The City of Cape Town’s installation of a pedestrian traffic signal light in Tafelsig, costing close to a million rand, has been delayed.
The installation at an existing midblock crossing, between Bokkeveld and Langeberg Avenues, at Tafelsig Primary School on AZ Berman Drive, was due to start on Monday May 6.
The project, which comes at a cost of R959 396 was delayed because they did not have the last of the construction wayleaves, permissions to work around underground services.
The installation at this intersection is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and to enhance the safety of road users.
Sheval Arendse, Wolfgat sub-council chairman and councillor for Ward 82, including Tafelsig and Wolfgat West, said the matter was tabled during March’s sub-council meeting and that the City’s Transport Department would be footing the bill.
He also explained that a Transport Systems Management (TSM) funding source, which is aimed at road safety improvements on arterial roads, determines whether the funds should come from ward allocation.
Mayoral committee member for transport, Felicity Purchase said the project was subdivided into civil works at a cost of R517 000; and R411 000 for traffic signal works.
Civil works include the construction of dropped kerbs on both footways and the median island.
It also includes surfacing, with tar, of parts of both sidewalks in the vicinity of the crossing and the median island.
This is a requirement in terms of universal accessibility for non-motorised transport such as wheelchairs, bicycles and pedestrians.
A pedestrian handrail which aids in guiding the pedestrians to the crossing will be constructed.
There will be road markings and road traffic signs.
Signals include the installation of all signal components with camera detection technology and pedestrian push buttons.
Ms Purchase said the safety for road users would be improved with the signalised crossing at the primary school.
“These projects will also address traffic congestion which is a huge headache in Cape Town due to the increased traffic volumes on the city roads. We’re doing everything in our power to address it albeit incrementally,” she said.
No road closures are anticipated with these projects but motorists may experience some delays at the intersections.
She said they were working hard to keep the disruption to a minimum.
“Most of the work will take place outside of the lanes that are in use. We may close one lane when the road marking is taking place,” she said.
Ms Purchase encouraged motorists to work with them by complying with the road signs for the duration of these projects.
“We’re aiming to be done by the end of next month if all goes according to plan,” she said.
The department has spent more than R2.7 million on this project and two other projects in Khayelitsha – the signalisation of the intersection of Japhta K Masemola Road and Nyati Avenue costs R728 000; and R1 086 395 for the intersection of Japhta K Masemola Road and Lindela/Nyanda Roads.
