Brief
Provincial government pushes R227.2m N9/N12 upgrade to improve safety between George and Oudtshoorn
The Western Cape Infrastructure Department says the project will widen lanes, add drainage and create hundreds of local jobs, with work due to finish in mid‑2028.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure is advancing a R227.2 million upgrade of the N9/N12 corridor between George and Oudtshoorn, officials said on 15 October 2026.
What happened
The project, launched in October 2025, targets roughly 5 km of the N9/N12 and 2 km of adjacent Waboomskraal Road. Work includes widening traffic lanes from 3.3 m to 3.7 m, expanding shoulders, improving road alignment, building an 800‑m mechanically stabilised earth retaining wall, installing new culverts, concrete edge beams, guardrails and upgraded signage, and relocating protected plant species.
What the reports add
Bizcommunity reported that during a site visit on Thursday, 15 October 2026, Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers assessed progress and said completion is expected by June 2028, weather and construction conditions permitting. The outlet also noted that the upgrade aims to boost regional connectivity and create economic opportunities for local businesses and workers.
What was said
Minister Simmers told reporters, “Our investment in the N9/N12 is about more than upgrading a road. It is about making journeys safer, improving connectivity between communities and ensuring that infrastructure investment creates opportunities for local people.” The quote was attributed to the minister by Bizcommunity.
How it came about
The Western Cape’s Department of Infrastructure began the upgrade to address safety concerns on a key transport link serving motorists, businesses and communities. Earlier reporting by Felo News highlighted the province’s focus on infrastructure‑driven job creation, linking this project to broader regional development goals.
Key facts
- The upgrade costs R227.2 million and covers about 5 km of the N9/N12 and 2 km of Waboomskraal Road. (bizcommunity.com)
- Work includes lane widening, shoulder expansion, a new retaining wall, drainage upgrades and signage replacement. (bizcommunity.com)
- Minister Tertuis Simmers said the project should finish by June 2028, weather permitting. (bizcommunity.com)
- Since October 2025 the project has created 102 work opportunities and delivered R8.5 million in goods and services from targeted enterprises. (bizcommunity.com)
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “R227.2m N9/N12 upgrade targets safer journeys between George and Oudtshoorn”
