Repair work is still underway on the Franschhoek Pass after it was hit with even more damage during severe weather in May.

The pass initially suffered extensive damage in October 2023 after heavy rainfall. Tertius Simmers, provincial minister for Infrastructure, previously said the heavy downpour caused “slope failures, debris build up and deterioration of the road and the drainage systems”.

At the end of October last year, Jandré Bakker, a spokesperson for the provincial Department of Infrastructure, said contactors were hard at work filling slopes along the affected part of the road. At the time they were installing self-drilling soil nails, high-strength steel mesh, anchored gabion walls, and reinforced shotcrete.

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Weather warning

“The road surface and subsoil drainage systems in the affected portion of road are being reinstated and improved,” Bakker said.

“Damaged road pavement layers are being reinstated and stormwater drainage systems are being repaired. Erosion protection measures, such as rip rap and erosion control blankets, are also being installed.”

Early in May the South African Weather Service issued a level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall for the mountainous regions of the Stellenbosch, Drakenstein, Theewaterskloof, Breede Valley and Witzenberg local municipalities.

The heavy cold front wreaked havoc across the Western Cape and the Franschhoek Pass was not spared, with further damage to the roadway.

As part of a flood recovery update at the end of July, Simmers confirmed that the pass suffered extensive flood damage.

Progress, but more work ahead

“The route remains one of our higest- priority recovery projects. In addition to multiple slope failures and slips, significant damage to the Du Toits River Bridge requires further engineering intervention,” Simmers explained.

“Our teams remain on site and the necessary repair works form part of the Western Cape’s broader flood recovery programme.”

At the time, Simmers said the department’s projection to reopen the pass to traffic by the end of October is subject to construction progress and weather conditions.

Eikestadnuus reached out to the department about the recent developments on the ongoing construction.

Melchior Botes, another departmental spokesperson, confirmed that the Franschhoek Pass will remain close until further notice. “It remains closed to all traffic, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, light and heavy motor vehicles. An update on reopening will be provided at the beginning of October,” Botes said.

“Good progress is being made on the Du Toits River Bridge, which is one of the key reasons for the full closure.”

Upon enquiring about Franschhoek Pass, questions were asked about whether May’s storm damage affected the progress that had been made before.

The department was also asked about the projected timeline for the completion of the original work to the pass and when it will reopen. A definite time of reopening was not be provided.

“The recent flood had an impact on the existing project in the sense that working days were lost due to inclement weather, but not significantly so,” Botes pointed out.

Initial works continue

“The additional slips that formed did not impact the existing works and existing works are continuing alongside the new flood-related works. The initial project is still on track to be completed on the original timeline.”

Eikestadnuus reached out to businesses along the Franschhoek Pass and asked how the road’s closure is affecting operations.

Tiaan Jooste, restaurant manager at Le Lude Estate, said the past few months was very quiet as a result of the cold weather. “It will, however, be a problem if the pass remains closed during the upcoming summer. People usually like to take the scenic drive as well,” he related.

A representative of hotel within the vicinity of the pass said they had been informed that the pass will only reopen next year, as a result of the extensive damage the Du Toits River Bridge.

Over the years Franschhoek Pass has suffered major damage during adverse weather, then also leading to its closure.

Damage was reported following a storm in June 2009, a rock slide led to a motorist being injured in June 2019, and severe weather resulted in slope failures and other damage in September 2023, with contractors still conducting repairs and rehabilitation.

Since the extensive damage three years ago, Franschhoek Pass has not been fully reopened. The roadway was only partially opened to road users.

However, May’s heavy storm led to the full closure of the road to allow for the necessary construction work.

The infrastructure department will provide an update on the progress in October.

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