Franschhoek Pass, closed to all traffic since devastating floods in May, could reopen for the December holiday period under controlled conditions as a major R1.165 billion road upgrade and flood-recovery project advances.
The Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure confirmed the pass is expected to open from mid-December to mid-January, subject to stop-and-go controls and safety assessments. If safety concerns arise, the road will remain closed until conditions improve.
The pass, a crucial corridor between the Winelands and the Overberg, has been inaccessible since May when heavy rainfall caused five slope failures and erosion at the Du Toits River bridge abutment on the Villiersdorp side. Before the May closure, road works had been progressing under a stop-and-go system following severe flooding in October 2023, which triggered 16 slope failures along the route.
The MR191 road improvement project, which includes upgrades, resurfacing and extensive flood-damage repairs, is scheduled for completion in July 2027, subject to favourable construction conditions.
Rebuilding critical infrastructure
The successive flooding events exposed the vulnerability of the mountain pass to extreme weather, prompting the province to invest in long-term infrastructure resilience.
The project includes widening and upgrading approximately 9.57 km of the MR191 between Old Paarl Road and Helshoogte Road to a Class 1 road. Repairs are being carried out over approximately 14 km between the Helshoogte intersection and the Franschhoek urban area, and approximately 16 km between Franschhoek and the Theewaterskloof Dam.
Specialised engineering interventions include soil nails, high-strength steel mesh, anchored gabion walls and reinforced concrete slope protection. Work is also progressing on asphalt surfacing, pavement reconstruction, drainage improvements and repairs to the Du Toits River bridge abutment.
Economic benefits for local communities
The project has delivered 94 090 person-days of local labour, exceeding the target of 70 160. Some 357 work opportunities have been created against a target of 440.
Fifty-seven local enterprises have supplied goods and services, exceeding the target of 40, while six emerging contractors have benefited through subcontracting opportunities. The project has directed R141.15 million towards targeted enterprises, exceeding the R126.17 million target.
Long-term investment
Minister Simmers said the damage caused by successive flooding events highlighted why investing in resilient infrastructure was important.
“We are not simply repairing damaged roads. We are strengthening vital transport connections, improving road safety and investing in infrastructure that must serve our communities and economy for years to come,” Simmers said.
“Equally important is the economic value created during construction. With more than 94 000 person-days of local labour and over R141 million directed towards targeted enterprises, this project demonstrates how infrastructure investment can support livelihoods and create opportunities for local businesses.”
The department said it remained committed to restoring damaged transport infrastructure while improving long-term road safety, connectivity and resilience.
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