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Thursday / 6 February 2025
HomeNewsSouth Africa’s first “Sky Circle” one step closer to completion

South Africa’s first “Sky Circle” one step closer to completion

South Africa’s first freestanding elevated traffic circle has reached the next phase in its construction.

The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has announced that work on the so-called “Sky Circle” has progressed just beyond the halfway mark, with the relocation of underground services and the construction of the eastern and western ramps currently underway.

Construction of the overhead bridge pier is next.

During this time, the intersection will be converted into a temporary traffic circle for 18 months to serve as an island for a crane to build the overhead structure while keeping traffic moving around the circle.

The last stage of the development will include the construction of the Hanover Park closed median station, the closest MyCiTi station to the Sky Cricle that will serve commuters on the trunk route operating along Govan Mbeki Road.

“The station will be built at a later stage, closer to the implementation date of the service,” said the CoCT.

Construction on Cape Town’s new Sky Circle

All commuters benefit

In construction since July 2022, the CoCT’s new Sky Circle is situated at the intersection of Govan Mbeki Road (M9) and Jan Smuts Drive (M17) in the suburb of Lansdowne.

The structure forms part of the second phase of the MyCiTi bus network expansion, linking Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, and various other underserviced communities across the metro-south east.

It’s intended to ease congestion in the area and allow for the freer movement of MyCiTi buses during peak hours, enabling them to maintain a strict schedule.

“By separating the MyCiTi buses from general traffic, the City will ensure the service operates optimally between Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha and Wynberg and Claremont without being delayed by the traffic or congestion at the ground level of the intersection,” said the CoCT.

“This design will benefit MyCiTi commuters as it will reduce the travelling time to their destinations.”

Private vehicles will benefit from the 6.2m-high circle, too.

The often-congested intersection at Govan Mbeki Road and Jan Smuts Drive is earmarked to receive new traffic signals, improved signalisation and sequencing, as well as dedicated walking and cycling lanes.

Existing sewer, water, and stormwater infrastructure within the road reserve will also be relocated and upgraded, translating to better services in surrounding communities.

The Sky Circle is expected to be completed and carry its first vehicles in early 2026, the City said.

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