FLOOD-DAMAGED Eastern Cape roads have received a R300-million boost.
This was announced this week by the province’s acting deputy-director general of roads and public works, Sandile Booi, and his general manager of roads planning, Craig McLachlan.
T he two men spoke of positive behind-the- scenes moves affecting the fate of the crumbling provincial network.
They also spoke about the Eastern Cape’s road maintenance backlog of R17-billion and the struggle of municipalities to maintain and discover new, informal roads springing up in the province’s 35000km municipal road network.
The department had worked with municipalities and was putting the final touches to the research on the municipal network.
Describing the SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) as one of the best parastatals in the country, they said Sanral had in April agreed to take over 4750km of the Eastern Cape’s central road network for no extra cost.
Sanral had since brought R150-million into the province to be spent on roads. This left the department with 42000km of roads to maintain, 38000km of this gravel and 4000km tar.
In a surprising anomaly, they said the uproar over the e-tolling of roads in Gauteng had caused a delay in Sanral funding there, and this had seen a further R100-million being pushed into Sanral road projects in the East London and Mthatha areas.
What excited the two men most, however, was a new national funding model for roads which kicks into action in April and will see the Eastern Cape receive a far greater allocation from national treasury.
The model is based on a new scoring system which takes into account the vast distance covered by the province’s road network, its current terrible condition, and weather conditions.
In the department’s annual report, which was released in October, the cost of flood damage between November 2010 to March this year was put at R1.08-billion.
They said they were putting the R300- million received in flood disaster relief for the 2011 and recent floods to work in 30 different projects.
However, R100-million of this was mainly for the hardest-hit areas in Cacacadu District Municipality, especially Ndlambe, Makana municipalities and Nelson Mandela Metro.
On the downside, they admitted the Eastern Cape public was raising a cacophony of protest over the disastrous condition of their roads. However, they said the department’s R1.9-m illion budget only covered 26% of what was required to get the network running properly.
“We have accepted that figure and are finding ways to work within our economies of scale,” they said. They described their 3000- strong roads department as “lively” and committed.
- Daily Dispatch
Showing posts with label road safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label road safety. Show all posts
Friday, 23 November 2012
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
National road infrastructure damages in the Eastern Cape due to rain
MEDIA RELEASE
issued by
THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ROADS AGENCY LTD
22 October 2012
NATIONAL ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGES IN THE EASTERN CAPE DUE TO RAIN
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise road users of the following road updates:
During the recent prolonged and heavy rains in the Eastern Cape, severe damage has occurred on both the N2 and R72 routes, linking Port Elizabeth and East London.
On the N2 the failure of an embankment has left a 45 metre gap in the road, cutting off access between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. The road has subsequently been closed for traffic. SANRAL is currently assessing the cause of this failure, how it should be repaired, timeframes, and sources of material to replace the failure and will then engage with contractors to execute the work.
SANRAL is also investigating the repair to gravel roads as alternative routes around this closure to allow light vehicles a more direct route, as the full embankment repair is expected to continue into 2013.
Alternative routes for the N2 are via the R343, leading off the N2 about 10km west of Grahamstown to Kenton-on-Sea and then via the R72 to Port Elizabeth. A much longer alternative from Grahamstown via the R350 to Bedford, Cookhouse and the N10 to Port Elizabeth, is also available.
On the N2, between Peddie and Kind Williams Town, where flood closures were in place, the whole route is open to traffic.
On the N2 Port Elizabeth bypass, one lane of the freeway is closed to traffic at the Standford Road interchange, which will have a significant impact on peak hour traffic.
On the R72, damages have occurred at two places which have resulted in half the road being closed in places with stop / go controls, but could be completely closed due to ongoing flood damages. The route between Port Elizabeth and East London would the be via the R63 and the N10. Road users should turn onto the R63 just outside King Williams Town and continue through Fort Beaufort and Bedford to the N10 near Cookhouse and then continue with the N10 past Paterson to Nanaga to join the N2 to Port Elizabeth. This is the recommended route for all heavy vehicles travelling between Port Elizabeth and East London.
Road users are requested to exercise extreme caution on all roads as the prolonged rains have increased the rate of pothole development. SANRAL thanks road users for their patience and apologises for any inconvenience caused.
