Cape Town streets made friendlier for pedestrians

The City of Cape Town will spend R36m over the next two years on making its CBD's 72 intersections safer, easier and quicker for pedestrians, wheelchairbound people and those with other disabilities to cross.

That is according to mayoral committee member Transport for Cape Town Brett Herron, who discussed the project while inspecting it on the corner of Dorp and Loop streets yesterday.

Called bump-outs, the project entails a small part of the pavement being extended to jut out almost a metre into the road - lessening the distance a pedestrian has to walk or ride a wheelchair to cross the road.

"These bump-outs are literally an extension or widening of the existing sidewalks, providing pedestrians with much-improved sight of oncoming traffic, while providing motorists with a better view of pedestrians waiting to cross the road," said Herron.

"It is less risky (for pedestrians) because they are elevated and protrude into the road. Basically, its a project to improve pedestrian safety and mobility in the city."

The bump-outs' dipped curbs would also be less steep, making it easier for wheelchair users to get on and off the pavement.

The project started in May and will be completed in 2017.

Bump-outs will be constructed in the CBD bordered by Hans Strydom Avenue in the north, Union Street in the south, Buitengracht Street in the west, and Roeland Street in the east.

Herron said the bump-outs' surfaces would be finished with asphalt, brick paving or concrete to match the adjacent surfaces.

Where needed, traffic light poles, signage and other street furniture will be relocated once the bump-out has been paved with the applicable material.

Work is conducted at three intersections at a time, with an intersection taking between 15 and 25 days to complete, Herron said.

"I'm confident that this project, once completed, will allow more Capetonians - pedestrians and motorists - to safely move around the City Bowl area, and that it will make pavements and crossings more accessible to people with limited mobility."

Source: Cape Times