Bloemfontein, 10 September 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises motorists of temporary rolling road closures to facilitate blasting next to the N1 as part of the ongoing construction on the N1 between Zandkraal and Scottland.

The temporary road closures will take place as rolling closures as follows:

• N1 full closure (both directions) from Zandkraal to Scottland:
  • Closure 1: Wednesday, 16 September from 12h00 to 12h20
  • Closure 2: Wednesday, 23 September from 12h00 to 12h20
  • Closure 3: Wednesday, 30 September from 12h00 to 12h20

Note that no access will be allowed onto the N1 between Zandkraal and Scottland or other connecting roads.

Full closures will take place as follows:

• 12h00 to 12h15 – Close N1 and other connecting roads and blast.
• 12h15 to 12h20 – Clean up any debris on all roads.
• 12h20                  – Reopen N1 and other connecting roads for all vehicles.

The R703 and R709 roads will be available as alternative routes during the blast. Substantial delays are, however, likely as the R703 and R709 are unable to handle the same volume of traffic as the N1.The closure may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions on the day. If that happens, a second notice with information about the new time will be issued.

“Our traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of local traffic enforcement, have carefully planned the closures and will manage and monitor them for their full duration” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Free State Specialist Geometrics and Road Safety Engineer.

“We understand that these road closures cause major disruption and have planned them to minimise the length of the disruption. Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period or ?nd suitable staging areas to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives a?ecting their commuter routes. Light vehicle traffic, as well as emergency services and traffic management are advised to make use of alternative routing. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience during the ongoing major road enhancements, added Lowe.

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