Holiday travellers in the Western Cape are being urged to plan their journeys carefully as several major provincial roads will remain closed or restricted during the festive season, despite construction crews taking a month-long break.
The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure announced that contractors working on road construction projects will cease operations from 12 December, through to 12 January 2026. However, significant disruptions to the provincial road network will continue throughout this period.
The most severe restriction affects the Montagu Pass, which remains completely closed to all traffic during the construction break. This closure will force motorists to seek alternative routes for travel between the Little Karoo and coastal regions.
Several other key routes face partial restrictions. The Franschhoek Pass (R45/MR191) remains open but operates with single-lane traffic where safe passage allows. Meanwhile, the Klapmuts/Simondium Road (MR205) continues under stop-and-go traffic control, as does the Hemel-en-Aarde Road (MR269).
The R303 between Ceres and Op-die-Berg features two separate stop-and-go points, creating potential delays for travelers. Additionally, DR1309 near the R406 to Greyton faces complete closure, with detour signage directing traffic along alternative routes.
The N12 between Oudtshoorn and George will remain open during the contractor break, though officials stress that motorists should exercise extreme caution as this remains an active construction zone.
Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers stated the importance of road safety despite the temporary halt in construction activities.
“Road maintenance and expansion projects are a vital part of keeping our road network in shape and responding to transport needs of our residents,” Minister Simmers stated. “Motorists are advised to treat all roadworks as active construction sites, even if no construction is currently underway.”
The Minister urged drivers to comply with all traffic management measures, including speed reduction signs, road closure indicators, and stop-and-go arrangements, prioritising safety for both travellers and any remaining maintenance personnel.
Officials also stress the importance of maintaining reduced speeds through all construction zones and following all posted signage and traffic control measures. The combination of holiday traffic and ongoing road restrictions makes careful journey planning essential for safe and timely travel.
The Department of Infrastructure’s ongoing construction program aims to maintain and expand the province’s road network to meet growing transport demands. While the holiday break provides relief for construction crews, the temporary restrictions ensure public safety around active work sites.
Motorists can expect normal construction activities to resume after 12 January 2026, though some restrictions may continue as projects progress toward completion.
