Minister Mitchell officially opens newly-upgraded R61 that connects Western and Eastern Cape provinces

Media release by Daylin Mitchell,  Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works

Today, I officially opened the newly-upgraded Aberdeen Road in the Central Karoo District with a ribbon cutting  ceremony.

Aberdeen Road, also known as the R61, connects the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape and is notoriously known for fatal crashes especially during busy periods like the festive season and Easter holidays.

Construction of the multi-million project commenced in January 2021 and was completed on 15 December 2021. This project created 138 work opportunities for locals.

The scope of work included surface preparation such as rut filling, crack sealing, edge break repairs, asphalt patching and application of a texture slurry. Structural repair works to culvert headwalls and shoulder drop-off repairs were also carried out.

The 55.4km road was originally constructed in 1973 and had not received a reseal since 2007. Assessments and investigations in 2019 reported that the road was showing signs of severe surfacing distress, which prompted this Periodic Maintenance operation.

Well-maintained roads are important social goods that support the economic growth of the Western Cape by enabling the rapid movement of people and goods. They also provide access to opportunities such as access to economic opportunities and social amenities.

The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works strives to provide excellent service delivery to all residents of our province as well as to our visitors. We will continue to render good services that make a tangible difference to the lives of the people we serve.

I am very proud of the team that worked hard during these challenging times but managed to complete the work just on time before the festive season peak despite the weather challenges of working in the Karoo.

Media Queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za