The City of Cape Town’s Transport Directorate is investing R2.1 million (€107 800) to improve traffic flow on Kloofnek Road and create a safe footway for pedestrians along Signal Hill Road.

The project commenced in April and is scheduled for completion by the end of August.

“The footway will accommodate pedestrians who usually walk from the MyCiTi stop at the top of Kloofnek Road to the steps opposite the SANParks office. Once the footpath is completed, pedestrians will be able to use it to a point where they can access the off-street contour path to Lion's Head. This area is extremely popular among tourists, visitors, and local residents and will help to improve the safety of those on foot,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Felicity Purchase.

Improvements to assist with traffic flow are also under way on the Camps Bay-bound approach off Kloofnek Road at the intersection of Tafelberg and Signal Hill Roads.

The current status of the projects is as follows:

• The 160m footway has been completed. A pedestrian crossing is still to be added at the crossing point on Signal Hill Road, where steps lead up to the SANParks contour path to the Lion’s Head parking lot;
• The widening along Kloofnek Road on Lion’s Head side is still in progress.

“We have investigated possible solutions, and have decided to implement a longer dedicated right-turn lane, along with a separate through lane,” said Purchase.

“We have consulted with representatives of both SANParks and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. These stakeholders are supporting the improvements that are now under way.

“These improvements will alleviate congestion and improve pedestrian and vehicular safety at the gateway to one of the five key tourism destinations in the city. It will benefit visitors and daily commuters using this route as we anticipate fewer delays,” said Purchase.