The N2 wall near Cape Town airport: What’s planned for 2027
A controversial safety wall planned along the N2 near Cape Town International Airport.
The stretch of the N2 running past Cape Town International Airport has long been associated with crime, including stone-throwing, smash-and-grab incidents, and attacks on motorists.
Used daily by commuters, freight operators, and tourists, this section of road has become a symbol of broader safety challenges in the city. Over the years, calls for a more permanent intervention have grown louder as temporary policing measures failed to deliver lasting results.
In response, the City of Cape Town has confirmed plans to construct a continuous safety wall along parts of the N2, with the project earmarked for implementation in 2027. The initiative forms part of the broader N2 Edge Safety Project and is intended to create a physical barrier between the highway and surrounding areas where criminal activity has been concentrated.
While the wall has sparked debate, city officials argue that infrastructure changes are necessary to protect lives on a road that connects the airport to the economic heart of Cape Town. Supporters see it as a long-overdue response to a known danger, while critics question whether it addresses the deeper social issues linked to crime.
Why the Wall Is Being Built
The primary aim is to reduce violent incidents by limiting pedestrian access to the highway and preventing objects from being thrown at moving vehicles. The road has been identified as a high-risk zone requiring structural intervention.
What the Project Will Include
Beyond the wall itself, plans include improved lighting, safer embankments, controlled access points, and measures to reduce illegal dumping. South Africa is said to be the world’s most dangerous place to drive.
A Project That Divides Opinion
Some community groups argue that funds should be directed toward housing and social development instead. Others believe immediate safety must come first.
As someone who has driven this road many times, I understand why any promise of safer passage in 2027 feels both necessary and long overdue.