The Western Cape Government and its partners are working to restore roads impacted by the severe weather during the Heritage long weekend.
In a statement, Premier Alan Winde emphasised the importance of the repair and reconstruction projects and said that the task is considerable and will necessitate patience and time.
The projected cost of repairing provincial road damage stands at R500 million.
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Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, commented on the ongoing assessment and repair efforts. He urged drivers and the general public to heed road signs and closures.
Minister Simmers also warned against disregarding closed roads, as it poses risks not only to drivers but also to cyclists and pedestrians.
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Regarding road updates:
- Franschhoek Pass is closed due to multiple disruptions. Repair teams aim to make one lane available by 31 October. Heavy vehicles might be restricted until both lanes are accessible.
- Clarence Drive is partially accessible. Efforts are ongoing to rehabilitate the road, with plans to open a lane by late December.
- The Hemel-en-Aarde road between Caledon and the R43 near Hermanus has been temporarily closed due to flood-induced damage. The plan is to reopen one lane by the end of October 2023. Permanent repair expenses for the damage are projected at R80 million.
- The road connecting the R317 and McGregor is set to be fully accessible by 20 October.
- At the R43 and R44 intersection near Kleinmond, one lane is open. Culvert repairs at this junction are anticipated to conclude by late January 2024.
- Meiringspoort (N12) between Klaarstroom and De Rust had suffered damage but is now free from obstructions and open for use.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive is expected to be operational by the week’s end, pending evaluations.
Flooding resulted in the following damage:
- Silting up of the low-water structures and culverts
- Silting up of side drains
- Rock falls into side drains
- Erosion of existing earth drains or erosion behind lined drains
- Damage to asphalt surfacing on three low-water structures
Premier Winde urged residents and road users for patience, reaffirming the government’s commitment to road safety and rapid restorations.
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