The Franschhoek and Meiringspoort passes remain closed due to significant damage caused by floods in May.

Melchior Botes, spokesperson for Western Cape MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure Tertius Simmers, said the Franschhoek Pass remains strictly closed to all users including motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.

He said the route sustained severe damage during recent weather events, and since the initial closure, additional slope failures and slips have occurred.

A major point of concern is the bridge near the Theewaterskloof Dam.

“While the damage is not visible from the top, sections beneath the roadway have been completely scoured away. We urge cyclists and pedestrians to refrain from bypassing the closures, as entering this zone poses a severe safety risk and prevents assessment teams from working safely,” Botes said.

He said there is no confirmed timeline for the reopening of the pass at this stage.

Comprehensive assessments and extensive repairs are required, and the route should be regarded as closed until further notice.

Botes said the Meiringspoort Pass is also closed until further notice due to severe flooding. He told Nova News that current flood levels and damage are comparable to the historic 1996 floods, though total damage may exceed that event once assessments are complete.

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“Teams are currently on the ground prioritising emergency responses, including establishing alternative routes for cut-off communities.”

There is no immediate reopening date for the pass, and restoring the road, even for limited traffic accommodation, will take considerable time, he said.

Full damage and engineering assessments can only be finalised once emergency responses elsewhere on the network are resolved.

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