Blog

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL PROVIDES UPDATE ON HUGUENOT TUNNEL CLOSURE FOLLOWING BUS FIRE

Cape Town, 6 October 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has confirmed that engineering assessments conducted on Saturday and Sunday following the bus fire late Friday night inside the N1 Huguenot Tunnel, indicates that the tunnel’s structural integrity remains sound. However, several critical repairs are required before the tunnel may be safely reopened to traffic.

Independent structural inspections and follow-up technical assessments were completed late Sunday night. The inspections further revealed that while the tunnel ceiling and roadway remain structurally sound, certain wall panels, cabling systems, and lighting infrastructure have been damaged beyond repair by the fire and heat exposure and will require replacement.

Key remedial actions currently underway include:

• Removal of all loose material on the road surface, walls and ceiling.
• Replacing a number of wall panel fittings.
• Repairing and testing sections of the fire detection, lighting systems and other operational infrastructure.

“Our teams are working around the clock to restore the tunnel to a safe operational condition,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Western Cape Provincial Head. “The safety of motorists remains our foremost priority, and we will reopen the tunnel once we are confident that we meet the minimum required standards for safe operation. We are also mindful that a closed tunnel results in significant inconvenience and safety concerns to road users on other alternative routes, hence we are working with speed.”

Additional resources and teams have been mobilised to accelerate the repairs and more comprehensive repair works will be done during future controlled closures.

“A further update on progress and the anticipated reopening timeline will be provided once all final verifications are complete. At this stage we are optimistic looking at opening the tunnel within a week or slightly more, if all goes according to plan,” added Cable.

Motorists are urged to plan their journeys, accordingly, use alternate routes with caution allowing additional travel time due to anticipated congestion, Alternative routes include:

• From Worcester to Cape Town – via Wolseley-Wellington-Paarl to N1
• From Cape Town to Worcester – via Paarl – Wolseley-Worcester
• The N2 can be accessed via Wocester and Villiersdorp
• Bainskloof Pass is open to light motor vehicles only
• R101 Du Toitkloof Pass is open with at least two stop/ go in place (expect delays)
• Heavy Motor Vehicles to avoid R46 (Touwsriver-Ceres-Gouda-Cape Town) due to 15 m length limit on Franschoek Pass

For real-time Huguenot Tunnel information please contact the Tunnel Control: 021 877 5400.

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL Attends 15th Annual Family Math Summit at University of The Free State

SANRAL Board Chairperson Themba Mhambi and Board Member Mahesh Fakir visited the Science for The Future Labat the University of the Free State on Friday

Mangaung, 5 October 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) ongoing funding of the University of the Free State’s Family Math and Science programme is an obligation that the road agency takes seriously, said SANRAL Board’s Chairperson Themba Mhambi.
“Using public funds, it is in our interest and an obligation that we ensure that this programme not only continues, but that it grows in leaps and bounds. Our dedication to this programme is to ensure its success,” said Mhambi. He was speaking at the 15th Annual Family Math Summit that took place at the University of Free State in Mangaung on Friday.
This innovative partnership between SANRAL and the University of the Free State to train maths and science teachers, as well as to support learners and parents, ultimately resulted into its expansion to nine further universities across the country.
Since 2018, the number of project participants from this partnership has soared from just over 25,000 to more than 105,000 in 2024, reaching a total of 426,000 beneficiaries. This includes over 5,800 teachers, almost 320,000 learners, nearly 98,000 parents, and more than 4,300 students.

