ONGOING HEAVY RAINS RESULT IN ADDITIONAL NATIONAL ROAD CLOSURES IN LIMPOPO

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MEDIA RELEASE

ONGOING HEAVY RAINS RESULT IN ADDITIONAL NATIONAL ROAD CLOSURES IN LIMPOPO

Limpopo, 15 January 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to provide an update regarding the status of national roads in the Limpopo Province following continued heavy rainfall and flooding experienced across the province.

As of this morning, additional national roads have been affected by rising water levels and inclement weather conditions, resulting in further safety concerns for road users. In the interest of public safety, SANRAL has implemented precautionary closures on newly affected routes, while closely monitoring others that remain open but are experiencing heavy rainfall.

“Road users are strongly advised to avoid all affected areas and to use alternative routes where possible. SANRAL Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) teams remain on high alert and are conducting ongoing assessments to determine the extent of the impact on the national road network,” said Madoda Mthembu, SANRAL Limpopo Provincial Head.

AFFECTED NATIONAL ROADS:

  • National Road R527 in the Hoedspruit area within the Maruleng Local Municipality. (Alternative road is the R40 from Acornhoek through Hoedspruit towards Phalaborwa.
  • The R40 next to Maseke Game reserve is closed.
  • 25km before Phalaborwa, R71 is closed.
  • R578 section 2 Road washed away and closed
  • R71-3 (Namakgale to Phalaborwa) near the Lulekani turn-off – flooded bridge
  • R40-7 (Mica to Phalaborwa) near Grietjie – flooding across the road
  • R36-5 (The Oaks to Ofcolaco) near Ofcolaco – pooling water over the road
  • R527 – Zandspruit bridge is flooded
  • R578 (Selwana road) near Makhuva – pooling of water over the road
  • R578 at about km5.4 section 2, bridge washed away and road is closed.
  • R578 at about km 20 section 2 is closed
  • Greater Letaba bridge from R529 to Eiland road. Water level close to flooding the bridge

ROADS OPEN TO TRAFFIC BUT EXPERIENCING HEAVY RAINS:

  • National Road R81 in the Giyani town
  • R33 between Groblersdal and Stofberg
  • R526 section 2, km 12.4 from Gravellotte heading towards Hoedspruit

“Road users travelling on routes affected by persistent rainfall are urged to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed and maintain safe following distances on roads that are open to traffic. Further communication will be issued as assessments continue and once it is confirmed that conditions are safe for the re-opening of affected national roads,” added Madoda Mthembu.

SANRAL encourages road users to refrain from travel until the roads are open and safe for use.

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