SANRAL has warned motorists travelling between Paarl and Worcester that parts of the N1 national toll road could be intermittently closed as strong, gale-force winds continue to affect the Western Cape.
The warning comes as government urges South Africans to take precautions amid severe weather conditions affecting several parts of the country, including damaging winds in the Western Cape.
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) said certain types of vehicles could be prevented from using the N1 when wind speeds at the Hugo’s Viaduct reach dangerous levels.
The viaduct, situated just west of the Huguenot Tunnel entrance, is located in a valley of the mountain range and is particularly exposed to strong wind gusts.
“The Hugo’s viaduct which is situated just west of the Huguenot Tunnel entrance is located in a valley of the mountain range and is subject to extremely high wind gusts,” SANRAL said.
The agency said strong winds at the viaduct had previously resulted in trucks and even smaller vehicles towing trailers and caravans being blown over.
Certain vehicles could be restricted
SANRAL said the wind is monitored 24 hours a day and that restrictions are introduced when gusts continuously exceed a predetermined threshold.
Larger goods vehicles in Classes 2 to 4 that are lightly loaded can be prevented from using the toll road under those conditions.
Class 1 light motor vehicles towing light high-sided trailers or caravans can also be restricted because of the risk of being blown over.
“These vehicles are mostly at risk of being blown over under such conditions,” SANRAL said.
The agency said the situation is monitored in real time and restrictions are lifted once wind speeds return to acceptable levels.
“The situation is monitored on a real-time basis, and the road is reopened to all vehicles once the wind speeds have reduced to acceptable levels,” SANRAL said.
Government warns of severe weather
The SANRAL warning follows a government call for the public to exercise caution after severe weather warnings were issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
Government said heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, flooding and damaging winds were expected to affect several provinces from September 4.
An Orange Level 5 warning is in place for parts of the Northern Cape, where intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds and possible flooding are expected.
A Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms is also in effect for parts of the central and eastern Northern Cape, western Free State, southern KwaZulu-Natal and North West.
Damaging winds continue to affect parts of the Western Cape.
“These conditions may result in localised flooding, damage to homes and infrastructure, fallen trees and hazardous travelling conditions,” Deputy Government spokesperson William Baloyi said.
Provincial disaster management teams, traffic authorities, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders are monitoring the situation and coordinating response measures in affected areas.
Baloyi urged the public to remain vigilant and put safety first as weather conditions continue to evolve.
Motorists urged to take caution
Government has advised people to postpone non-essential travel where possible until conditions improve.
Motorists have been urged to reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and avoid flooded roads and bridges.
People have also been warned never to attempt to cross fast-flowing water, whether on foot or in a vehicle.
“During a thunderstorm stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, and flooding,” Baloyi said.
The public has been urged to rely on SAWS, government authorities, disaster management structures, government communication platforms and bona fide media for updated weather information.
Du Toitskloof Pass alternative
When the Huguenot Toll Road is temporarily closed for all or certain classes of vehicles, SANRAL said the Du Toitskloof Pass (R101) is the shortest alternative route over the mountain.
SANRAL also plans to construct wind barriers along the viaduct to mitigate the impact of strong gusts on vehicles.
“SANRAL plans to construct appropriate wind barriers along the Viaduct to mitigate the impact of wind gusts on vehicles,” the agency said.
Real-time updates on road conditions can be obtained through SANRAL’s Western Cape Freeway Management System X account, @CapeTownFreeway, and the I-Traffic website.
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