To the general delight of Muizenberg residents and road users, Albertyn Road level crossing was opened to traffic again on Saturday 18 February, and is now being manned for safe crossing between the hours of 06h00 and 18h00 daily. MID request that ALL road users proceed with caution and patience at this level crossing, and obey the rules of the road, especially STOP signs.
Muizenberg residents, and indeed those in surrounding suburbs, have been experiencing heavy traffic volumes ever since 29 January when a truck ran into the Albertyn Road booms causing extensive damage.
Fortunately, however, through engagement with Muizenberg Improvement District, the City of Cape Town, and Metrorail/PRASA an interim solution has been implemented to keep the level crossing open to traffic during peak hours. The level crossing itself is being manned by Metrorail/PRASA, and an additional MID resource has been made available for the rest of the month to assist with public safety visibility and easing traffic flow.
The proximity to False Bay station, line of sight of on-coming trains from Muizenberg to False Bay, and the extent of the damage involved, makes this crossing high risk compared to other crossings which is the reason this arrangement took a little longer to implement with Metrorail/PRASA. This interim access management solution is already providing welcome relief to commuters, road users and the surrounding infrastructure. MID has been advised by Metrorail/PRASA that the long-term repairs will take several months to complete – in part because some of the components required must be imported.
It must be stressed that the crossing can only remain open if drivers adhere to the instructions of the officials manning the crossing. During the MID / Metrorail site meeting on Monday afternoon, 4 drivers were seen within a mere 15 minutes, failing to stop when asked to – and one even crossed into the reserve with a train approaching from Muizenberg! Driver co-operation is critical for the arrangement to remain and MID would like to request all road users to proceed with caution and patience at the crossings until the final repairs have been completed. MID Public Safety Officers will note down the details of road users who fail to stop when alerted to do so.
We appreciate the cooperation and patience of all those affected, and thank the City of Cape Town and Metrorail/PRASA for recognizing the significant challenge to safety and access that this particular level crossing posed to residents, commuters, road users, business and infrastructure.
Metrorail/PRASA, GRIT and MID representatives at the site meeting to discuss implementation.
Raymond Maseko (Network Manager for Western Cape & HOD Signal Dept) pictured with Chevone Petersen (MID Manager) who discussed the challenges, solutions and stakeholder support earlier today.
George Kiewiets (Special Projects for Western Cape) and Shaun Davids (Signal Regional Manager)
About MID:
The Muizenberg Improvement District [MID] is a geographic area where property owners have contracted to pay a levy to facilitate a joint effort by the City of Cape Town and the local community to ensure more effective management of public areas and to promote business confidence.
The MID supplements normal municipal services provided by the City, using its funds to deal with public safety, enhance the environment and address social issues like vagrancy and finding workable solutions for the homeless. The Muizenberg Improvement District is a legal entity established under the City’s Special Rating Areas by-law and also governed by the South African Companies Act 2008.
Enquiries:
Chevone Petersen
manager@mid.org.za