PAARL – The iconic Du Toitskloof Pass, a vital link between Paarl and the Breede River Valley, will remain closed to traffic until 1 November as part of an ambitious R138 million maintenance project that promises to extend the road’s lifespan significantly.
The historic 21 km stretch of the mountain pass, often called the “old pass,” has been closed since 1 September while contractors undertake comprehensive maintenance work. Motorists are currently being diverted via the N1 highway through the Huguenot Tunnel, a toll route that adds both time and cost to their journeys.
“The route is now closed and if all goes according to plan, it will be reopened to traffic by 1 November,” said Jandré Bakker, Director of Operational Support in the Department of Infrastructure. He cautioned that even after reopening, drivers may still encounter stop-and-go traffic until the project’s completion in December.
Western Cape Infrastructure Minister Tertuis Simmers highlighted the project’s broader economic impact, highlighting significant job creation and local business opportunities. The initiative is expected to generate 18 000 person-days of work, translating to 140 employment opportunities for local workers.
“We further set a target of more than R20 million to be spent on targeted enterprises with 12 contracts that will go to Construction Industry Development Board Grade 1CE and 2CE local enterprise contractors,” Simmers explained.
Comprehensive maintenance program
The extensive maintenance work goes far beyond simple road resurfacing. The project includes pre-treatment of road defects, a complete asphalt overlay, and repairs to concrete slabs within the tunnel section. Contractors are also addressing critical infrastructure elements including the rehabilitation of six major culverts and repairs to existing retaining walls.
Drainage improvements feature prominently in the scope, with workers clearing culvert inlets and stormwater systems while constructing new concrete-lined side drains. Safety enhancements include replacing road studs, signage, guard rails, and fencing throughout the pass.
One of the more significant structural interventions involves constructing embankment stabilisation at the 7.2 km mark, addressing long-standing concerns about slope stability along this challenging mountain route.
Balancing inconvenience with long-term benefits
Simmers acknowledged the frustration caused by the extended closure, particularly given the lack of free alternative routes. However, he emphasized that the long-term benefits justify the temporary inconvenience.
“There is no good time for roadworks from a road user perspective, and we appreciate the inconvenience roadworks cause road users, even more in a case like this where the route must be fully closed,” Simmers said. “But the long-term benefit, including extending the design life of a road, outweighs the short-term inconvenience.”
Simmers noted that such maintenance projects contribute to the Western Cape maintaining one of the country’s best road networks, a crucial factor for tourism and economic activity in the region.
The broader maintenance contract, valued at almost R160 million when VAT is added, started already on 15 January this year and is scheduled to be competed before the traditional December construction break. This timeline suggests that while the road may reopen to traffic in November, finishing work will continue into the summer months.
The Du Toitskloof Pass serves as a crucial alternative to the tolled N1 highway for residents and businesses in the Boland region, making its closure particularly impactful for daily commuters and freight transport. The pass is also a popular route for tourists seeking to experience one of the Western Cape’s most scenic mountain drives.
As the project progresses toward its November milestone, authorities are urging motorists to plan their journeys accordingly and to exercise patience as the province invests in critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit road users for decades to come.
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