The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has confirmed that structural assessments conducted over the weekend following Friday night’s bus fire in the N1 Huguenot Tunnel found no major compromise to the tunnel’s overall integrity. However, several key repairs are required before it can safely reopen to traffic.
Independent inspections and technical evaluations concluded late on Sunday revealed that although the tunnel ceiling and roadway remain structurally sound, sections of the wall panels, cabling, and lighting systems suffered irreparable damage due to the intense heat and will need full replacement.
Current remedial work includes:
- Clearing debris and loose materials from the tunnel’s road surface, walls, and ceiling;
- Replacing damaged wall panel fittings and
- Repairing and testing the fire detection, lighting, and operational systems.
“Our teams are working around the clock to restore the tunnel to a safe operational condition,” said Randall Cable, Sanral’s Western Cape Provincial Head. “Motorist safety remains our top priority, and we will only reopen once all safety standards are met. We are also conscious that the closure places added pressure on alternative routes, so we are working as swiftly as possible.”
Additional teams have been deployed to accelerate the repair process. Sanral noted that more extensive upgrades will be scheduled during future planned closures.
“A further update will be issued once final verifications are complete. At this stage, we are cautiously optimistic that the tunnel could reopen within a week or slightly longer, depending on progress,” Cable added.
Motorists are urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and exercise caution on alternative routes. Recommended diversions include:
- Worcester to Cape Town: via Wolseley, Wellington, and Paarl to the N1;
- Cape Town to Worcester: via Paarl, Wolseley, and Worcester;
- N2 access via Worcester and Villiersdorp;
- Bainskloof Pass: open to light motor vehicles only and
- R101 Du Toitskloof Pass: open with at least two stop/go points (expect delays).
Heavy vehicles are advised to avoid the R46 (Touws River–Ceres–Gouda–Cape Town) due to a 15-metre length restriction on Franschhoek Pass
For real-time updates on the Huguenot Tunnel, motorists can contact the Tunnel Control Centre at 021 877 5400.
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