Issued by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited
Email: pressoffice@nra.co.za
issued by
THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ROADS AGENCY LTD
22 October 2012
NATIONAL ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGES IN THE EASTERN CAPE DUE TO RAIN
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise road users of the following road updates:
During the recent prolonged and heavy rains in the Eastern Cape, severe damage has occurred on both the N2 and R72 routes, linking Port Elizabeth and East London.
On the N2 the failure of an embankment has left a 45 metre gap in the road, cutting off access between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. The road has subsequently been closed for traffic. SANRAL is currently assessing the cause of this failure, how it should be repaired, timeframes, and sources of material to replace the failure and will then engage with contractors to execute the work.
SANRAL is also investigating the repair to gravel roads as alternative routes around this closure to allow light vehicles a more direct route, as the full embankment repair is expected to continue into 2013.
Alternative routes for the N2 are via the R343, leading off the N2 about 10km west of Grahamstown to Kenton-on-Sea and then via the R72 to Port Elizabeth. A much longer alternative from Grahamstown via the R350 to Bedford, Cookhouse and the N10 to Port Elizabeth, is also available.
On the N2, between Peddie and Kind Williams Town, where flood closures were in place, the whole route is open to traffic.
On the N2 Port Elizabeth bypass, one lane of the freeway is closed to traffic at the Standford Road interchange, which will have a significant impact on peak hour traffic.
On the R72, damages have occurred at two places which have resulted in half the road being closed in places with stop / go controls, but could be completely closed due to ongoing flood damages. The route between Port Elizabeth and East London would the be via the R63 and the N10. Road users should turn onto the R63 just outside King Williams Town and continue through Fort Beaufort and Bedford to the N10 near Cookhouse and then continue with the N10 past Paterson to Nanaga to join the N2 to Port Elizabeth. This is the recommended route for all heavy vehicles travelling between Port Elizabeth and East London.
Road users are requested to exercise extreme caution on all roads as the prolonged rains have increased the rate of pothole development. SANRAL thanks road users for their patience and apologises for any inconvenience caused.
Issued by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited
Email: pressoffice@nra.co.za
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Current Road closures in Nelson Mandela Bay
Here are the current road closures and roads flooded in the Nelson Mandela By Metro, this list might change or grow so stay tuned to Algoafm for the latest updates.
* On the R67 between Bathurst and Port Alfred roads are completely flooded.
* The left lane of the M4 Freeway in the Northerly direction
* Fitchetts Corner and Despatch flooded
* Corner of Circular drive and William Moffet
* Water levels are rising in Heugh Road and 10th Avenue
* Uitenhage Road and left lane of Mati Road Flooded
* The R75 into Uitenhage flooded
* Kempston Road and Cresswell Road is waterlogged
* Admiralty and Coach Road
* Burman Road and Deal party is waterlogged
* Tergetkloof flooded
* Dyke Road and Bethelsdorp waterlogged
* Left lane closed on the N2 between Burman Road and Stanford Raod
* N2 between van Stadens and Blue Horizon Bay is flooded
* Corner of Cape Road, near Bushy Park, flooded
* Koedoeskloof waste site is closed
- AlgoaFM
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Motorists warned of heavy traffic delays over Sir Lowry’s Pass and the N2 national roadway
Motorists are warned of heavy traffic delays over Sir Lowry’s Pass and the N2 national roadway in both incoming and outgoing lanes.
Yesterday a truck and trailer left the roadway and veered off the mountain side.
Yesterday attempts were undertaken to recover the vehicles, however as a result of the inclement weather conditions the operations had to be abandoned.
The owner of the truck and trailer has contracted a private recovery company to effect the salvage operation today; and the national roadway has been partially closed and intermittent road closures are been effected.
The City’s Traffic Services and Western Cape Government traffic officers are on the scene regulating traffic.
Two motorists collided into a patrol vehicle of Traffic Services of the Western Cape Government resulting in one female adult sustaining slight injuries. The patient was treated on the scene by paramedics of the METRO Emergency Medical Services.
As a result of the accident heavy delays are been experienced and motorists are requested to pay attention to the following advisories:
· Obey the rules of the road
· To slow down and maintain a safe following distances
· To observe the advisory messages displayed on the variable message signage
· To make use of the R44 via Strand and as an the alternative route
The City of Cape Town apologises for the inconvenience caused and motorists are urged to take extra care on the roads as a result of the accident.
