Scenic Clarence Drive (R44) is set to reopen today, 11 December 2023, just in time for afternoon traffic at 4pm.
This is according to the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, which urged motorists to plan and delay trips until late afternoon to allow teams to fully vacate the site before the road reopens, with traffic accommodations.
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A week ahead of initial projections, the department announced that repairs to Clarence Drive have progressed to the point that one-way traffic can be accommodated.
The scenic route that connects the charming towns of Gordon’s Bay and the coastal towns of Rooi Els, Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay was subsequently closed after heavy downpours in September and several significant landslips and rockslides caused serious damage to the 21-kilometre road leading to Kleinmond.
The department said clearing continued as areas became stable enough to work on, but enabling one-lane traffic at a time to use the road until two-way traffic could be restored remained the top priority.
Sharing his sentiment on the timeous reopening, provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertius Simmers said: ‘Today marks a significant milestone as we reopen this key tourist route, fostering renewed connections and opportunities for growth and prosperity for the region.’
‘While we were resolute in our commitment to have the road open to one-way traffic by mid-December, we had to remain aware of the fact that many variables could delay this opening,’ he added.
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While the road’s reopening for one-way traffic brings good news, the department warned that there is a likelihood of extended closures, which will either be for set times during the day or for several days at a time, based on construction requirements.
Regular road users are advised to prepare for such closures, which may be at short notice. Closures during the peak festive season, according to the Western Cape Government, are unlikely.
Pointing out that the seven stop-and-go points between Gordon’s Bay and Kleinmond, including the six on Clarence Drive and one at Palmiet Bridge, will inevitably add to your travel time, Simmers urged road users to factor this in when using the route.
‘I further ask road users to be patient and to be courteous towards pointsmen and -women,’ added Simmers. ‘While the additional travel time may be frustrating, our teams are diligently working to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety on these vital routes.’
The department reported that current indications are that repairs to this route, including the Palmiet Bridge, which also sustained significant damage, will cost approximately R80 million.
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