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TRAFFIC ADVISORY
N7 road closures due to heavy floods in Northern Cape

Northern Cape, 29 June 2023 – Parts of the Northern Cape are experiencing severe flooding and road closures are already in place, with alternative routes available where possible.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) can confirm that the N7 section 8, approximately 10 km before Vioolsdrift (area known as Vyf Myl Poort) is closed due to flooding. A portion of the N7 has already been severely damaged and the water levels continue to rise. It is likely that more damage will occur and the N7 will be closed for a period of time to effect necessary repairs once the water levels have receded. Road users travelling to Namibia can access the country at the Alexander Bay border, via Steinkopf intersection (N7) towards Port Nolloth on the R382.

“Our Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) and all Emergency Services are on hand, monitoring the situation and responding in accordance with the level of urgency. They will be closing roads where it becomes unsafe to travel and where possible, will sign-post the alternative routes,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Western Region Manager.

SANRAL appeals to road users to be on high alert, reduce speed and if at all possible, avoid travelling in those areas, as further rain and adverse weather is expected.

“We will keep road users updated as the situation changes,” said Cable.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
PROPOSED DIVERSIONS ON N3 BETWEEN DURBAN AND PIETERMARITZBURG

Pietermaritzburg, 28 June: The upgrade of the N3 between and Durban and Pietermaritzburg will achieve a major milestone in the coming weeks, when traffic will be diverted onto the newly constructed North-bound carriageway.

The diversion of the traffic will enable the upgrade of the existing Southbound carriageway. Motorists are advised to adhere to the posted speed limit of 80km/h due to restricted road widths and to exercise caution as they will not be driving on the final road surface.
The proposed dates of the diversions are:

The first of the planned diversions will be implemented on 19 June 2023 when the current North-bound traffic (traffic travelling in the direction of Pietermaritzburg) will be diverted at the Camperdown Interchange onto a part of the newly constructed carriageway.
On 29 June 2023, a further section of the newly constructed carriageway up to the Lynnfield Park Interchange will be opened for the Northbound traffic.

Approximately two weeks later, the Southbound traffic is anticipated to be diverted onto the new carriageway.
The implementation of the northbound cross-over past the Umlaas I/C will now result in access of the N3 at Umlaas Road being restored again. The VMS sign messages that indicate the Umlaas Rd I/C being closed, can then be removed as from 29 June 2023.
Motorists are advised to be on the lookout for more details in the media in the upcoming days.

The Ashburton Interchange is part of the larger N2 and N3 Upgrade Programmes, often referred to as the N2/N3 upgrades. The upgrades, when completed, will bolster the capacities of these economic arteries from Durban to the rest of South Africa and Africa in line with the ambitions set out in the SIP2 programme. The projects connect the Port of Durban, the largest port in Sub-Saharan Africa, to Gauteng, the largest economic hub in the country, and neighbouring countries in SADC region. The upgrades will resolve the chronic traffic congestion and reduce road carnage, thus providing higher mobility, increased safety and a reduction in overall travel time

 

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
BLASTING OPERATIONS ON THE N2 AND R56 INTERSECTION OUTSIDE KOKSTAD

KZN 27 June 2023 – Blasting operation is scheduled to take place at N2 – R56 Intersection in Kokstad, at approximately 2pm on Wednesday 5 July 2023, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“During earthworks operations, hard rock was encountered within the new pavement depth. Conventional methods for the removal of the rock have proved unproductive. The contractor has requested to undertake controlled blasting on the left-hand side of the existing roadway to remove this rock. It is anticipated that the road will be closed for one hour in all directions,” said Hugh Brooks, SANRAL’s Eastern region Project Manager.

The blasting time may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions. If this happens, a second notice with information of the new time will be made available.

“The completion of the work requires widening of the existing N2 cross section to accommodate the tie-in of the new R56 overpass ramps. A full closure of the N2 will be required for the duration of blasting works,” said Brooks.
SANRAL apologises to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused and would like to urge motorists to proceed with caution and adhere to speed limits.