The City’s Transport Information Centre can be contacted on 0800 65 64 63 for information on delays on roadways and deviations
End
Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town
Source: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Numerous collisions in and around Pietermaritzburg
A combination of rainy weather and misty conditions have contributed to a flurry of motor vehicle collision in and around the Pietermeritzburg area today. Paramedics working in the area have attended to no less than four collisions.
The first collision occurred N3 highway near Cato Ridge. Two trucks had collided into each other which then resulted in a secondary collision. Fortunately no one sustained any injuries.
Then shortly before 11:00 a three vehicle collision occurred near Edendale. A vehicle had collided into the rear of a minibus taxi which resulted in the minibus taxi crossing into oncoming traffic on the oppisate direction of the road. The taxi then collided with another vehicle before leaving the road and going down an embankment. One person was fortunate to have sustained minor injuries only.
Shortly after 13:30 the crews were again called out to a three vehicle collision on the N3 near Hilton. Fortunately no one sustained any injuries. An immediate call out followed to the Liberty mall where a young couple had rolled their vehicle. Fortunately none of them sustained any injuries.
ER24 would like to advise all road users in and around the Pietermaritzburg and Durban area to take care when using the roads. Please maintain a following distance and utilize your head lights and safety belts.
- ER24
Monday, 13 August 2012
SAWDOS: Road Closures during Severe Weather and Disasters.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: ROAD CLOSURES, ROAD CONDITIONS DURING DISASTERS OR SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS.
The SAWDOS deem it necessary to inform the general public that the SAWDOS provided information of road closures during disasters or severe weather events on it's Twitter page or Blog page in the past. It is not the function of the SAWDOS to provide such information to the general public.
The SAWDOS will in future not provide listed information on road closures during disasters or severe weather events. This has the implication that the public will in future not see published topics called: "Road Closures in South Africa due to Severe Weather".
This does not mean that the public will be left in the dark about road closures or road conditions. The SAWDOS added the following page to the SAWDOS Blog Pages section: "Traffic Twitter Updates" which can be accessed from the SAWDOS home page. (Just click on the heading Traffic Twitter Updates. ) Here you will be able to get the latest Nationwide Traffic updates for South Africa, tweeted as it happens ~ a fully interactive service or if you so wish you can send a tweet directly to TrafficSA for route advice.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SAWDOS WILL NOT ANSWER ANY SMS'S + EMAILS PERTAINING TO ROAD CONDITIONS OR ROAD CLOSURES IN FUTURE!!
The SAWDOS does not provide traffic or alternative road information on a daily or subscription basis. South Africa has several traffic information services that render an outstanding services to the general public on a daily basis and the SAWDOS would like to recommend that these organizations be contacted for daily traffic and road condition information.
Some of these organizations are:
TrafficSA - http://twitter.com/#!/trafficsa or simply go to the home page of SAWDOS and click on TrafficSA Twitter Updates.
Arrive Alive - http://www.arrivealive.co.za/
Road Safety Blog - http://roadsafety.co.za/
JAMLINE - 084 5265463
AA - http://www.aa.co.za/live/index.php
SANRAL - http://www.nra.co.za/live/index.php
Disaster Management
Johan Terblanche
Founder: SAWDOS
Mossel Bay
13 August 2012
The SAWDOS deem it necessary to inform the general public that the SAWDOS provided information of road closures during disasters or severe weather events on it's Twitter page or Blog page in the past. It is not the function of the SAWDOS to provide such information to the general public.
The SAWDOS will in future not provide listed information on road closures during disasters or severe weather events. This has the implication that the public will in future not see published topics called: "Road Closures in South Africa due to Severe Weather".
This does not mean that the public will be left in the dark about road closures or road conditions. The SAWDOS added the following page to the SAWDOS Blog Pages section: "Traffic Twitter Updates" which can be accessed from the SAWDOS home page. (Just click on the heading Traffic Twitter Updates. ) Here you will be able to get the latest Nationwide Traffic updates for South Africa, tweeted as it happens ~ a fully interactive service or if you so wish you can send a tweet directly to TrafficSA for route advice.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SAWDOS WILL NOT ANSWER ANY SMS'S + EMAILS PERTAINING TO ROAD CONDITIONS OR ROAD CLOSURES IN FUTURE!!
The SAWDOS does not provide traffic or alternative road information on a daily or subscription basis. South Africa has several traffic information services that render an outstanding services to the general public on a daily basis and the SAWDOS would like to recommend that these organizations be contacted for daily traffic and road condition information.
