Major resurfacing, widening and safety works under way
The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure says a R227.2 million upgrade of the N9/N12 between George and Oudtshoorn is progressing and remains scheduled for completion in June 2028. The project began in October 2025 and targets roughly 5km of the main route, with a further 2km of Waboomskraal Road — where it meets the N9/N12 — being repaired and resurfaced.
Construction activity is currently concentrated on earthworks, rock excavation and the installation of permanent drainage and road infrastructure. According to the department, the works are intended to improve safety and traffic flow along a stretch that carries commuters, freight and tourists between the Garden Route and the Little Karoo.
- Lane widening: traffic lanes increased from 3.3m to 3.7m;
- Shoulder upgrades: shoulders widened from 1.5m to 2.0m and to receive a surfaced finish;
- Alignment and stability: realignment of challenging sections, construction of an ~800m retaining wall and installation of guardrails;
- Drainage and intersections: improved stormwater drainage and reconstruction of the Waboomskraal intersection;
- Environmental measures: protected plant species are being temporarily relocated to allow construction.
Local economy and road users to benefit — and adjust
The department said the upgrades aim to provide better visibility, safer road edges and more reliable driving conditions, particularly where the existing alignment creates hazards. For Oudtshoorn residents and businesses the works should reduce travel time variability and lower the risk of serious crashes on this important regional link.
Construction will, however, mean intermittent traffic management measures. Motorists should expect changed traffic patterns, possible short delays where single-lane working is required, and revised signage while construction zones are active. Local transport operators and agricultural hauliers who rely on the route should factor these constraints into planning.
"The improvements are expected to make travelling between George and Oudtshoorn safer and more efficient for motorists, commuters and businesses that rely on the route," the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure said.
Employment and local contractors
The department reported that the project has created opportunities for local labour and businesses. Contractors are carrying out rock excavation, paving, drainage and fencing work, and the programme includes the repair of existing damaged sections of Waboomskraal Road.
Those benefits are typical of provincial road schemes where maintenance and upgrading deliver short-term employment and longer-term savings in vehicle operating costs for commercial users. For Oudtshoorn, which serves as a distribution and services hub for much of the Little Karoo, smoother, safer access to George and the coast supports tourism, fruit and livestock supply chains.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project cost | R227.2 million |
| Works on N9/N12 | ~5 km upgraded and strengthened |
| Works on Waboomskraal Road | ~2 km repaired and resurfaced |
| Start date | October 2025 |
| Expected completion | June 2028 |
What residents should watch for
Road users are advised to follow temporary signage and the directions of traffic controllers at work sites. Any unplanned incidents or weather-related delays could affect the completion timeline; the department’s current milestone remains June 2028.
For Oudtshoorn, the upgrade is a tangible provincial investment in a corridor that underpins daily commutes and regional commerce. Properly maintained and resurfaced, the route should offer safer, more consistent travel between the Klein Karoo and the Garden Route towns — a practical gain for households, farmers and small businesses that depend on it.
