As a result of flooding, Meiringspoort near Oudtshoorn is currently closed to traffic.
Motorists travelling between the Garden Route and the Karoo are advised to make use of an alternative route via the N9 from George through Uniondale, Willowmore and Aberdeen, connecting to the R61 towards Beaufort West.
This is according to Maxine Bezuidenhout, Chief Director of Traffic Management in the Department of Mobility in the Western Cape.
“With inclement weather affecting parts of the province today (7 May), we urge all road users to exercise extreme caution. Please reduce speed, increase your following distance to allow for safer stopping, and ensure your headlights are switched on to improve visibility. Wet roads significantly reduce traction, so avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.”
“While our teams are monitoring conditions on all major routes, we appeal to every driver to take responsibility and adjust their driving to the conditions to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”
Bezuidenhout says the main reasons for the road closures are flooding, unsafe driving conditions, reduced visibility, debris on roadways, and damage to infrastructure caused by persistent heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions. She says certain roads have also been closed proactively to ensure the safety of motorists and emergency personnel.
Bezuidenhout says at this stage, the duration of closures will depend on weather conditions, water levels subsiding, and the outcome of ongoing assessments by roads engineers and disaster management teams.
According to her some roads may reopen once conditions improve, while others requiring repairs could remain closed for longer periods. Motorists are encouraged to regularly monitor official updates before travelling.
“We strongly advise motorists to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Drivers should reduce speed, increase following distances, ensure headlights are switched on, and never attempt to drive through flooded roads or low-water bridges.”
According to Bezuidenhout motorists should also remain patient and comply with all road closure signage and instructions from law enforcement officials. Road safety remains a shared responsibility, and responsible driver behaviour is critical during adverse weather conditions.
Due to severe weather conditions and flooding impacts, several roads across the Western Cape remain closed until further notice. These include:
OVERBERG DISTRICT
- DR1325 Middelpad (Swellendam-area)
- OP6066 Leeurivier (Swellendam-area)
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT
- Meiringspoort (Oudtshoorn & Prince Albert areas)
- Grootrivier Pass (Nature’s Valley-area)
- Herold to Noll (Langkloof-area)
- Swartberg Pass (Oudtshoorn-area)
- Seven Passes (Knysna/Plett-area)
- Kruisvallei (Knysna/Plett-area)
- Buffels Bay (Knysna/Plett-area)
- Barrington (Knysna/Plett-area)
- Keurboomsstrand (Knysna/Plett-area)
- Several additional rural access roads in George, Mossel Bay, Calitzdorp and Langkloof areas remain closed.
- Huisrivier Pass (Calitzdorp-area) has REOPENED.
CENTRAL KAROO DISTRICT
- Meiringspoort (Prince Albert-area)
- Murraysburg to Graaff-Reinet route
- Molteno Pass (Beaufort West-area)
- Prince Albert to Klaarstroom route has REOPENED.
