The newly-upgraded N7 Refinery Interchange was officially opened by Premier Alan Winde and the MEC for Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers last Friday, April 26.

The main objective of the project, which started in July 2021, was to improve the capacity and safety of traffic operations by constructing a dual carriageway system along Plattekloof Road, which forms an integral part of the long-term development of the N7 corridor as well as the greater integrated transport plan for the Cape Metropole.

The project involved the construction of an interchange which is located at the juncture of Trunk Road 11 Section 1 (N7) and Plattekloof Road (M14) – referred to as Refinery Interchange. The project is located along the M14 road reserve, and it encompassed the upgrade of the interchange ramps connecting to the N7.

The more than R250 million project included:

• Constructing a new west-bound carriageway;

• Constructing a west-bound road-over-road overpass bridge;

• Reconstructing and widening the interchange ramps;

• Rehabilitating and widening the existing road-over-rail bridge;

• The construction of a structural overlay and new wing walls;

• The demolition of the existing road-over-road overpass bridge;

• Reconstructing the eastbound carriageway;

• Constructing the east-bound road-over-road overpass bridge;

• Constructing reinforced concrete retaining walls/impact barriers on ramps and

• Constructing the eastern and western terminals

Work in progress on the interchange in December last year. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

Part of the work carried out was the demolishing of the existing bridge which was insufficient for vehicles carrying heavy loads on the N7. The demolished bridge is replaced with the construction of two bridges over the N7, with one dedicated to westbound traffic on Plattekloof Road and the second for eastbound traffic.

This also completes the dualling of Plattekloof Road between Koeberg Road and the N1.

Mr Winde said making the province’s roads safer and more efficient is a top priority for provincial government. “Given the fact that as many as 150 000 people are moving to the Western Cape each year, we need to ensure that we keep pace with an ever-growing population and rapid urbanisation. We are also thinking smarter, employing innovation, in how we connect communities through our roadways.

“This interchange is far more than just tar, steel, and cement. It should also be seen as an economic enabler linking citizens to economic opportunities,” Mr Winde said.

“By investing in smarter, long-term infrastructure solutions, we are not just building roads; we are unlocking economic opportunities and ensuring safer, more efficient travel for all,” added Mr Simmers.

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N7 Refinery Interchange officially opened