Work on replacing the culvert on the Westlake River in Lakeside has begun. The City of Cape Town said the old 3m-wide Westlake River culvert was very old and had created a dip in the riding surface of the Main Road. A new culvert with a width of approximately 6m would be constructed to replace the existing problematic culvert.
Mayoral committee member for area south, Eddie Andrews, said during building operations the City would maintain two-way traffic flow.
He said the contract would initially have a slow start with the relocation of electrical, fibre-optic, and telephone cables alongside the road, and the relocation of a large water main. The construction of the new culvert would commence thereafter.
“Although residents will see some activity on the site, the physical construction of the culvert will commence only within the next five weeks or so.
“The work will be done in phases to ensure that two lanes remain open to traffic at all times. However, the right-turn lane from Main Road into Chenel Way will be closed during the construction of the new culvert,” he said.
“The first phase will entail the widening of the culvert on both ends while traffic is accommodated on the central portion of the existing culvert. Once completed, traffic will be diverted onto the new portions while the central portion of the new culvert is being constructed,” said Mr Andrews.
Temporary traffic signs and delineators will be in place to guide traffic where the road is deviated. Flagmen will be utilised when necessary to assist with the control of the traffic.
The R20 million job will take about 12 months to complete, if all goes as planned.
“Once completed, the investment in the new culvert will contribute to the general safety of the road and the longevity of the infrastructure. I want to thank residents in advance for their patience and cooperation,” said Mr Andrews.
SLR Consulting has been appointed to provide the environmental control officer services for the duration of the construction period and they will be undertaking monthly site visits. The position of the site office has not yet been finalised.