One of the major disadvantages of rural schools is the lack of teaching resources. More than 40% of the total project budget is allocated to classroom teaching resources, including learners’ worksheets and activity material, as well as parent workshop resources. SANRAL’s contribution addresses one of the most basic and fundamental needs in teaching and learning at rural schools. Through these interventions, parents, siblings, guardians, and caregivers are empowered to become part of the learning process. This not only benefits learner achievement but also uplifts community members who may have previously been excluded due to limited literacy or numeracy skills.
SANRAL’s Board has approved the continuation of funding of this project. The project is now expanding to include universities in provinces that were previously not represented such as the Western Cape, North West, and Gauteng.
Prof Hester Klopper, the University of the Free State’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said that the university’s partnership with SANRAL demonstrates its commitment to advance mathematics education to young people.
“The vision we share with SANRAL represents something remarkable in the university landscape. This initiative has now touched thousands of lives across the country. And this is much more than just numbers; it is about fundamental change on how we approach maths and science education in our schools for the development of our children and this country’s citizens,” said Prof Klopper.

“The partnership we have with SANRAL brings together all role players in making this project a success and making a maximum impact to society. Our universities can no longer afford to be ivory towers; they must be catalysts for transformation. This programme is important because it equips learners to tackle life’s challenges that they face, to equip them with the skills and the ability to navigate through life and apply logical thinking, as well as well learning how to solve complex problems in life. These skills empower children to breakdown challenges in a methodological way and it gives them confidence to solve life’s challenges,” added Prof Klopper.
According to Mr Monde Mondi, SANRAL’s Chief Human Resources Officer, SANRAL took the responsibility to embrace the principles of corporate citizenship since the inception of the programme in 2009.

“At SANRAL, we take corporate citizenship seriously and we have a duty to contribute to the communities that we serve. Corporate Citizenship emphasises that companies should adopt ethical behaviour, commit to community contribution, and protect their environment. Companies should ensure that while they fulfil their mandatory obligations, they should also take care of all stakeholders, and not just shareholders. The partnership that SANRAL has with universities is to fulfil this obligation,” said Mondi.
Mondi’s sentiments couldn’t have been aptly expressed more than the words of Nomqondiso Nako, a parent from Breidbach Primary School in eQonce in the Eastern Cape.
“When the programme was introduced to our school for Grade 3 learners, I was not sure what to expect. But I very quickly saw the difference. The activities we did together made maths simple, practical, and even fun. Instead of being something that felt difficult, maths became something that we could explore together as a family, whether it was through games, problem solving, or using everyday items at home.”

“As a parent, I gained confidence on how I should support my child’s learning. I realised that I do not need to be a maths expert. I only need to engage, encourage, and make learning part of our daily life. My child became more motivated, more confident, and even started teaching me at times. The programme did not only improve marks, but it also strengthened our bond as a family and showed us that learning is something that we can do together.”
“Through this programme, SANRAL and the University of the Free State have planted a seed that will grow far beyond the classroom, but into our homes and in our children’s futures,” said Nako.

-ENDS-

 

 

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N1 Huguenot Tunnel closed to all vehicles following a bus fire inside the tunnel

Cape Town, 04 October 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to inform road users that the Huguenot Tunnel is currently closed to all traffic due to a bus fire that occurred inside the tunnel last night (Friday).

The incident happened around 23h30. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported except for one response tunnel official suffering from minor smoke inhalation. The official was treated on scene and has been taken to hospital for observation.

“The bus wreckage has since been removed but, due to the damage caused to the tunnel infrastructure, the tunnel will remain closed until further notice for a full structural inspection. This is to ensure the integrity of the tunnel pertaining to concrete roadbed, side linings and ceiling. Other necessary infrastructure repairs will also be undertaken to fire detection equipment, lighting, communications, inside the tunnel,” said Mike Vinello-Lippert, SANRAL’s project manager.

“SANRAL thanks the tunnel operators and all emergency services that were activated and responded to the incident on time to prevent any injuries or casualties that may have occurred. . Their response to the incident is highly commendable. We will inform the public once a better understanding of the damage and repair time is more evident,” added Vinello-Lippert.

Below is a list of possible alternative routes that road users can use. SANRAL advises road users to first ensure that these routes are open to traffic, and they must also allow additional travelling time due to the current conditions.

