Cape Town, 04 September 2026. The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to inform road users to be aware that the N1 national road Toll Road between Paarl and Worcester might be intermittently and partially closed (certain types of vehicles) due to strong gale-force gusty winds that occur due to extreme weather conditions like the cut-off lows currently being experienced.
The Hugo’s viaduct which is situated just west of the Huguenot Tunnel entrance is located in a valley of the mountain range and is subject to extremely high wind gusts which has, in the past, led to trucks and even smaller vehicles with trailers and caravans been blown over.
The wind is instrumentally monitored on a 24-hour basis and when gusts of wind continuously exceed a predetermined threshold, the toll road is closed for all larger goods vehicles (Class 2 to 4) which are lightly loaded, and light motor vehicles (Class 1) that are towing light high sided trailers or caravans. These vehicles are mostly at risk of being blown over under such conditions. The situation is monitored on a real-time basis, and the road is reopened to all vehicles once the wind speeds have reduced to acceptable levels.
When the Huguenot Toll Road is temporarily closed for all or certain classes of vehicles, The Du Toitskloof pass (R101) is the shortest alternative route over the mountain. SANRAL plans to construct appropriate wind barriers along the Viaduct to mitigate the impact of wind gusts on vehicles,
SANRAL continues to ensure the safety of road users and real time updates on road conditions can be obtained through SANRAL’s Western Cape Freeway Management System Twitter (x) site – @CapeTownFreeway or on the I-Traffic website – https://www.i-traffic.co.za/. Variable message signs are also activated to indicated in the tunnel is opened or closed.
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For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za