Cape Town has unveiled a new plan to reshape its famous unfinished Foreshore freeway and improve traffic between the CBD and the Atlantic Seaboard.

According to BusinessTech, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced the proposal on Friday, 2 October, describing it as a major step towards resolving a transport problem that has existed for nearly 50 years.

Construction on the original freeway started in the early 1970s but stopped in 1977 after funding ran out. The unfinished structure has since become one of Cape Town’s most recognisable landmarks.

Hill-Lewis said the project is aimed at easing congestion while opening up new opportunities for investment, jobs and housing.

“These are not just bridges,” he said. “They will help address some of Cape Town’s biggest congestion headaches, while unlocking huge investment, job creation, and more affordable homes for Capetonians.”

New bridge and tunnel proposed

Despite the plan being described as finishing the city’s unfinished freeway system, the current proposal would not simply complete the existing bridge.

BusinessTech reports that phase one would involve building a new bridge over Buitengracht Street, linking the inbound freeway with Helen Suzman Boulevard.

A second phase would include a new link bridge and tunnel connecting to the outbound highways.

Once the new road system is operational, the existing unfinished elevated freeway would be demolished.

Hill-Lewis said removing the old structure would free up valuable land in the Foreshore area for further development.

CBD could expand towards the ocean

The mayor said Cape Town’s geography has limited the amount of space available for the city centre to grow.

He argued that the elevated freeway system has also separated the CBD from the ocean.

Under the proposal, the city could extend CBD streets towards the harbour and introduce new public spaces, parks and a promenade.

The unfinished freeway has remained in place since 1977 and has also become a popular filming location, appearing in advertisements, music videos and an episode of Black Mirror.

No construction dates have been confirmed.