Motorists using Cape Town’s M3 can expect roadworks and potential traffic delays in Newlands as the City begins a phased upgrade aimed at easing congestion along the route.
The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate confirmed that the project officially commenced on Tuesday with the contractor beginning site establishment activities.
The first phase will focus on widening the road shoulder and footway along the M3 outbound, between Upper Sidmouth Avenue and Struben Road.
This work is expected to be completed by 18 January 2027, provided there are no unforeseen delays.
M3 roadworks: Dates and working hours
Roadworks will take place from 07:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday, weather permitting.
The project will also include upgrades to the Newlands Avenue and Rhodes Avenue intersection during the first phase.
Motorists approaching the intersection should prepare for a partial lane drop approximately 80 metres before the intersection while construction is under way.
This part of the project is scheduled to run from 16 November 2026 to 21 January 2027.
To limit the impact on traffic, work in this area will be restricted to 10:00 to 15:00 on working days.
Construction will pause over the year-end builder’s break, although the first phase is scheduled to continue around the holiday period.
City aims to ease congestion on the M3
The City said the upgrades follow public participation processes conducted in 2022 and 2023.
The project is intended to address congestion bottlenecks along the M3 between Upper Hillwood Road and Newlands Avenue, improving traffic flow for commuters travelling between the Southern Peninsula suburbs and the Cape Town City Bowl.
Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, thanked residents for their participation in the planning process.
He said their input had helped transport specialists develop a plan to address one of Cape Town’s critical congestion points.
Quintas added that the City would communicate details of each phase to residents ahead of construction and provide updates as the project progresses.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travelling time when using the M3 through Newlands, particularly during the scheduled construction hours.