“We 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 works and road users, the speed limit along the route will be reduced during construction,” said Brooks

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Immediate
Road upgrade underway between R72 and MR501 intersection in East London

Eastern Cape, 26 June 2023: The upgrading of the intersection between R72 Section 4 and MR501, at Kidd’s Beach in East London, is ongoing.
The project entails the lowering of the MR501 to pass underneath the R72 intersection through a concrete bridge structure, complete with the construction of the new on- and off-ramps, with new improved road signage. The anticipated completion date is April 2024.

The bypass will be available during construction for motorists.

“The project forms an integral part of the larger upgrades by SANRAL which are underway on the R72 route between Port Alfred and Buffalo City,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Regional Manager.
The developer of the Kidd’s Beach Green Estate Development, MHG Property Development Specialists, together with the appointed engineers, Mariswe Consulting, have awarded the tender for the upgrading of the intersection between R72 Section 4 and MR 501 (Kidd’s Beach) to the contractor, Mpumalanga Construction.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Immediate
Upgrade of the R336 route between Kirkwood and Addo Phase 1 in progress

Eastern Cape, 26 June 2023: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) wishes to advise travellers that the R336 road upgrade is in progress between Kirkwood and Addo until 13 June 2024.

Sonop Street in Kirkwood will be one way starting from the Main Street/Sonop Street intersection towards Addo, up to Mimosa Street, where only the right-hand side lane will be used as a thoroughfare. The left-hand side will be used for parking purposes only. There will be no stop-and-go in Main Street. The alternative routes for motorists travelling either from Addo on the R336 heading towards the R75, or vice versa, in town is via Mimosa Street, Shand Street and Middle Street.

The current stop-and-go section on R336 will be operational over the period of the Wildfees festival. The stop-and-go section is at the Blue Cliff intersection between km 22 and km 26 where motorists can expect to wait approximately 15 to 20 minutes at the closure. Motorists travelling from Gqeberha to Kirkwood may use the R75 and turn onto the R336 Kirkwood.

There is no alternative route for motorists travelling between Addo and Kirkwood.

“Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly and be cautious when using the roads. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Regional Manager.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
UPDATE: Huguenot Tunnel now open in both directions

Western Cape, 17 June 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to inform road users that the Huguenot Tunnel is now open to all vehicle classes (except those transporting hazardous chemicals) in both directions, following a closure necessitated by adverse weather conditions that resulted in mudslides and rockfalls.

Du Toitskloof Pass remains affected with rock- and mudslides and Provincial Traffic is on hand to divert traffic elsewhere.
“All emergency services are on stand-by as further rain is expected. We appeal for patience and vigilance during these adverse weather conditions, with strict adherence to speed restrictions,” said Mike Vinello-Lippert, SANRAL Project Manager.

Furthermore, the N1 at De Wet, just after Worcester in the direction of De Doorns, has also been opened in both directions to all vehicle classes.

Before travelling, please ensure that the route is open to traffic and allow additional traveling time due to the current adverse weather conditions, which may affect several alternative routes at any given time.

UPDATE: N1 and Huguenot Tunnel closures due to mudslides

Western Cape, 16 June 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to update road users on the N1 and Huguenot Tunnel closures that were caused by adverse weather conditions that resulted in mudslides and rockfalls.
The Huguenot Tunnel remains open for all vehicle classes from Cape Town to Worcester.
Class 1 (light) motor vehicles may now proceed through the tunnel, from Worcester to Cape Town, but heavy vehicles are not yet accommodated as the truck check lanes are still covered in mud, with big rocks still blocking the R101.
Du Toitskloof Pass remains affected with rock- and mudslides and Provincial Traffic is on hand to divert traffic elsewhere.
“All emergency services have been activated to clear the road, in order to fully re-open the tunnel to all vehicle classes. We appeal for patience and vigilance during these adverse weather conditions, with strict adherence to speed restrictions,” said Mike Vinello-Lippert, SANRAL Project Manager.
Furthermore, the N1 at De Wet, just after Worcester in the direction of De Doorns has since been opened in both directions but trucks are still being diverted via the R43, through Ceres. Provincial Traffic is on hand.
Before travelling, please ensure that the route is open to traffic and allow additional traveling time due to the current adverse weather conditions, which may affect several alternative routes.