Franschhoek Pass, an important connector between Franschhoek, Grabouw and Villiersdorp, will undergo construction closures starting today. These disruptions, essential for maintenance and safety improvements, will impact weekday traffic flow until 15 December 2023.
The pass, having recently reopened for light motor vehicles following weather-related closures during the Heritage Day weekend, is now entering a new phase of construction. This phase commenced with temporary repairs once the landslides stabilised, leading to the need for soil nailing, a crucial stabilisation technique.
Essential to these current operations, soil nailing involves embedding metal tendons into the soil, creating a supportive gravity wall, thereby necessitating these closures.
- Initial closure: Weekdays from 8am to 5pm, effective 28 November to 15 December 2023.
- Intermittent accessibility: After 15 December the pass will open under specific conditions until 7 January 2024, including a proceed-when-safe system and weight limitations.
- Extended closure: A subsequent closure is scheduled from 8 January until the end of February 2024.
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Light motor vehicles can use the pass outside closure hours; however, heavy vehicles over five tonnes are prohibited at all times to ensure safety and efficiency in repair work.
MEC Tertuis Simmers raised concerns about non-compliance with road signs and restrictions, noting the negative impact of such actions on repair efforts and overall safety.
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‘The blatant disregard of road signs and restrictions by some road users is a serious concern. We have received numerous reports of interlinked heavy motor vehicles accessing the pass despite clear signage prohibiting such acts. This reckless behaviour compromises the repair work and negatively impacts the entire repair process,’ he said.
He added that if these trucks ignore the signage and arrive at the closure points during the closure periods, they will be stuck there until the road reopens because there is no room to turn around.
Simmers went on to say that he was aware of the inconvenience the closure has caused the local community and visitors, as well as the impact the weight restriction has had; however, the safety of all road users remains his top priority.
The department is working on permanent repairs, and it is anticipated that full two-way traffic will be restored after a considerable period. Road users are advised to seek alternative routes and comply with the set regulations to ensure a smooth repair process and safe travel.
Date closure schedule | |
Dates | Status |
28 November 2023 to 15 December 2023 | Daily closures per the schedule below |
16 December 2023 to 7 January 2024 | Open with proceed when safe and weight restrictions |
8 January 2024 to end of February 2024 | Daily closures per the schedule below |
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Daily closure schedule | |||
Day | Open (with 5-tonne
weight restriction) |
Closed | Open (with 5-tonne weight
restriction) |
Monday | 12am to 7:59am | 8am to 5pm | 5:01pm to 11:59pm |
Tuesday | 12am to 7:59am | 8am to 5pm | 5:01pm to 11:59pm |
Wednesday | 12am to 7:59am | 8am to 5pm | 5:01pm to 11:59pm |
Thursday | 12am to 7:59am | 8am to 5pm | 5:01pm to 11:59pm |
Friday | 12am to 7:59am | 8am to 5pm | 17:01 – 23:59 |
Saturday | 12am to 7:59am | Not applicable | |
Sunday | 12am to 7:59am | Not applicable |
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Exploring Franschhoek Valley on board the charming Wine Tram
Picture: Josh McGregor / Unsplash