Alternatives: Bellville to/from Touwsriver:

Normal Travel Time through tunnel:       1h 45 min

Via Du Toitskloof Pass:                                + 15 min (Open Intermittently due to construction)

Via Villiersdorp/Stellenbosch:                      + 50 – 55 min

Via Grabouw/Somerset West:                     + 50 – 55 min

Via Bainskoof (light motor vehicles only):   + 45 min

Via Ceres/Tulbach/Wellington:                    + 45 min

Alternatives: Swellendam – Bellville:

Normal Travel Time through tunnel:     2h 22 min

Via N2/Somerset West:                            + 15 min

Via Franschhoek:                                     + 35 min

 

Road users are advised to make use of alternate routes or to delay travel where possible. SANRAL apologises for the inconvenience and will keep the public updated on the tunnel operations.
-ENDS-

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

TEMPORARY NIGHTTIME ROAD CLOSURES ON N3 SHONGWENI INTERCHANGE FOR THE REMOVAL OF TEMPORARY SUPPORT BEAMS

 Durban, 02 October 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises motorists of temporary road closures on the N3 at the Shongweni Interchange for the removal of the temporary beams and supports for the new pedestrian bridge over the N3. This forms part of the ongoing Kassier Road upgrade project linked to the Westown development.

The temporary road closures will take place as follows:

• N3 Northbound (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) Carriageway Closure – traffic will divert via interchange ramps during these periods:

              –Night Closure from 20:00 on Saturday, 18 October 2025 to 05:00 on Sunday, 19 October 2025.

• N3 Southbound (Pietermaritzburg to Durban) Carriageway Closure – traffic will divert via interchange ramps during these periods:

             –Night Closure from 20:00 on Sunday, 19 October 2025 to 05:00 on Monday, 20 October 2025.

“All road-users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual. Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period, find suitable staging areas or reroute via the M13 to avoid the anticipated minor congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes.” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist: Geometrics Engineer.

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place.

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

N3 Northbound (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) Carriageway Closure:

• The full closure of the northbound carriageway will be in effect from 20:00 on Saturday, 18 October 2025, extending from the nose of the off-ramp to the nose of the on-ramp.
• Approaching traffic will be gradually merged into a single lane starting approximately 1 km before the Shongweni Interchange off-ramp.
• Traffic will then be diverted up the off-ramp, over Kassier Road and back down the on-ramp onto the N3.

N3 Southbound (Pietermaritzburg to Durban) Carriageway Closure:

• The full closure of the southbound carriageway will be in effect from 20:00 on Sunday, 19 October 2025, extending from the nose of the off-ramp to the nose of the on-ramp.
• Approaching traffic will be gradually merged into a single lane starting approximately 1 km before the Shongweni Interchange off-ramp.
• Traffic will then be diverted up the off-ramp, over Kassier Road and back down the on-ramp onto the N3.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY / BLASTING NOTICE

CONTRACT SANRAL R.052-030-2020/1: Temporary Stop/Go Road Closures on the R52, Koster
to N4 Rustenburg, North West Province

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of the temporary Stop/Go road closures, due to Blasting on National Road R52, Section 3, from Koster (km 0.0) to N4 Rustenburg (km 38.70). These closures are necessary to facilitate the road improvement works and are in place only during the day as indicated below.

Closure Details:

• Date: 7, 9 & 10 October 2025
• Location: km 5.200 – km 7.200
• Time: Between 12:00 and 16:00
• Duration: Stop/Go traffic management will be in operation, leading to potential delays of up to 30 minutes during peak hours.
• Closure Lengths: The closure lengths may vary but should not exceed 5 km unless required for safety reasons.

“We advise road users to plan their trips accordingly during these essential road upgrades. SANRAL remains committed to improving the safety and quality of our National roads. Road users are requested to please adhere to the traffic accommodation signage and the flag persons advanced warnings when applicable. It is not only for your own safety but also for the persons working at the closures and the construction workers within the work zones.” said Mirriam Ramoba, SANRAL’s Provincial Head for the North West.

