At least three stop-and-go systems as a result of roadworks along the N2 between Botrivier and Caledon have caused motorists serious delays and frustration in recent months.

The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has confirmed that, in addition to the three stop-and-go systems on the N2 as a result of periodic maintenance work, there will also be lane closures on the Houw Hoek Pass to place an asphalt overlay.

Sanral reported there will always be one lane open to traffic in each direction of the pass during the resurfacing operations that are scheduled to be completed in February 2025.

The contractor has recently commenced the resealing of the road surface, which necessitates the Stop/Go traffic accommodation measures.

There will, however, be relief for road users between mid-December and mid-January when the full road width of the Houw Hoek Pass will be open to two-way traffic.

“Due to the volume of traffic on the N2, the waiting times generally last up to 30 minutes each,” said Krishna Naidoo, Project Manager.

“The contractor is making every effort to finish the work ahead of schedule in order to minimise the delay to road users.”

Sanral appeals to road users to be patient and compliant with speed restrictions and factor in additional travel time, especially for learners and students who are busy with exams.

“The roads agency apologises for this short-term inconvenience in pursuit of long-term mobility and road safety improvements,” Naidoo said.

With regard to the Boontjieskraal Road that has been closed to traffic for an extended period of time, Jandré Bakker, Head of Communication of the Department of Infrastructure (DOI), stated that this was “always scheduled to be a long-term project” as it entails upgrading it from a gravel road to part of the surfaced network.

He further explained that because in-house resources are used for this project these resources cannot be dedicated exclusively to the project.

“Because one uses in-house resources these cannot be dedicated to a project and has to respond to other emergencies and maintenance on the road network,” Bakker said. “The adverse effects the unprecedented weather conditions had on the road network required these teams to respond to other higher priority repairs and maintenance.

“Due to pressure on the in-house teams to respond to other issues, we have taken the decision to complete elements of the road using an external contract.

“We are in the process of finalizing the related processes. This should expedite the partial reopening. Such reopening will be done as soon as it is safe but there will be stop-and-go traffic accommodation in place while works continue.”

He pointed out that even once this road is partially opened, it would not be a viable alternative route to the N2 “because the stop-and-go points are likely to be long until the project is completed”. The estimated reopening of Boontjieskraal Road to partial traffic is towards end of December 2024 if all goes according to plan, Bakker explained.

Resurfacing of section of Main Road on R43 in Hermanus