Making Stellenbosch Railway Crossings Safer

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and the Department of Transport and Public Works are working together to improve transport safety through the Western Cape’s R70.7 million level crossing elimination programme. Infrastructural improvements at various sites in Vlaeberg Road, Stellenbosch are set to make crossing railway lines safer for vehicles, their passengers, pedestrians and other road users. Two farm crossings will also be eliminated by constructing underpasses for the exclusive use of farmers. The level crossing elimination programme is expected to be completed in June 2015.

The construction of an overhead bridge at Vlaeberg Road is well under way and will be completed in June. Motorists will no longer have to wait for trains to pass. Rail commuters will also benefit because there will be fewer places where trains are required to slow down.

The Fransmanskloof level crossing is one of six crossings along the northern corridor to be eliminated. High fences will also be erected along the railway to reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents.

The construction of a pedestrian footbridge at Lynedoch Station is expected to be completed in March. This will improve safety and reduce the number of commuters illegally crossing the railway line.

The new service road between Vlaeberg and Vlottenberg will be proclaimed as a provincial road after four level crossings along this route have been eliminated.