Malmesbury Bypass opens new freight corridor for Saldanha and inland markets
The R693m Malmesbury Bypass is expected to improve freight movement between Saldanha and inland markets while easing congestion in the town.
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The opening of the R693 million Malmesbury Bypass is expected to strengthen a long-planned freight corridor connecting the West Coast to inland economic hubs, while easing congestion in the Swartland town.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers officially opened the 6.7km route on Tuesday, marking the completion of construction that began in May 2023.
The new road links the Hopefield Interchange on the N7 with the R45 towards Wellington and the R46 towards Riebeek Kasteel, forming part of a broader freight route connecting the Saldanha Bay port and industrial area with major transport corridors across the Western Cape.
The bypass is expected to ease congestion by diverting freight traffic away from Malmesbury, improving traffic flow and safety in the town.
Jandré Bakker, Director for Operational Support in the provincial Department of Infrastructure, said the project includes five new bridges and a grade-separated interchange at the R45/R46 intersection.
“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 said.
Simmers said the project delivered both immediate and longer-term economic benefits.
“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,” he said.
Winde described the project as a long-term investment in the province’s economy.
“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,” he said.
The Western Cape Government said the project forms part of its broader infrastructure programme aimed at improving connectivity and supporting sustained economic growth across the province.