Severe traffic congestion in and around Claremont has followed the City of Cape Town’s decision to reduce Stanhope Bridge to one lane in each direction after a retaining wall on the southeast quadrant of the bridge failed on 26 January, prompting an emergency safety intervention. The lane closures have significantly affected traffic flow along Imam Haron Road, Main Road and Palmyra Road, particularly during peak periods, with the City warning that remedial work could take up to six weeks while broader construction linked to the MyCiTi Phase 2A project continues until 2027. Councillor Mikhail Manuel, the ward councillor for Ward 59, which includes Claremont, speaks to Lester Kiewit about the cause of the closures, safety concerns, expected timelines and growing commuter frustration, including a message from listener Lynne who says her usual 10-minute journey has increased to 55 minutes.

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