Anyone driving from Cape Town towards the Overberg has likely sat in the bottleneck that is Sir Lowry's Pass Road through Gordon's Bay. Relief is on the way: the Western Cape Government is spending R373.7 million turning the stretch between the N2 and Faure Marine Drive (R44) into a proper dual carriageway.

The project, run by the provincial Department of Infrastructure, covers roughly 4.57 km of what is currently a single-carriageway road, upgrading it to a modern Class 2 dual carriageway. Construction began in April 2026 and is slated for completion by April 2028, conditions permitting. It is not just the main road either — intersections, stormwater drains, street lighting and several side roads are all in the mix.

The detail that will matter most to drivers is the intersection overhaul. Seventeen junctions are being rebuilt, ten of them with traffic signals, and a new roundabout will go in where the MR108 meets Faure Marine Drive. Kleineryk Road, Mountain Stream Road and Aqua Road are getting surface upgrades, while Old MR108 and various access roads will also be improved. New signs, markings, safety barriers, retaining structures and better lighting round out the safety push.

To keep things moving during two years of construction, the work is being done in stages. Authorities say two-way traffic will be maintained throughout, using existing road sections, temporary diversions or completed portions of the new carriageway. Access for residents and businesses along the route stays open, though motorists are being asked to watch for temporary signage and drive carefully through the work zones.

Provincial Infrastructure Minister Tertuis Simmers framed the project as more than asphalt: he said the goal is improving safety, strengthening connectivity and creating opportunities for people and businesses. On that last front, the early numbers are modest — 33 work opportunities created so far against a target of 230, and R2.5 million spent with targeted enterprises against a target of R81.2 million — but there is plenty of project life left to close the gap. Coordination with the City of Cape Town and SANRAL on future plans, such as the Firlands N2 Bypass interchange, points to more upgrades in the pipeline for this corridor.

So why should holidaymakers care? Sir Lowry's Pass Road is the main artery for anyone heading from Cape Town to the Helderberg winelands, Gordon's Bay and onward along the whale coast to Hermanus. Once the dual carriageway is done, expect a quicker, safer and far less frustrating drive — especially on busy summer weekends. In the meantime, if you are travelling the route before April 2028, build in a bit of extra time, especially around the intersections under construction, and keep an eye on local traffic updates before you set off.

Originally reported by Getaway South Africa.