Level-9 storms that lashed the Overberg two weeks ago caused widespread damage to roads, forcing motorists to make detours that add several kilometres to their route and/or endure backed-up traffic as a result of stop-and-go systems.
Some of the key routes affected by storm damage include the N2 between Botrivier and Caledon, a road used not only by motorists travelling for work and leisure, but also large delivery vehicles and trucks transporting agricultural goods and equipment. A number of smaller roads have been reopened to traffic while repairs to others have commenced.
The Western Cape Government said it, along with its partners, are working tirelessly to reopen all roads affected by the inclement weather that devastated parts of the province over the Heritage weekend.
The current estimate of the total cost of the damage to provincial roads has been put at R500 million.
“Our primary focus is on reopening all affected roads when it is safe to do so,” emphasised Premier Alan Winde. “Our repair and reconstruction efforts are a top priority.
“This process cannot be rushed. Unfortunately this will take time. But we are doing everything we can to return full economic activity to the hardest hit regions.”
Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers urged road users to adhere to safety and road closure signs.
“When a road is closed it is closed to all traffic, including motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians,” he said. “We have had alarming reports of people cycling through closed sections and walking through affected areas to take photos. I have seen first-hand that some roads appear safe to pass, but the damage may not be visible as it may exist below the surface of the road.”
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) reported that teams were working extremely long hours to repair damage to the N2 at Bot River in the hope that the road can be reopened within the next four weeks.
“The team has been working under extended hours, until at least 22:00 every night, since repairs began a week ago, and have continued to work throughout the weekend.
“We hope to complete the repairs over the next four or so weeks, and provide thoroughfare access as soon as possible,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Western Region Manager. “We remain hopeful that no further rains will hamper progress with repairs.
To date the first two layers of rockfill have successfully been laid and the erosion gap effectively closed.
“We are very mindful of the important and strategic role of the N2, and the inconvenience the N2 wash-away has caused road users,” Cable said.
“We have therefore accelerated our repair activities to reinstate this 70 m of national roadway. We thank road users for their patience and urge them to continue using the alternative routes with utmost care.”. Franschhoek Pass remains closed due to “landslides” along the road. On-site repair teams are working to reopen one lane of traffic by 31 October. Once a single lane has been reopened, traffic will be managed through stop/go traffic operations.
The Department of Infrastructure said it is unlikely that heavy 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.
Winde appealed to residents “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.”
