The Western Cape Government released an update on road closures and repairs today (October 10), following the devastating storms over the Heritage long weekend.
“Our primary focus is on reopening all affected roads when it is safe. Our repair and reconstruction efforts are a top priority. This process cannot be rushed. But we are doing everything possible to return full economic activity to the hardest hit regions,” said Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde.
Winde reiterated that the damage was widespread and extensive.
Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, said: “As our teams on the ground continue assessing and reconstructing the damaged road infrastructure, I want to urge all road users to take note of the safety and road closure signs. I have seen firsthand that some roads appear safe to pass, but the damage may not be visible as it may exist below the road's surface.
“A further reminder that when a road is closed, it is closed for all vehicles, including motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. We have had alarming reports of people cycling through closed sections and walking through affected areas to take photos. The success of rebuilding our roads and reconnecting our communities requires a joint effort by all citizens and stakeholders.”
The latest update on the road closures is as follows:
- Franschhoek Pass remains closed due to several slips (landslides) along the road. On-site repair teams are working to reopen one traffic lane by October 31. Once a single lane has been reopened, traffic will be managed through stop/go traffic operations. At this point, it is unlikely that heavy motor vehicles will be allowed to use this road until both lanes of the Pass have been reopened. The estimated cost of these repairs is not yet available.
- Clarence Drive remains closed for through traffic with only a section of the road opened from the Gordon’s Bay approach to The Grille Shack restaurant. On-site repair teams are still working from both The Grille Shack and Rooi Els sides of the closure to restore those parts of the road that repair teams can reach. The Department of Infrastructure aims to reopen one traffic lane along Clarence Drive by mid to late December. The estimated cost of these repairs can only be assessed once all the clearing has been done.
- The Hemel-en-Aarde road between Caledon and the R43 near Hermanus remains temporarily closed. Flood damage caused portions of the road to be scoured and washed away by the Onrusrivier which traverses the Hemel and Aarde valley. The damage caused to the roadway and road fill has been assessed and is currently considered unsafe for public use. On-site repair teams are working to have the road reopened for one-lane traffic by the end of October. Once a single lane has been reopened, temporary traffic accommodation measures will be implemented through stop/go traffic signals. Currently, the most important measure is to make the road safe and open again for use by the travelling public. Permanent repairs to the damaged road and road infrastructure is estimated to cost R80 million (€3.9m).
- Good progress is being made to fully reopen the road between the R317 and McGregor. Both lanes of this road are expected to be reopened to traffic by October 20. The entire project, including resurfacing, is expected to be complete by October 31. The estimated cost of these repairs is not yet available.
- A single lane is currently open at the intersection of the R43 and the R44 near Kleinmond. After initial assessments and further investigations, the repairs to the failed culvert at this intersection are expected to be complete by late January 2024. The estimated cost of these repairs is not yet available.
- The road through Meiringspoort (N12), between Klaarstroom and De Rust, was also damaged. The road has, however, been cleared of debris and siltation from the river overtopping some of the low water structures and is currently open to traffic without any traffic accommodation measures or single lane stop and go in place.
- It is hoped that Chapman’s Peak Drive will be reopened by the end of this week. This is subject to clearance from geotechnical consultants. Damage to the roadway was limited.
Most of the damage caused by flooding included:
- Silting up of the low water structures and culverts.
- Silting up of side drains.
- Rock falls into side drains.
- Erosion of existing earth drains or erosion behind lined drains.
- Damage of asphalt surfacing on three low-water structures.
Winde concluded: “I urge all residents and road users to be patient during this time. We are doing all we can to ensure the safety of road users and the reopening of roads as soon as possible.”
