Most of us have driven past Cape Town’s unfinished bridges countless times and wondered whether they would ever lead anywhere.

On 2 October 2026, the City of Cape Town unveiled a proposal for their future. The Foreshore Precinct Project includes a new bridge, an outbound tunnel and a new neighbourhood around the existing highways.

Here is what the City has announced, and what still needs to happen….

What would change for motorists?

The proposed first phase includes a bridge over Buitengracht, connecting the inbound freeway directly to Helen Suzman Boulevard. The City says this would allow traffic heading towards Green Point and Sea Point to bypass the CBD.

This phase also proposes additional inbound lanes, bus lanes across Buitengracht and a park beneath the new bridge.

The second phase includes an outbound link bridge and a tunnel connecting to the N1 and N2. Once that route is in place, the existing outbound elevated freeway would be removed.

What would happen around the highways?

The wider proposal would unlock approximately 15 hectares for development.

The City’s vision includes homes, affordable accommodation, businesses, parks and a harbour-edge promenade. Walking, cycling and public transport would form part of the proposed neighbourhood.

The first phase also includes a new canal connecting Buitengracht Park to the V&A Canal.

Is construction starting now?

The announcement marks the beginning of the public-facing planning process. In his published speech, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said:

“Today we are releasing drawings to begin a process of public consultation.”

Detailed engineering designs, funding decisions and procurement still lie ahead. The City is also engaging Transnet about Port Authority land needed for the proposed tunnel.

The intention is for first-phase construction to begin during the next Council term, if plans proceed. The published outline puts construction of the larger second phase through to 2040.

These are intended timelines for a proposed project, rather than guaranteed completion dates.

How can residents follow the plans?

The City has linked a dedicated project website where residents can register for updates. Further consultation opportunities will be announced, including processes relating to road changes, heritage assessments and other statutory requirements.

Visit the Foreshore Precinct Project website

When following future announcements, look for which stage has actually been reached: consultation, detailed design, procurement or construction. Each represents a different step towards delivery.

For now, Cape Town has a proposal to examine and discuss about one of its most familiar unfinished projects.

Official sources

This article summarises the following City of Cape Town publications, both dated 2 October 2026:

• Official announcement: Mayor unveils vision for new bridge and neighbourhood to replace Cape Town’s unfinished highways
• Mayor’s speech: Foreshore Precinct public announcement

Information reflects the proposals published at the time of writing, 3 October 2026.

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