Ire over congested Wynberg intersection

Traffic congestion is a huge problem at an intersection in Wynberg.

An intersection in Wynberg is a cause for concern for commuters who use the road daily.

Community worker Ursula Schenker has spoken up, saying traffic conditions at the busy intersection connecting Broad Road, Brisban Road and Lower Maynard Road was a danger to commuters and pedestrians.

She said those who used the roads risked their lives doing so as they tried to get to work.

“It is an absolute nightmare for all who use the interchange including vehicle traffic trying to access the Main Road from Ottery, Brisbane, Broad, Wetton and Rosmead Avenue,” said Ms Schenker.

Speaking as Associated Seniors’ Club chairperson, Ms Schenker said many state grant beneficiaries, including pensioners, trying to access the South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) building in Rosmead Avenue had a tailback as far as Plumstead.

“It is so traumatic and manifests itself negatively in many family members who try to help their elderly parents with the increasing problems related to their old age grants. Surely if the traffic lights are to be properly synchronised with a green arrow to allow to flow in Rockwell Road that would alleviate much of the trauma allowing the traffic to flow more freely?” said Ms Schenker.

Commuter Sharlene Jansen, from Parkwood, uses the intersection every day when she travels to work.

“It is so dangerous for us because there are many people using the road, especially Lower Maynard Road to get to the Main Road. We have to walk in the road where the cars drive where we could easily be run over by a car. We need solutions like a footbridge,” said Ms Jansen.

Taxi driver Ibrahiem Moses has to use the intersection every day. “It is at its worst during peak times in the morning and late afternoon. I miss out on business because I have to sit in a tailback and there’s no way to get around it. We’re stuck in the thick of it,” said Mr Moses.

Brett Herron, the City’s Mayco member for transport and urban development, said the City was well aware of the fact that significant parts of Wynberg were congested and car-clogged with poor pedestrian and cycle access and inadequate integration between different public transport modes.

“At the same time, Wynberg is a popular destination for both public transport users and those in private vehicles, owing to high volumes of people and a mix of land uses, combined with the economic opportunities, government facilities, quality schools and range of retail and residential property,” he said.

“Traffic and pedestrian volumes will continue to grow. As such, the imminent roll-out of Phase 2A of the MyCiTi service holds significant positive implications for Wynberg,” said Mr Herron. Over the past three years the Phase 2A process has been put on hold because of a legal dispute between the City of Cape Town and residents who live in City-owned houses that were initially marked to make way for the bus route. In February the Western Cape High Court ruled in favour of the City. “The proposed Phase 2A infrastructure will be a catalyst for a range of improvements that will impact Wynberg positively. Key to this is the provision of reliable, scheduled public transport in the form of MyCiTi services; good integration with rail; and pedestrian and cycle infrastructure that makes walking and cycling in the area safe and enjoyable.

“The aim would be to make the public transport experience for current users safer, more enjoyable, seamless and quicker,” said Mr Herron.

He added that the quality of the service should also provide an attractive alternative to private vehicle use – meaning, the more people who opt for public transport services, the fewer private vehicles we will have on the roads.

The City has not yet decided whether South Road will be used for the implementation of the second phase of the MyCiTi service. “We will now meticulously analyse and respond to the public comments that we have received about the proposed routes for the Wynberg section of Phase 2A of the MyCiTi service. Once we have completed this process, a report with the proposed route alignments will be presented to Council for final approval. Thereafter, we will start working on implementing our plans for the Wynberg area,” said Mr Herron.

He also said would City traffic engineers would investigate the possibility of providing some sort of relief along the roads mentioned.