Okavango Road upgrade to cause traffic disruptions until May 2027

Motorists travelling along Okavango Road should prepare for months of roadworks and possible traffic delays as Cape Town begins a major intersection upgrade aimed at easing congestion and improving drainage, Cape {town} Etc reports.

The construction is scheduled to start on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at the intersection of Okavango Road and Amadeus Drive. If everything goes according to plan, the project will continue until Friday, 14 May 2027.

The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate has warned that partial lane closures will affect traffic while construction is under way, asking drivers to remain patient and consider alternative routes where possible.

Why is Okavango Road being upgraded?

The work will take place on both sides of the Amadeus Drive intersection and forms part of a private developer’s contribution towards improving infrastructure around its development.

The upgrade is intended to accommodate growing traffic volumes linked to ongoing development in Kraaifontein and Durbanville, where increasing activity is placing additional pressure on surrounding roads.

Once completed, the intersection will have a wider layout designed to help traffic move more efficiently. Improvements to the stormwater drainage network are also expected to reduce the risk of flooding on the road.

City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, said the improvements would help address congestion while strengthening local infrastructure.

However, drivers should expect disruption before those benefits are realised.

What work will take place?

The project involves more than widening the intersection. Construction teams will also carry out several upgrades to the surrounding road and utility infrastructure.

The planned work includes:

• Building dual roadways and introducing infrastructure for active mobility.
• Upgrading stormwater pipes and drainage channels.
• Replacing the existing open-channel drainage system with a formal piped network featuring kerb inlets.
• Connecting the upgraded drainage system to the new stormwater pipe network installed at the Vatican Street intersection along Okavango Road.
• Modifying existing infrastructure affected by the new intersection layout.
• Relocating, reinstalling and upgrading traffic signals.
• Moving and reinstalling existing electrical cables.
• Installing new streetlights and associated cables.
• Reinstating road markings to match the revised road alignment.

The drainage improvements are a key part of the project, with the new piped system intended to improve how stormwater is managed in the area.

When will construction take place?

Work is scheduled across the following hours:

• Monday to Friday: 07:00 to 17:30
• Saturday: 07:00 to 15:00

The planned construction period runs from 13 October 2026 to 14 May 2027, subject to the work progressing as expected.

Motorists who regularly use Okavango Road should factor the construction period into their travel plans, particularly during weekday commuting hours.

Safety warning for motorists

The City has urged all road users to approach the construction area carefully, reduce their speed and remain alert to changing traffic conditions.

Partial lane closures could affect the flow of vehicles around the intersection, so drivers should allow additional travel time and follow any temporary road signs or directions provided at the site.

Quintas said the City appreciated residents’ patience while the infrastructure work was completed, encouraging road users to consider alternative routes during construction.

Although the project is expected to bring longer-term improvements to traffic flow and drainage, motorists should prepare for delays while crews work to deliver the upgraded intersection.

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