Cheers as Chappies Re-Opens

Posted Mon, 12 Oct 2009 (3 years ago)

Cape Town celebrated as Chapman's Peak Drive was re-opened last week Friday.

Whether you used to drive Chapman’s Peak every day to get to work and home, or only headed out there for occasional extra-special sundowners when you’re in Cape Town on holiday, you’ll be delighted to hear that at long last the 9 km world renowned scenic drive has been re-opened.

This after dangerous rockfalls, resulting in the tragic death of a road user, led to extended road closure for the purpose of repairing and reinforcing the drive and mountainside back in June of 2008.

Western Cape transport MEC Robin Carlisle, who performed the road opening ceremony on Friday, told listeners to Cape Talk radio station this morning that the numerous delays in re-opening Chappies were largely due to a high number of rain days over the closed period which put a stop to the dangerous work being carried out on the mountainside, as well as a problem with suppliers for some of the equipment needed to make the road safe for use.

When asked what kind of guarantee could be issued with regards to future road closures especially in the coming winters, Mr. Carlisle said he did not foresee more than a total of 12 – 15 days of road closure due to weather conditions in the next 12-month period.

Participators in the Cape Argus Cycle Tour and the Two Oceans Marathon will be delighted to know that the scenic route will definitely be available for these sporting events in the coming year.

As will those of us who have missed picnicking at sunset along the spectacular Drive that is so very much a part of this city.

Bob Skinstad, local rugby icon and owner of The Toad in the Village country pub in the Noordhoek Farm Village (situated at the base of the drive that links "Deep South" with Hout Bay) said on Twitter

"Just popped up Chapmans Peak with my family for sundown - amazing - thinking of giving a free beer to any Hout Bay peeps this week !"

Disclaimer: Bob could have been kidding though, so don't quote the Travel Blog, and maybe take your Republic of Hout Bay passports with if you want to try call him on that!

2 Responses to Cheers as Chappies Re-Opens

It would be nice of them to offer us free passes for a month or two in lieu of having to wait so long for Chappies to reopen!

Looking forward to finally visiting Hout Bay again, tho!

By Jolene (3 years ago)

I think the place is really cool. I have never been there but i think i read good information on your blog.

By Online Hotel Booking (3 years ago)