The Hemel-en-Aarde Road, which connects Sandbaai (Hermanus) and Caledon, was reopened to traffic on Tuesday 14 November with a stop-and-go system in place.
The road was closed due to severe damage following a devastating storm during the Heritage Day long weekend. The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure reported that teams started working on temporary repairs as soon as the engineering team was satisfied that the slips (landslides) had stabilised sufficiently. The bypasses were completed to allow access to the road.
The provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, expressed his joy on the reopening of the Hemel-en-Aarde road and said he is aware of the inconvenience the closure has had on the local community and industry as well as visitors.
“The reopening of this road-pass is significant not only to the surrounding communities but also businesses and the agriculture sector. This will allow for the resumption of commercial activities in the region. The agriculture sector will be able to get their produce quicker to markets and elevate the stress of excess inventory management. We know there will be delays with the stop-and-go traffic accommodation, but this is less than the time spent using the alternative route.”
The public is requested to remain patient and plan for the waiting periods at these stop-and-go points, especially over the coming festive season. The reopening will also significantly reduce the traffic volume on Karwyderskraal Road. On the reopened portion of the route, there are two stop-and-go points.
The department said it foresees that it will still be a considerable period before the road will allow full two-way traffic, and added: “Temporary closures are highly likely during the future construction period. Where there are planned closures, it will be announced on the Western Cape Government website.”
