MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL WESTERN CAPE: N1 RE-OPENED FROM HUGUENOT TUNNEL TO WORCESTER

Cape Town, 14 May 2026. The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to inform road users that the portion of National Route N1 between the Huguenot Tunnel (Paarl) and Worcester, that had been closed since Monday 11 May 2026 due to the impacts of severe weather conditions, has now been re-opened.

The N1 between the Huguenot Tunnel and Worcester had been closed in both directions, after heavy rains resulted in the overtopping of the N1 by the Hex River and Breede River, as well as various mudslides and rockfalls over the N1 between the Huguenot Tunnel and Rawsonville. Engineers and maintenance teams have been working around the clock assessing and clearing the roadway making them passable.

The situation was aggravated by flooding on viable alternative routes at the same time. The Du Toitkloof pass (R101), an alternative route to the Huguenot Tunnel over the mountain has also been cleared and re-opened to traffic by the Western Cape Government.

The opening of the N1 will bring much relief to motorists and freight movement on the south-north corridor. As cleanup operations continue on the N1, motorists to please proceed with caution, and be on the lookout for maintenance crews still on the various scenes where obstructions and damages have occurred. Motorists can play their part by adhering to all signage and following the instructions of all traffic and law enforcement officials on route at all times.

SANRAL extends its appreciation to WCG Department of Mobility and Department of Infrastructure for the coordination efforts that continue. Special thank you and appreciation to law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, rescue services and all maintenance teams who continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of road users during this period.

//Ends