The ambitious N7/Refinery interchange project in the Western Cape is slated for completion by the end of February 2024, as confirmed by the latest update from the Western Cape Government (WCG). Construction activities, paused for the festive season break, are set to resume on the R248 million project.

Initiated in July 2021, the project has been a catalyst for job creation and economic opportunities, with 56 local enterprises and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) benefitting from the development, according to the WCG.

A pivotal aspect of the project involved the demolition of the existing bridge on the N7, deemed inadequate for vehicles carrying heavy loads. In its place, two bridges have been erected over the N7—one dedicated to westbound traffic on Plattekloof Road, and the other for eastbound traffic. The endeavor also accomplished the dualling of Plattekloof Road between Koeberg Road and the N1.

The project's additional scope encompasses various activities, including the construction of new carriageways, road-over-road bridge overpasses, interchange ramps, and the rehabilitation and widening of existing structures. The comprehensive approach underscores the project's commitment to enhancing capacity and safety in traffic operations at the Refinery Interchange.

Tertius Simmers, the provincial minister of infrastructure, underscored the project's significance, noting that it has not only contributed to traffic safety but also resulted in the creation of nearly 500 local job opportunities and over R50 million in expenditure on SMMEs. Simmers emphasized the substantial impact of the project over the two and a half years of its execution.

Additional scope of the project includes key activities, but is not limited to the following:

• Constructing the new westbound carriageway (WBCW) between Ramp E and the eastern limit of construction (LOC).
• Constructing the westbound road-over-road bridge overpass.
• Reconstructing and widening the interchange ramps.
• Rehabilitating and widening the existing road-over-rail bridge and MSE walls on the WBCW.
• Constructing the new WBCW between Ramp A and the western LOC.
• Demolish the existing road-over-road bridge overpass.
• Reconstructing the eastbound carriageway (EBCW) between Ramp C and eastern LOC.
• Reconstructing the EBCW between Ramp B and the western LOC.
• Constructing the eastbound road-over-road bridge overpass.
• Constructing the reinforced concrete retaining walls on interchange Ramps C and D.
• Constructing the eastern and western terminals of the Interchange.

The provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, spoke on the significance of the project and its progress. The Minister said, “Given the importance of the interchange to the economy and commuters from the surrounding areas, it has always been essential that we completed the project without delay. I am, therefore, delighted to note that all works will be completed before the end of the current financial year.”