 

 

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and the roads agency remains committed to improving the safety and quality of our national roads.

 

 

 

REISSUE – TRAFFIC ADVISORY

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES ON N2 NORTH BOUND BETWEEN SEZELA INTERCHANGE AND PARK RYNIE INTERCHANGE

Durban, 01 October 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises motorists of temporary road closures on the N2 north bound between Sezela Interchange and Park Rynie Interchange for installation of a pipe bridge onto the N2 Umzinto River Bridge as part of the new South Coast Water Pipeline.

“The construction of the South Coast Pipeline by uMngeni-uThukela Water will bring much needed relief in terms of water supply to the south coast region of Kwa-Zulu Natal. In order to complete this project, a pipe bridge will be installed onto the existing N2 Umzinto River Bridge. This will require multiple road closures lasting approximately 60 minutes each so that the pipe bridge structure can be lifted into place.” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal Geometrics Specialist Engineer.

The temporary road closures will take place as follows:

• Morning closure
• N2 North Bound (Port Shepstone to Durban): Daily from 05:00 to 6:00, Monday, 06 October 2025 to Wednesday, 29 October 2025
• Afternoon closure
• N2 North Bound (Port Shepstone to Durban): Daily from 05:00 to 6:00, Monday, 06 October 2025 to Wednesday, 29 October 2025

Light motor vehicles can divert off the N2 and onto the R102 at the Sezela Interchange and rejoin the N2 at the Park Rynie Interchange. Due to potential safety risks heavy motor vehicles will be stacked on the N2 for the duration of the closures.

“We understand that these road closures cause major disruption, so have planned them to take place at times when the disruption is minimised. Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period or find suitable staging areas to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of the closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes. Light vehicle traffic, as well as emergency services and traffic management are advised to make use of alternative routing.” said Lowe.

Traffic accommodation teams with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), have carefully planned the closures and will manage and monitor them for their full duration. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience during the ongoing major infrastructure construction. 2

The closure locations and a detailed alternative route guide is included below:

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

N2 North Bound (Port Shepstone to Durban):

• N2 North bound fully closed at the Umzinto River Bridge

 

 

The available alternative route to traffic:
1.R102 Northbound: A detour will be in place at the Sezela Interchange for Light Motor Vehicles only, to join the R102. Light Motor Vehicles can rejoin the N2 Northbound at the Park Rynie Interchange.

 

 

 

 

 

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE OF MEADWAY ROAD TO ACCOMMODATE PLACEMENT OF BEAMS ON A NEW BRIDGE NEAR THE PEACEVALE INTERCHANGE

Pietermaritzburg, 29 September 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise motorist of a temporary road closure on Meadway Road for the placing of bridge beams for the new bridge over Meadway Road. This forms part of the ongoing construction under the N3 Key Ridge to Hammarsdale Interchange upgrade project.
“Meadway Road will be fully closed between the 1000 Hills Road intersection and the N3 southbound on-ramp of the Peacevale Interchange to allow for the placement of temporary steel beams at the new bridge over Meadway Road,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.
The N3 Southbound (Durban-bound) on-ramp from Peacevale via DR 706 and from Cliffdale via Sterkspruit Road will remain open with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) to manage and monitor the diversion of traffic.

Road Closure Details:

Sunday, 05 October 2025

06:00 to 06:15 – Close Meadway Road.
06:15 to 14:45 – Placement of Steel Beams.
14:45 to 15:00 – Open Meadway Road.

 

 

“The closure may need to be adjusted depending on the weather conditions on the day. If that happens, a second notice with information about the new time will be issued. We ask motorists to be patient during the closure and to plan and adjust their route trips to accommodate the closure whilst adhering to speed limits. SANRAL apologies to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused and thanks them for their patience during the continued road construction,” said Lowe.

 

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR BLASTING ON THE N2 BETWEEN KWABHACA AND EMAXESIBENI

23 September 2025: The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that blasting is scheduled to take place on the N2 national road between KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni on the 29th of September 2025 at 12pm.

