The City of Cape Town's modern MyCiti bus service is finally coming to the business and retail hub of Claremont, bringing with it more efficient public transport for thousands of daily commuters. And with a dedicated bus lane keeping buses out of the area's infamous traffic jams, it's sure to speed up commuting times.
Just one thing: traffic in the area is going to get gnarly from March 2025 for the next… wait for it… 33 months.
That's because the City of Cape Town is kicking off the next phase of construction for the MyCiti service that will eventually connect Claremont to residential areas as far afield as Mitchell's Plain and Khayelitsha.
While this next phase of work will see construction underway along a 2.7-kilometer stretch of Imam Haron Road from the M5 to Claremont, the snarl-ups are likely to be worst in and around Stanhope Bridge.
It's a congested corner of Claremont at the best of times, and the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councilor Rob Quintas is warning residents to prepare for major delays: 'This is by far one of the most challenging sections of roadway to be affected as part of the roll-out of the second phase of the MyCiTi bus service to connect commuters from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha with Claremont and Wynberg. The City's investment in expanding the MyCiTi footprint to these areas is the biggest by any South African city to date in improving urban mobility. It is a mammoth undertaking, and unfortunately it will cause inconveniences and longer commuting times while construction is ongoing.'
While teams are already getting ready to break ground, construction is only due to kick off in early March, with work beginning at Stanhope Bridge and moving towards the M5.
And while the work will no doubt be a rush-hour headache for residents and commuters, there are plenty of benefits expected down the line. Beyond improved public transport options with the new MyCiti route, the construction will include widening the Stanhope railway bridge, which will hopefully ease peak hour congestion, as well as the addition of new walking and cycling lanes, and the installation of new street lighting. Take a deep breath, Claremont commuters!