season from 12 December to 12 January 2026, allowing teams to avoid heavy holiday traffic and giving contractors time to reset before resuming in January.
Community Cooperation and Appreciation
Councillor Rob Quintas, speaking on behalf of the Urban Mobility Directorate, has expressed appreciation for the community’s cooperation during the night-time schedule. He thanked residents and road users in the affected areas for their patience and cooperation, highlighting the importance of maintaining mobility and improving long-term road quality while minimizing inconvenience during peak traffic hours. The temporary festive-season break is seen as an opportunity for teams to avoid heavy holiday traffic while giving contractors time to reset before resuming in January.
Impact on Traffic and Road Users
Transport officials are advising drivers to approach the affected stretches with caution and plan for added travel time, especially during overnight commutes. Road users are encouraged to map out alternate routes while the work is underway, and the City will provide regular updates on the project’s progress. The emphasis remains on maintaining mobility, improving long-term road quality, and minimizing inconvenience during peak traffic hours. With the Goodwood phase already underway and additional work planned for early 2026, the City is committed to keeping Cape Town moving on safer, improved road surfaces.
Broader Road-Management Programme
The current project forms part of the City’s broader, ongoing road-management programme aimed at improving surface durability and safety across Cape Town’s mobility network. The programme is designed to ensure that the city’s roads are well-maintained, safe, and efficient, with a focus on minimizing disruptions to traffic and daily life. As the City pushes ahead with essential night-time upgrades, the emphasis remains on maintaining mobility, improving long-term road quality, and minimizing inconvenience during peak traffic hours. With regular updates expected as the project progresses, residents and road users can stay informed and plan accordingly.