The The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) and the Western Cape Government (WCG) has announced that essential maintenance work will be carried out on the Huguenot Tunnel and the the Franschhoek Pass as part of its ongoing commitment to “safety, reliability, and efficiency”.
“These activities are critical to ensure all infrastructure and systems are fully operational ahead of the upcoming December traffic season,” the WCG said in a statement.
Emergency repairs on the tunnel were completed on 9 October following an accident which caused structuaral damage, allowing the tunnel to reopen safely for immediate operation, but more comprehensive and permanent repair works are now required.
“These repairs will be undertaken at night on selected weekdays when traffic volumes are historically lowest, to minimise inconvenience to road users. An estimated less than 10% of tunnel traffic may be impacted by these planned closures,” Sanral said in a statement
“The timing of these works follows the reopening of the R101 (Du Toitskloof Pass), which provides
a safe and convenient alternative route while night-time operations are underway. The Du Toitskloof Pass was closed from 1 September 2025 to 10 November 2025 for construction works, by the Western Cape Government, making it impractical to schedule any tunnel closures during this period.”
The tunnel will be closed during the following scheduled periods:
- Wednesday, 12 November – 21:00 to 06:00
- Thursday, 13 November – 21:00 to 06:00
- Tuesday, 18 November – 21:00 to 06:00
- Wednesday, 19 November – 21:00 to 06:00
- Thursday, 20 November – 21:00 to 06:00
- Tuesday, 25 November – 21:00 to 06:00
- Wednesday, 26 November – 21:00 to 06:00
- Thursday, 27 November – 21:00 to 06:00
During these closures, there will be no access through the tunnel, as maintenance crews will be working on both sides of the roadway. All motorists are advised to use alternative routes.
READ MORE: N1 Huguenot Tunnel closed this week for emergency repairs
In addition, the Franschhoek Pass will be closed for maintenance from 10 to 14 November, between 09:00 and 15:00, starting from the entrance on the Franschhoek side.
“Vehicles will be stopped at the end of Franschhoek closest to the mountain side and at the T-junction at the Theewaterskloof Dam. They will be asked to make use of alternative routes,” the Western Cape Government stated.
