Kimberley, 5 September 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises motorists that the N1 national road between Richmond and Hanover has been closed to traffic following a road tanker that overturned, resulting in a hazardous-material spill.

The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of road users and to allow emergency and specialist teams to safely manage the incident and undertake the necessary clean-up operations.

Motorists are urged to avoid the affected section of the N1 and to make use of the designated alternative routes until further notice.

Traffic travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town:

Traffic travelling southbound from Johannesburg towards Cape Town on the N1 will be diverted at N1 Section 10, km 60.20, near Hanover, towards De Aar on the N10.

Motorists should proceed on the N10 towards De Aar and enter Britstown, where they should join the N12 towards Victoria West. From Victoria West, motorists may continue on the N12 or connect to the R63, before reconnecting with the N1.

Traffic travelling from Cape Town to Johannesburg:

Traffic travelling northbound from Cape Town towards Johannesburg on the N1 will be diverted on N1 Section 9, at the N1/N12 or N1/R63 intersections, towards Victoria West.

From Victoria West, motorists should continue on the N12 towards Britstown. At Britstown, motorists should connect to the N10 towards De Aar and continue past De Aar towards the N10/N1 interchange at Hanover, where they can rejoin the N1.

“Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, accordingly, allow additional travelling time and exercise caution when approaching the affected area. Road users are requested to comply with all traffic accommodation measures and instructions from law enforcement and emergency personnel. SANRAL is monitoring the situation and will provide further updates regarding the reopening of the N1 once it is safe for traffic to resume. Motorists are encouraged to remain patient and to prioritise their safety and that of emergency personnel working at the scene,” said Emile Du Preez, SANRAL’s Provincial Head for the Northern Cape Province.

-ENDS-

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For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za