Brace yourselves, Cape Town. The Mother City is on the cusp of a transformative urban mobility venture, with the inaugural construction of an elevated Sky Circle poised to commence later this month. This isn’t just about building a traffic interchange; it’s about reshaping the way Capetonians move, connect, and live.
The stage is set at the bustling intersection of Govan Mbeki Road (M9) and Jan Smuts Drive (M17) in Lansdowne. Over the weekend of 15 March 2025, this signalised intersection will temporarily morph into a traffic circle, making way for the colossal crane that will spearhead the Sky Circle’s construction. Road users, take heed: this ambitious project will necessitate lane closures and traffic delays, so steer clear of the area if you can.
But why all the fuss? The Sky Circle is more than just a feat of civil engineering; it’s a lifeline for commuters from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha, connecting them directly to the economic hubs of Wynberg and Claremont. It’s the keystone in the second phase of the MyCiTi bus service roll-out, a grand vision to enhance urban mobility and foster integrated, inclusive communities.
“The Sky Circle project… represents an incredible feat of civil engineering right here in Cape Town,” proclaims Councillor Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility. And he’s not wrong. This free-standing elevated circle, the first of its kind in South Africa, is a testament to the city’s commitment to innovative, sustainable urban development.
Yet, with progress comes disruption. The temporary traffic circle, lane closures, and a steel bridge with a 4.3-metre height restriction loom on the horizon. Motorists, brace for a lengthy 18-month construction period, but take solace in the knowledge that once complete, the familiar signalised intersection will resume its duties.
Navigating the temporary traffic circle will demand vigilance. The city has pulled out all the stops to ease the transition: advance warning signage, flashing lights, clear directions, and rumble strips will guide drivers through the new pattern. But with scaffolding and ongoing construction obscuring visibility, caution is the watchword. Pedestrians, too, will need to adhere to safe crossings and the guidance of on-site flag personnel.
This is more than just a traffic interchange; it’s an investment in Cape Town’s future. “The metro-south east MyCiTi expansion is the largest financial investment in public transport by any metro to date,” notes Councillor Quintas. It’s a commitment to breaking down spatial apartheid, fostering integrated communities, and propelling Cape Town into a future where public transport is efficient, accessible, and sustainable.
So, buckle up, Cape Town. The road ahead may be fraught with temporary inconveniences, but the destination promises a city more connected, more inclusive, and more resilient. As the Sky Circle takes shape, so too does a new chapter in the Mother City’s urban mobility story. It’s not just about getting from point A to B; it’s about building a city that moves as one.
For any queries, reach out to [email protected]. Let’s embark on this journey together, Cape Town. The future of urban mobility starts here, starts now.
