R27 cycle lane upgrade under way

Construction has begun on the long-awaited resurfacing of the R27 cycle lane between Sunset Beach and Dolphin Beach, following months of complaints from residents and cyclists about its deteriorating condition.

Ward 4 councillor Anthony Benadie confirmed that work started on Thursday, October 16, after ongoing engagements with the City’s roads department.

“Over the past few months, I received several complaints about the poor condition of the cycle lane, which is used daily by hundreds of residents for running, walking, and cycling,” said Mr Benadie.

“I accompanied an avid cyclist on a site visit and found several sections severely compromised and in some areas on the verge of collapse,” he said.

He said the City’s roads department later conducted its own assessment and determined that simple patching would not be sufficient.

A contractor has since been appointed and is currently on site.

If the weather holds and there are no delays, the resurfacing work should be completed within a month, said Mr Benadie.

The refurbishment project was not funded through the ward allocation but through the City’s departmental operating budget.

Mr Benadie said the total cost of the project had not yet been confirmed.

Residents have welcomed the development, saying it will improve safety and accessibility along the busy coastal route, which is popular with cyclists and pedestrians alike.

Cyclist Raul Breaker of Milnerton said the repairs were long overdue.

“Many of us cycle this route daily, and it has become dangerous — especially near Dolphin Beach, where the surface was uneven and full of cracks. It’s great to finally see action being taken. A safe, smooth cycle lane makes a huge difference for everyone who uses this stretch.”