On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers officially opened the R693 million Malmesbury Bypass. Construction of this vital 6.7km greenfield road from the Hopefield Interchange on the N7 to the intersection of the R45 towards Wellington and the R46 towards Riebeek Kasteel commenced in May 2023.
“In addition to the road link, the project includes the construction of five new bridges and a grade-separated interchange at the R45/R46 intersection”, said Jandré Bakker, Department of Infrastructure (DOI) Director: Operational Support. “These upgrades are designed to improve access, enhance safety, reduce travel times, and bolster economic activity in the Swartland area. This project forms part of a larger transport infrastructure project for a freight route linking the Saldanha Bay area to the major inter-regional transport routes in the Western Cape. These upgrades are significant components of Strategic Integrated Project 5 of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050,” Bakker added.
Minister Simmers said, “The main contractor in large DOI contracts such as this must report against a set of agreed contract participation goals (CPGs). This project created 287 work opportunities and supported 39 local enterprises and 15 emerging contractors. But apart from creating these opportunities during construction, it will enable the local economy, especially the agricultural sector in the region, to grow and create even more job opportunities. This is why we build in the Western Cape – to enable economic growth so that jobs can be created.”
Premier Winde said, “This project is an investment into the future of our province. Every kilometre of well-built and well-maintained road unlocks opportunity: it connects communities, supports businesses, and creates jobs. Infrastructure like this is the backbone of a growing economy, enabling the efficient movement of goods and people, reducing costs, and attracting further investment.”
“The Western Cape Government remains committed to accelerating infrastructure delivery across the province, ensuring that communities are connected, and that the region’s infrastructure can support sustained economic growth. This is our contribution to the Western Cape Government’s goal of becoming a trillion-rand economy,” Minister Simmers concluded.
