MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL UPDATE ON ROADS AFFECTED BY HEAVY RAINFALL IN THE WESTERN CAPE

 Cape Town, 12 May 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to give road users an update of the current conditions of the N1 and N2 national roads in the Western Cape, following heavy rainfalls that affected the province.

The N1 between the Huguenot Tunnel and Worcester has been closed in both directions due to heavy rainfall that has resulted in mudslides obstructing the roadway. SANRAL engineers and emergency teams are currently assessing and attending to the situation to restore the roadway. Although more predicted heavy rains may impede restoration, all efforts are being made to make safe and open the N1 as soon as possible. Road users are urged to make use of alternative routes where possible, and to follow the instructions of provincial and local traffic authorities on route.

Alternative routes that road users may use include the following:

1. At Victoria West, divert from the R63 to the R67 Loxton-Fraserburg-Williston-Calvinia-Nieuwoudtville-Vanrhynsdorp to N7.
2. Just before Beaufort West divert via R381 to Loxton-Fraserburg-Williston-Calvinia-Nieuwoudtville-Vanrhynsdorp to N7.
3. At Leeu Gamka to divert from the R353 to Loxton-Fraserburg-Williston-Calvinia-Nieuwoudtville-Vanrhynsdorp to N7; and
4. At Touws Rivier and Kleinstraat, motorists can divert from the R318 to Montagu-Ashton. The R318 has no shoulders. It is a normal class four road tarred but narrow road. Motorists can also travel to the N2 via Swellendam to Grabouw-Cape Town. The Bonnievale-Stormsvlei road, which has a single lane bridge, is not recommendable.

Portions of the N2 near Grabouw and Plettenberg Bay have been closed intermittently, with local detours in place when required. These closures are a result of strong winds that blew over trees and localised flooding. Motorists are advised to restrict their travel and only travel where necessary. Road conditions are changing rapidly as heavy rains and strong winds continue to create unsafe conditions.

“In the event of an emergency, road users are encouraged to contact local authorities by dialling 112 from their cell phone or 10177 from a landline or the WCG Emergency Contact Centre (TMC) 021 480 7700. SANRAL urges all motorists and road users to remain alert, obey traffic officials, and exercise patience and caution while travelling on affected routes, road users are urged to check this website for updates https://www.westerncape.gov.za/infrastructure/article/western-cape-road-closures-due-level-8-rainfall.”

“SANRAL also extends its appreciation to law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, rescue services and all other partners who continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of road users during this period,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Provincial Head for the Western Cape.