This information comes from one of my readers Rashiq Fataar. Thanks Rashiq!

Road closures around the FIFA stadium perimeter & precinct are not uncommon & are not specific to South Africa. This is the norm for most mega-events including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games & other major sporting events. The transport plan for the Cape Town stadium & CBD in general is based on years of planning & consultation with international experts & previous World Cup Host cities. This level of planning, preparation & investment is unprecedented in South Africa & Cape Town.

Western Boulevard from the city to the stadium will be closed on match days, open only to general traffic for about 5 hours before matches. It remains open to the FIFA Family, Accredited Vehicles & public transport which includes the City’s new BRT system & other shuttle services for which detailed planning has been going on for over 3 years.

The BRT (bus rapid transport) system consists of dedicated lanes & modern new buses which will run from the Airport to CBD, provide an inner CBD circulation service & will provide a link from the city to the stadium, V&A Waterfront & Atlantic Seaboard.

The second link to be closed runs from the refurbished Cape Town Central Railway Station along Somerset Road to the stadium. This is termed the “FIFA Fan Mile” & provides entertainment & a fully pedestrianised zone. This was highly successful during Germany 2006 & allows for the separation of pedestrians & vehicles leading to the stadium. The closure of roads & streets is nothing new to Cape Town, as there are many festivals, night markets & shows that take place throughout the year.

Several sites just outside the CBD will act as park & ride areas for vehicles & buses & every constituent group has been accounted for. The summary of the Cape Town Host City Transport Operations Plan can be found at the following link.

The detailed version presented to FIFA is not available to the public -

http://www.transport.gov.za/2010/Documents/HostCities/2010%20WC%20-%20City%20of%20Cape%20Town.pdf

The stadium is on schedule & perhaps even a few days ahead of schedule. It’s completion date is 14 December, 2009. The completion date allows a 6 month time frame before the World Cup which is ideal. Beijing’s Olympic Stadium was completed 4 months before the Olympic Games. The stadium will host 3 test events in 2010, in February, March & April. I assume the “opening” would be in February.