The recent partial opening of Clarence Drive with six
\nstop-and-go sections in place on 11 December gave motorists the opportunity to
\nmake use of this stunning scenic route that suffered serious damage during the
\nHeritage Day long weekend floods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, an investigation was recently conducted after the Western
\nCape Department of Infrastructure received complaints about near head-on
\ncollisions in the stop-and-go sections on Clarence Drive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The investigation revealed a worrying trend. Road users
\nsimply stop in the closed sections to take walks, take pictures, go to the
\nwater\u2019s edge and the like. Once done, they simply rejoin traffic irrespective
\nof which direction traffic is coming from. This has led to several near head-on
\ncollisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Department of Infrastructure wishes to inform road users
\nthat the closed sections are not designated parking spots but are closed for
\nsafety reasons. These sections of the road have suffered structural damage and
\nare not safe to use. The damage is, in many cases, not visible to the naked eye
\nand lies beneath the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To mitigate this unlawful behaviour, the department has
\nappointed additional flagmen along closed sections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am extremely concerned about this reckless trend. Should
\nit persist, we have two other options. One is to have escort vehicles in place,
\nthat will escort a group of vehicles through the closed sections to ensure all
\nvehicles move through the various points before letting traffic through from
\nthe opposite direction. Not only will this have a significant cost implication
\nbut could result in an additional 45 \u2013 60 minutes in travel time along this
\nroute,\u201d says provincial minister of infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He mentions that the other option is a full closure of
\nClarence Drive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis will have a severely negative impact on the area from
\na traffic flow and economic perspective. While this will remain our last
\nresort, our top priority must be the safety of all road users. I am calling on
\nroad users to please take the risk seriously and act responsibly. I have
\ncontacted the Overstrand Municipality and there will be an increased presence
\nof traffic and law enforcement officers along the route to root out dangerous
\nroad user behaviour,\u201d added Simmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShould it be necessary, closing it again, due to the
\ndisregard of road safety, would be incredibly disheartening,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current indications are that repairs to this route will cost
\nclose to R80 million. This cost includes repairs to the Palmiet Bridge, which
\nalso sustained damage. The project is currently projected to be completed by
\nthe end of the third quarter of 2024.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dangerous driving on Clarence Drive may cause it to be closed 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