Page 80 - KBHA Bulletin 14

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feasible, and beyond which wagons with lighter materials were able to struggle through to
Simon’s Bay.

However, nothing prevented farmers and free burghers, at their own expense, from making paths,

tracks and cattle drives between farms, and between them and Simon’s Bay – whether over the

mountains or along the flats – and the old maps show that they must have done so. There was
also nothing to stop travellers on foot or horseback from using these paths or the coastal route,

and they, too, did so.

Old routes of yesterday and today

th
During the 20 century, the ox-wagon and the horse gave way progressively to the motor car.
While some of the old tracks were used by the new mode others were abandoned leaving only
traces of their former significance. Old photographs are reminders of the primitive nature of the

routes in the South Peninsula 100 years ago, around the time Wallace encountered some of them.

(Figs. 2.20 – 2.29.)

Conclusion

The idea of a new road over the Steenberg and Brakkloof mountains remained dormant for 20
years after Wallace and Gill had proposed it. Eventually the rationale for it crystallised around

three main roles: a by-pass for the congested coastal route (the congestion arising from the 1964

Fish Hoek Mardi Gras being the eventual ‘tipping point’ in this regard), a strategic military link
between Simon’s Town and Cape Town, and a scenic-tourist route. Some also saw it as a fire-

break. A definite decision to construct it was taken in 1957, the survey work was carried out in
1961, and construction of the Westlake - Noordhoek section began in April 1964. Its design and

construction were carried out entirely by Divisional Council staff under the supervision of
engineer Mr Rory Gilmore. It was completed in 1968 at a cost of R800,000. (Grant-Dalton,

1968.)