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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Louis Fourie Road upgrade project in Mossel Bay is complete – the official opening ceremony was held on Friday 16 October.
This R530 million infrastructure project started in July 2022 and was finally completed on 28 August 2026. The Mossel Bay Municipality contributed R45 million to the upgrade.
“The project represents one of the largest single government infrastructure investments in the Garden Route District Municipality,” said the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DoI).
Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers and various other role players attended the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Langeberg Mall intersection on Friday.
The Louis Fourie Road upgrade involved substantial road construction, bridge development, intersection improvements and the upgrading of supporting infrastructure.
The Beach Boulevard West intersection of Louis Fourie Road near Diaz Beach. Photo: Western Cape DoI
The Beach Boulevard East intersection of Louis Fourie Road in Voorbaai. Photo: Western Cape DoI
The Blinde River Bridge. Photo: Western Cape DoI
The bi-directional rail-over-road bridge over Garret Street. Photo: Western Cape DoI
The N2 on- and off-ramp near Langeberg Mall. Photo: Western Cape DoI
Key improvements include:
- Upgrading more than 3km of road from a single to a dual carriageway, including a central median.
- Upgrading major intersections along the route.
- Rebuilding the N2 on- and off-ramps and constructing a new traffic circle.
- Constructing a new bridge over the Blinde River.
- Realigning and upgrading the Langeberg Mall access road.
- Constructing a new pedestrian walkway between Waboom Road and Sonskynvallei.
- Constructing a new bi-directional rail-over-road bridge on Garret Street.
- Building a new road linking Garret Street and Gericke Street.
- Upgrading the Transnet Freight Rail crossing at Langeberg Mall.
- Resurfacing approximately 6km of existing road sections adjoining the upgraded dual carriageway.
VIDEO: Listen to what Mossel Bay Mayor Dirk Kotzé and Minister Tertuis Simmers had to say about the project
The project also required significant supporting engineering works, including the relocation of municipal water and sewer infrastructure, an electricity substation and PetroSA-related infrastructure, as well as stormwater improvements, culvert extensions and retaining walls.
During construction, approximately R133 million was directed towards targeted enterprises and suppliers.
This included:
- R15.2 million to local Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Grade 1CE and 2CE contractors.
- R20 million to emerging CIDB Grade 3CE to 5CE contractors.
- R98 million to local suppliers.
- R29.6 million paid in local labour wages.
- 325 work opportunities created.
Simmers said Mossel Bay and the broader Garden Route continue to require infrastructure that can support development and economic potential. “Our responsibility is to plan, invest and deliver infrastructure that responds to those needs.”
Simmers acknowledged the engineering teams, contractors, local workers, participating enterprises and project partners who contributed to the successful completion of the upgrade, and thanked residents, businesses and road users for their patience during the construction period.
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