As the festive season approaches, the City of Cape Town has issued a crucial update for residents and visitors: Beach Road will undergo significant traffic changes to facilitate the ongoing Strand Seawall Project. This essential coastal protection initiative is entering a critical phase, necessitating temporary closures to ensure public safety during one of the busiest periods of the year.
The specific area affected is Mosterd’s Bay, the scenic stretch of coastline between the Strand swimming pool and Norman Road. This section will be fully closed to public access from 15 December 2025 to 15 January 2026. This proactive closure is not merely a construction necessity; it’s a safety-first strategy to protect thousands of holidaymakers from the inherent hazards of an active, heavy-construction zone.
Understanding the Project’s Scope: The closure is part of phase two of the Strand Seawall Project, a multi-year engineering endeavor designed to combat coastal erosion and safeguard infrastructure from rising sea levels and storm surges. These reinforced seawalls are critical for the long-term resilience of the Strand’s beloved beachfront, protecting property, promenades, and public spaces for decades to come.
Strand seawall project to impact roadways
Construction Timeline & Safety Protocols: Work will continue until 19 December 2025, after which contractors will observe the annual builders’ holiday. Operations resume on 12 January 2026. Importantly, the City has confirmed that all necessary safety measures—including robust perimeter fencing, clear signage, and security—will be fully established by the closure date of 15 December, ensuring the site is sealed off before the holiday influx.
Detailed Traffic Management Plan: During the builders’ break, the established traffic flow will remain in effect. Here is what drivers need to know:
- Southbound Traffic (towards Gordon’s Bay): Vehicles will be diverted off Beach Road at Van Ryneveld Street, using alternative routes before rejoining Beach Road at Norman Road.
- Northbound Traffic: Beach Road will operate as a one-way route for northbound travel, allowing continued access to areas north of the closure.
Motorists should anticipate increased congestion on diversion routes and are advised to plan extra travel time or consider alternative routes entirely during peak periods.
Alternative Beach Access & Safety Reminder: With Mosterd’s Bay temporarily unavailable, the City emphasizes that the nearest safe, designated swimming area is adjacent to the Strand Surf Lifesaving Club. This is a vital point: swimming is only permitted between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty. This supervised area ensures a family-friendly and secure beach experience, a responsible alternative to the unprotected and potentially dangerous construction zone.
The Big Picture: The full Strand Seawall Project is on track for completion by the end of 2026, though timelines may be subject to weather and construction progress. This short-term inconvenience is a strategic investment in the long-term preservation and safety of the Strand coastline, ensuring it remains a vibrant destination for future festive seasons.