The blast will take place at approximately 13,7 km from KwaBhaca when travelling towards EmaXesibeni.

Motorists travelling from Kokstad towards Mthatha may consider the following alternative route:

Exit the N2 at Kokstad and onto the R56 route towards Matatiele to Nqanarhu via Tlokoeng and then take the R396 route to Tsolo and the N2 or via Flagstaff, Lusikisiki to Port St Johns via the R61 and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha. Similarly, motorists travelling from Mthatha towards Kokstad may consider using the same route.

The shortest alternative route is 69 kilometres longer and may add approximately 50 minutes to your trip between Mthatha and Kokstad.

“Motorists are asked to plan their trips, accordingly, consider alternative routes and to use caution when making use of the road,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Eastern Cape Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

 

Alternative route via Flagstaff, Lusikisiki to Port St Johns via the R61 and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha.

 

TRAFFIC ADVISORY / BLASTING NOTICE

CONTRACT SANRAL R.052-030-2020/1: Temporary Stop/Go Road Closures on the R52, Koster
to N4 Rustenburg, North West Province

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of the temporary Stop/Go road closures, due to Blasting on National Road R52, Section 3, from Koster (km0.0) to N4 Rustenburg (km 38.70). These closures are necessary to facilitate the road improvement works and are in place only during the day as indicated below.

Closure Details:

• Date: 23 September 2025
• Location: km 5.600 – km 5.720
• Time: Between 12:00 and 16:00
• Duration: Stop/Go traffic management will be in operation, leading to potential delays of up to 30 minutes during peak hours.
• Closure Lengths: The closure lengths may vary but should not exceed 5 km unless required for safety reasons.

“SANRAL advises motorists to plan their trips accordingly and appreciate your patience and cooperation during these essential road upgrades. SANRAL remains committed to improving the safety and quality of our national roads. Motorists are requested to please adhere to the traffic accommodation signage and the flag persons advanced warnings when applicable. It is not only for your own safety but also for the persons working at the closures and the construction workers within the work zones,” said Mirriam Ramoba, SANRAL’s Provincial Head for the North West.

 

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and the roads agency remains committed to improving the safety and quality of our national roads.

Ends//

 

 

UPDATED TRAFFIC ADVISORY

TEMPORARY RAMP CLOSURES ON N2/N3 EB CLOETE INTERCHANGE

Durban, 18 September 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise motorists that the planned temporary ramp closure at EB Cloete Interchange, originally scheduled for the weekend of 20 – 22 September 2025, has been postponed until further notice.

“These works are part of the broader improvements to the Interchange. The temporary closures are necessary to accommodate construction activity in a safe and controlled manner. The postponed closure involved the temporary closure of the N2 Northbound to N3 Eastbound (from Amanzimtoti to Durban CBD) ramp. This closure will no longer take place as planned this weekend with a revised date to be communicated in due course. All other closures remain scheduled as previously communicated,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KwaZulu Natal Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

 

 

 

A detailed alternative route guide is included below and can be found on this link:

https://www.nra.co.za/project-n2n3-upgrades?region_id=eastern

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES:

The following alternative route is provided for the closures affecting N2 Southbound to N3 Westbound (from Umhlanga to Pietermaritzburg) as follows:

• Closure 4: From 18:00, Saturday 04 October 2025 to 04:00, Monday 06 October 2025

Locally

• Take N2 off-ramp
• Keep left on-ramp towards Durban CBD
• Take Sherwood off-ramp
• Turn right at traffic light Turn right again and merge back onto N3 to Pietermaritzburg

Advanced

• Via M19 Via Pinetown
• Via M13 Via Sherwood

 

“SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital project to alleviate long-term traffic congestion in the area and appeal to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling past the construction work zones. To prioritise the safety of both the construction workers and road users, the speed limit along the route is reduced during construction.” said Lowe.