R530 million road upgrade for a small South African town – Photos

The coastal town of Mossel Bay in the Western Cape has completed a R530-million upgrade to one of its main roads, which took four years.

On Friday, 16 October 2026, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers officially opened the upgraded Louis Fourie Road (R102).

The R530-million infrastructure project, run by the Western Cape Government Department of Infrastructure, represents one of the largest single government infrastructure investments in the Garden Route District Municipality,

The department said the upgrade is intended to strengthen a key transport corridor connecting Mossel Bay, Diaz Beach, Voorbaai and Hartenbos.

“The project has transformed more than 3km of Louis Fourie Road from a single carriageway into a modern dual carriageway, supported by major intersection improvements, new bridges, upgraded access roads and pedestrian infrastructure,” it said.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Simmers emphasised that the project’s significance extends well beyond the physical road infrastructure.

“Today we are not simply opening an upgraded road. We are delivering an infrastructure investment that will serve the people of Mossel Bay for years to come,” he said.

“This R530 million project represents improved connectivity, better road infrastructure and real economic opportunities for local workers and businesses.”

The minister revealed that the project directly contributed R133 million towards local contractors and suppliers between July 2022 and October 2026, including:

• R15.2 million to local Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Grade 1CE and 2CE contractors.
• R20 million to emerging CIDB Grade 3CE to 5CE contractors.
• R98 million to local suppliers.
• R29.6 million paid in local labour wages.
• 325 work opportunities created.
• More than 60,000 person-days of work generated.

“Infrastructure investment must create value beyond the physical structures we build. On this project, 325 work opportunities were created, more than 60,000 person-days of work were generated, and approximately R133 million flowed to targeted enterprises,” the minister said.

“Behind these figures are workers who earned an income, emerging contractors who gained valuable experience and suppliers who participated in delivering this major investment.”

He said this was an example of how infrastructure delivery can support livelihoods, develop skills and strengthen local economic participation.

Upgrades for an important road

The upgrades to the R102 include major road construction, bridge development, intersection improvements and the upgrading of supporting infrastructure, including:

• Upgrading major intersections along the route.
• Constructing a new bridge over the Blinde River.
• Realigning and upgrading the Langeberg Mall access road.
• Building a new road linking Garret Street and Gericke Street.
• Upgrading the Transnet Freight Rail crossing at Langeberg Mall.
• Constructing a new bi-directional rail-over-road bridge on Garret Street.
• Rebuilding the N2 on- and offramps and constructing a new traffic circle.
• Constructing a new pedestrian walkway between Waboom Road and Sonskynvallei.
• Resurfacing approximately 6km of existing road sections adjoining the upgraded dual carriageway.
• Upgrading more than 3km of road from a single to a dual carriageway, including a central median.

The department explained that the project also required significant supporting engineering works, including the relocation of municipal water and sewer infrastructure, an electricity substation and PetroSA-related infrastructure, stormwater improvements, culvert extensions and retaining walls.

Louis Fourie Road originally formed part of the N2 before the national route was realigned in the 1980s.

However, it remains an important road for the city, and the new infrastructure is expected to improve travel for residents, workers, businesses and visitors.

“Mossel Bay and the broader Garden Route continue to require infrastructure that can support their development and economic potential. Our responsibility is to plan, invest and deliver infrastructure that responds to those needs,” Simmers said.

“This project demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained investment, engineering expertise and collaboration.”

“The true value of this R530 million investment will be measured not only by the road we have completed, but by the opportunities it helps unlock for the people and businesses who depend on it.”

Louis Fourie Road, Mossel Bay