‘We urge residents to please comment on the proposal for the closure of this portion of Buttskop Road in Blackheath. The proposed changes will allow for a permanent solution, which will see a substantial increase in the overall safety for all road users in the area. The Buttskop rail level crossing has been the subject of several rail and road safety investigations in recent years due to the number of fatal crashes at this location and we would appreciate the input from the community on these important plans,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.

The City investigated alternative road network options to eliminate the level crossing. The preliminary design for the permanent elimination of the level crossing was completed at the end of 2019. In 2020, the City in collaboration with Prasa and the Rail Safety Regulator realigned Frederick Street as a short-term safety measure to reduce the risk of crashes between trains and vehicles at the Buttskop level crossing in Blackheath.

The proposed alternative solution included the construction of a single carriageway along the future declared N7 between Albert Philander Road and Van Riebeeck Road, with new signalised intersections at both roads and the construction of a bridge over the rail line.

This solution requires the following to be implemented:

• The closure of Buttskop Road from Trafford Road to Van Riebeeck Road, including the existing level crossing.
• Trafford Road will also be extended southwards, passing underneath the proposed road and looping back to intersect with it between the two signalised intersections at Van Riebeeck Road and Albert Philander Road.
• A road-over-road bridge will be constructed where Trafford Road passes under the new road.

The following road closures are therefore now required:

• Closure of the portion of Buttskop Road north of Trafford Street, including the Buttskop/Van Riebeeck intersection.
• Partial mid-block closure of Meadow Road.

Residents are invited to attend the public open days next week:

• 24 February 2026
  • Time: 16:00- 19:00
  • Venue: Blackheath Community Hall, Evergreen Drive, Austinville
• 26 February 2026
  • Time: 12:00-15:00
  • Venue: Blackheath Community Hall, Evergreen Drive, Austinville

Interested and affected parties can view/download the proposed layout and technical report using the City's website.

The public may submit their input on this proposal between 18 February to 18 March 2026 via:

• Email:urbanmobility.CT@capetown.gov.za (quote reference: 110252611)
• Online:Using the City's website.
• Written submission:
  
  • Subcouncil 14 office: Municipal Offices, corner of Van Riebeeck Road and Carinus Street, Kuilsrivier
  • Library: Kuilsrivier Public Library, 12 Carinus Street, Kuilsrivier

The City’s Public Participation Unit will assist people who cannot read or write, people living with disabilities and people from disadvantaged groups who are unable to submit written comments to have their objections recorded and submitted to the City. For assistance, please contact  Mbuthokazi Kubashe at 021 400 9809 or Mbuthokazi.Kubashe@capetown.gov.za.

For technical queries: urbanmobility.CT@capetown.gov.za