Cape Town Announces Temporary Road
By Thobeka Makume
The City of Cape Town has announced temporary road closures on Racecourse Road for MyCiTi infrastructure upgrades in the Lansdowne and Kenwyn areas. Several temporary road closures are scheduled in the coming months to accommodate the ongoing MyCiTi infrastructure developments that need to take place in several areas. Residents and all road users are urged to note the following temporary lane closure schedule: Chukker Road (Single-lane closure – up to the pedestrian crossing): August – December 2025; Stockley and Racecourse Road intersection: July 2025 – December 2025; Leafmore and Racecourse Road intersection: August – December 2025.
Detailed Schedule of Lane and Full Road Closures in Lansdowne and Kenwyn
Motorists travelling through Lansdowne and Kenwyn need to prepare for disruptions as the City of Cape Town rolls out temporary lane closures along Racecourse Road to make way for MyCiTi bus service expansions. The Urban Mobility Directorate has outlined a series of phased closures starting from July 2025 and running through to December 2025. These include single-lane restrictions on Chukker Road up to the pedestrian crossing from August to December, full intersection closures at Stockley and Racecourse Road from July to December, and similar measures at Leafmore and Racecourse Road from August to December.
A more significant impact comes with the complete closure of Crosscut Road from September to December 2025. During this period, Prince Arthur Road will temporarily function as a dual carriageway to handle traffic in both directions between Racecourse and Imam Haron Road, helping to ease some of the expected congestion. These changes are part of broader efforts to build dedicated bus lanes, stops, and supporting infrastructure for the MyCiTi Phase 2A project, which aims to extend reliable public transport to underserved areas in the city’s southeast.
The city advises drivers to use alternative routes like Turfhall Road or Lansdowne Road where possible, and to allow extra time for journeys. Signage and traffic officers will be on site to guide vehicles, but officials warn that peak hours could see heavier delays. Similar closures in nearby areas, such as on Turfhall Road earlier in the year, have already shown how these works can add to travel times, with some commuters reporting up to 30 minutes extra during rush hour.
Reasons Behind the Closures and Benefits of MyCiTi Phase 2A
These roadworks are essential for the MyCiTi Phase 2A expansion, a major upgrade to Cape Town’s bus rapid transit system that will connect the Metro Southeast region, including areas like Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha, to the city centre and other key spots. The project, valued at over R4 billion, includes new routes along Spine Road, Govan Mbeki Road, and extensions towards Wynberg and Claremont. By creating dedicated lanes and modern stops, it promises faster, safer, and more affordable travel for thousands of daily commuters who currently rely on overcrowded minibus taxis or private vehicles.
The upgrades address long-standing transport gaps in working-class neighbourhoods, where many residents spend a large chunk of their income on getting to work. Once complete, Phase 2A is expected to carry up to 100,000 passengers daily, reducing traffic congestion and cutting carbon emissions through fewer cars on the road. Construction began in earnest in 2023, with phases rolling out gradually to minimise disruption, but the Racecourse Road section is critical for linking southern suburbs like Lansdowne to the broader network.
Community feedback has been mixed, with some residents welcoming the improved public transport while others worry about short-term hassles. In Plumstead and other nearby spots, similar MyCiTi works have sparked petitions over permanent closures, highlighting concerns about access to homes and businesses. However, city officials point to the long-term gains, such as better connectivity to jobs in industrial zones and easier access to schools and hospitals.
Appeals for Patience and Planning Amid Expected Congestion
City authorities are calling on the public to bear with the inconvenience, emphasising the end goal of a world-class public transport system. “We are appealing to all the residents and road users, who travel in this area, to please be patient with this important MyCiTi Phase 2A construction work that needs to take place. The works will regrettably add to congestion, but we ask that you always keep in mind the safe, affordable and reliable MyCiTi bus service that is coming your way – the public transport option we have all been waiting for along this corridor,” said Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility.
Quintas urged people to plan ahead, use detours, and consider alternative travel times to avoid peak periods. The city has set up a hotline and online portal for updates, where residents can report issues or get real-time info on closures. Safety remains a priority, with barriers and speed limits in place around work zones to protect workers and drivers.
This phase builds on the success of MyCiTi’s earlier rollouts, which have served over 100 million passengers since 2010. The bus service has transformed commuting in northern suburbs, and Phase 2A aims to do the same for the south, supporting Cape Town’s vision of an integrated, sustainable transport network. As works continue, the city promises regular community engagements to address concerns and keep everyone informed.
Broader Context: MyCiTi’s Role in Cape Town’s Transport Future
MyCiTi, launched in 2010 ahead of the FIFA World Cup, has grown into a vital part of Cape Town’s public transport, with routes now covering Atlantis, Table View, and the city bowl. Phase 2A extends this to the southeast, a densely populated area with high demand for efficient options. The project includes not just roads but also new depots, like the one planned in Mitchells Plain, and fleet expansions with low-emission buses.
Delays from funding and community consultations have pushed timelines, but progress is evident with completed sections on Govan Mbeki Road and ongoing works in Wynberg. The city aims for full operation by 2027, potentially adding feeder routes and integrating with Metrorail for seamless travel. For Lansdowne and Kenwyn residents, this means shorter commutes to CBD jobs and better links to shopping hubs like Access Park.
As Cape Town tackles traffic woes amid population growth, these upgrades are seen as key to reducing reliance on cars and promoting eco-friendly mobility. Motorists are reminded to stay updated via the MyCiTi website or app for the latest on closures and diversions.
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