MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL WESTERN CAPE: N1 RE-OPENED FROM HUGUENOT TUNNEL TO WORCESTER

Cape Town, 15 May 2026. The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to inform road users that the N1 national road between the Huguenot Tunnel (Paarl) and Worcester has now been reopened. The road had been closed in both directions since Monday 11 May 2026 after heavy rains resulted in the overtopping of the N1 by the Hex Reiver and Breeder River, as well as various mudslides and rockfalls over the N1 between the Huguenot Tunnel and Rawsonville due to the impacts of severe weather conditions.

Engineers and maintenance teams have been working around the clock assessing and clearing the roadway making them passable.

The situation was aggravated by flooding on viable alternative routes at the same time. The Du Toitkloof pass (R101), an alternative route to the Huguenot Tunnel over the mountain has also been cleared and re-opened to traffic by the Western Cape Government.

“The opening of the N1 will bring much relief to motorists and freight movement on the south-north corridor. As cleanup operations continue, SANRAL advises motorists to please proceed with caution, and be on the lookout for maintenance crews still on the various scenes where obstructions and damages have occurred. Motorists can play their part by adhering to all signage and always follow instructions of all traffic and law enforcement officials on route,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Provincial Head for the Western Cape Province.

SANRAL extends its appreciation to Western Cape Department of Mobility and Department of Infrastructure for the coordination efforts that continue, as well as law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, rescue services and all maintenance teams who continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of road users during this period.

//Ends