More than two months after severe weather damaged sections of Clarence Drive (R44), the scenic coastal road has reopened to traffic.
Western Cape government
- Clarence Drive will reopen to one-way traffic on Monday afternoon.
- Drivers will have to navigate up to seven stop-and-go points.
- The road was closed in September after landslides and rock falls due to severe weather.
More than two months after severe weather damaged sections of Clarence Drive (R44) in the Western Cape, the scenic coastal road has reopened to traffic.
The road opens to one-way traffic on Monday afternoon, with several areas of stop-and-go.
Clarence Drive, which connects Gordon’s Bay with the coastal towns of Rooi-Els, Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay, was damaged by significant landslips and rockslides during severe weather over the Heritage Day long weekend.
Western Cape Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers said: “Repairs to Clarence Drive have progressed to the point that one-way traffic can be accommodated. This is a week ahead of initial projections … However, several restrictions remain in place for reasons of public safety.”
Simmers said the reopening “marks a significant milestone”.
READ | Knysna is ready for the holidays, despite water and sewage woes
The projected cost to repair the road and the Palmiet River Bridge was around R80 million. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2024.
Simmers said there were six stop-and-go points on Clarence Drive and one at Palmiet River Bridge.
“I urge road users to factor in additional travel time when using this route. I further ask road users to be patient and to be courteous towards pointsmen and women. While the additional travel time may be frustrating, our teams are diligently working to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety on these vital routes,” he said.
Simmers also warned there would likely be closures at set times or for several days at a time to allow for the remaining repairs to take place.
“The Western Cape government strongly advises regular users of this road to be prepared for such closures, which may be at short notice. Closures during the peak festive season are unlikely. Updates will be posted on the Western Cape government’s website,” he said.
READ | Here’s how much your December road trip will cost in tolls and petrol compared to flying
Several key roads were closed or damaged during the September floods, including the N1, N2, R43 and R45.
News24 previously reported that thousands of people were left destitute after their homes were destroyed by the heavy rains and strong winds, necessitating numerous evacuations across the province.
A national disaster declaration was issued to the Western Cape after the floods. This after damage assessments were calculated at R441 million for provincial infrastructure and R154 million for municipal infrastructure.
News24 also reported that the Western Cape received a disaster declaration following severe flooding in May and June. The provincial government estimates that the May/June floods caused unfunded damages to the tune of R700 million.