A major road infrastructure project north of Cape Town is approaching completion, with the Western Cape Government targeting March 2027 for the end of the R797 million Van Schoorsdrift Road Safety Improvement Project.
The development is designed to improve safety and traffic flow along approximately 10 kilometres of the N7 between the Potsdam and Melkbosstrand interchanges. The project includes a new grade-separated interchange, around five kilometres of new road and six bridge structures.
The upgrade is intended to address growing traffic volumes, heavy vehicle movements and road junctions that create potential hazards for motorists.
The corridor serves residential and business areas in northern Cape Town, as well as industrial and agricultural operations. It is also used by heavy vehicles travelling to the Vissershok and Frankdale landfill sites.
New interchange to reduce road-level conflicts
A central feature of the project is the construction of a new interchange approximately 4.5 kilometres north of the Potsdam Interchange.
Once completed, the upgraded section of the N7 is expected to meet freeway standards. Removing direct intersections and dangerous right turns across oncoming traffic is intended to reduce conflict points and improve the movement of vehicles along the route.
The project also includes changes to regional vehicle-weighing facilities. Dynamic weigh-in-motion technology is being installed in both the northbound and southbound lanes, allowing heavy vehicles to be weighed while travelling.
The system is expected to help authorities monitor vehicle overloading without relying exclusively on conventional stationary weighing procedures.
Additional works include stormwater drainage, culverts, barrier kerbing and freeway-standard street lighting.
The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure has reported substantial progress on several components. According to the department, 95% of the stormwater drainage work has been completed, while kerb construction has reached 98%.
Work on the bridge structures and new road alignment has also progressed, with streetlighting installation underway.
Construction creates work opportunities
Construction began in 2023 after preliminary allocations were formalised through the Western Cape infrastructure budget. Early activities included clearing the site, carrying out bulk earthworks and relocating utilities affected by the development.
By October 2024, work had advanced to the construction of bridge abutments and piers. Permanent closures of some minor feeder-road access points were also introduced as the project progressed.
In October 2025, contractors installed bridge beams and the main deck spans over the N7.
To limit disruption to motorists, construction teams used planned traffic contraflows during off-peak periods and established temporary bypass lanes. These measures allowed work to continue while managing the impact on traffic using the route.
The project has also contributed to employment and business participation. The department reported that 394 work opportunities had been created, while R131.8 million had been spent on targeted enterprises.
Western Cape Infrastructure Minister Tertius Simmers said the project was progressing towards its intended improvements in road safety and efficiency.
“Every milestone brings us closer to a safer, more efficient N7 that will serve residents, businesses and future generations,” Simmers said.
The road forms part of an important transport corridor north of Cape Town, connecting residential communities and businesses while supporting industrial and agricultural movements.
Once the project is complete, the new interchange and associated infrastructure are expected to improve access management and traffic movement along the upgraded section.
The provincial government’s current target is March 2027 for completion of the project. This is the overall construction target; a separate opening date for the interchange has not been specified in the information provided.