Progress with Go George roads and infrastructure upgrades

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07-03-2025
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George Herald
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Streets earmarked for rehabilitation were selected based on physical inspections to identify areas showing critical signs of deterioration.

GEORGE NEWS - The wide-spread upgrading of roads used by the GO GEORGE bus service has been ongoing since July 2024, impacting traffic flow and road users’ normal travel patterns. Some of these projects have been completed while others are nearing completion, with a few projected to be completed in 2026.

A list of George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) infrastructure requirements had been assessed by the National Department of Transport last year.

The result was that additional Public Transport National Grant funding of R505 million was allocated for some of the projects needed to improve and expand GO GEORGE infrastructure.

These funds need to be spent within an agreed timeframe to meet grant conditions as agreed with the National Department of Transport.

Streets earmarked for rehabilitation were selected based on physical inspections to identify areas showing critical signs of deterioration. Rehabilitation will entail reparation of severe crocodile cracking, structural failures and low points on roads where stormwater concentrates without catch pits, rightsizing of intersections, road re-alignments and kerbside improvements to conform with universal accessibility requirements.

The infrastructure upgrade projects will include the installation of new bus stops and shelters, road rehabilitation, upgrading of stops, transfer locations and sidewalks, maintenance of detour routes, traffic management and road maintenance.

Road rehabilitation (current % progress and activities on site)

Details of road closures and proposed rerouting will continuously be shared with the public, as well as progress on site in the form of current progress and indication of what activities to expect the next month.

Work in Pacaltsdorp started in September 2024, with planned construction timelines as follows:

• Mission Street: 18 October 2024 – 1 June 2026 (21% complete, box-cut, road layer works, kerbing, stormwater structures)
• Protea Street: 30 September 2024 – 26 May 2025 (42% complete, kerbing, stormwater structures, road layer works)
• Heather, Haydn and Rose Streets: 25 September 2024 – 30 June 2026 (20% complete, box-cut, kerbing, road layer works, stormwater structures, exposing existing services)

The planned timelines in Thembalethu are as follows:

• Ngcakani and Ncamanza Streets: 21 October 2024 – 17 November 2025 (13% complete, box-cut, road layer works, stormwater structures, exposing existing services)
• Tabata and 26th Streets: 25 September 2024 – 18 March 2026 (42% complete, box-cut, road layer works, stormwater structures, exposing existing services)

In George Industria the planned timeline for the PW Botha Boulevard project is from 26 September 2024 to 25 July 2026. The road is closed at three sections with stop-and-go systems in place (17% complete, box-cut, kerbing, road layerworks, stormwater structures, retaining structures, exposing existing services).

Work in Rosemoor commenced in August last year with planned timelines as follows:

• Beer and Woltemade Streets: 13 August 2024 – end of June 2025 (34%, box-cut, kerbing, road layerworks, stormwater structures, relocation of existing services)
• O’Connell Street: 19 August 2024 - end of June 2025 (50%, kerbing, road layerworks, stormwater structures, relocation of existing services)

In Heather Park a small section of Airway Street has been under construction from 27 September 2024 and should be finished by 11 March 2025 (84% completion, kerbing, road layer works, road markings).

The Wellington Street intersection improvement in Bo-Dorp has been completed in February 2025.

"The George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to adapt their travelling patterns (departure times, planning of trips, etc), be patient and exercise caution for the duration of the projects. Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and be aware of roadwork personnel, as well as heavy machinery in the proximity of construction sites," said Chantèl Edwards, head of communications.

Details of further road upgrade work will be published as may be necessary.