Some of these organizations are:
TrafficSA - http://twitter.com/#!/trafficsa or simply go to the home page of SAWDOS and click on TrafficSA Twitter Updates.
Arrive Alive - http://www.arrivealive.co.za/
Road Safety Blog - http://roadsafety.co.za/
JAMLINE - 084 5265463
AA - http://www.aa.co.za/live/index.php
SANRAL - http://www.nra.co.za/live/index.php
Disaster Management
Johan Terblanche
Founder: SAWDOS
Mossel Bay
13 August 2012
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Road Closures in South Africa due to Severe Weather (9 August 2012)
The following roads and mountain passes are closed to traffic due to severe weather:
1. Eastern Cape - R61 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Queenstown and Cofimvaba due to snow / ice
2. Eastern Cape - N9 Route, ROAD OPEN between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg -Lootsberg Pass
3. Eastern Cape - R61 Route, ROAD OPEN between Graaff-Reinet and Cradock - Wapadsberg Pass
4. Western Cape - ROADS OPEN Montague & Touwsrivier, Prince Albert & Oudtshoorn, and Montague & Oudtshoorn
5. Eastern Cape- ROAD OPEN between Whittlesea and Symour - Nico Malan Pass
6. Eastern Cape - ROAD CLOSED between Elliot and Barkly East - Barkly Pass - Snowfall
7. Kwazulu Natal - ROAD OPEN KZN / Free State N3 Route, Van Reenens Pass
8. Free State - R712 Route, ROAD OPEN between Qwa-Qwa and Clarens
9. Western Cape - R328 Swartberg Pass, ROAD CLOSED between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert due to snow
10. Western Cape - R62 Route, ROAD OPEN (STOP AND GO) between Ashton and Montagu
11. Free State - R74 Route, ROAD OPEN - Oliviershoek Pass between Harrismith and Bergville.
12. KZN - R617 Route, ROAD OPEN between Swartberg and Underberg
13. KZN / Eastern Cape - N2 Route, ROAD OPEN between Kokstad and Mount Ayliff
14. Free State - R34 Route, ROAD OPEN between Vrede and Memel
15. Eastern Cape - N6 Route, ONE LANE OPEN between Jamestown and Queenstown due to snow at Penhoek Pass
16. KZN - R74 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Muden and Greytown due to #snow
18 Free State - R74 Route, ROAD CLOSED due to snow at Oliviershoek Pass (Harrismith - Bergville road)
19. KZN - R33 and R74 routes, BOTH ROADS CLOSED approaching Greytown from the Dundee and Colenso areas snow
TO BE UPDATED.
PLEASE NOTIFY THE SAWDOS OF ANY ROAD CLOSURES IN YOUR AREA AS A RESULT OF SEVERE WEATHER. THIS WAY WE CAN KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED.
SAWDOS Twitter: @SAWDOS1
SAWDOS FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/groups/374316165928426/
SAWDOS EMAIL: Click HERE.
SAWDOS SMS: 076 251 3482 - Please use this number to only report severe weather, disasters or road closures. DO NOT USE THIS NUMBER TO ENQUIRE ABOUT ROAD CONDITIONS OR ROAD CLOSURES!!
PLEASE NOTE THAT SEVERE WEATHER HAS SUBSIDED. THE SAWDOS WILL NOT UPDATE THIS TOPIC ANYMORE. WE WILL INSTEAD USE SAWDOS TWITTER AVAILABLE AT http://sawdis1.blogspot.com/p/sawdis-twitter.html DIRECT UPDATES AVAILABLE FROM @TRAFFICSA. FOLLOW TRAFICSA AT @TrafficSA ON TWITTER.
1. Eastern Cape - R61 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Queenstown and Cofimvaba due to snow / ice
2. Eastern Cape - N9 Route, ROAD OPEN between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg -Lootsberg Pass
3. Eastern Cape - R61 Route, ROAD OPEN between Graaff-Reinet and Cradock - Wapadsberg Pass
4. Western Cape - ROADS OPEN Montague & Touwsrivier, Prince Albert & Oudtshoorn, and Montague & Oudtshoorn
5. Eastern Cape- ROAD OPEN between Whittlesea and Symour - Nico Malan Pass
6. Eastern Cape - ROAD CLOSED between Elliot and Barkly East - Barkly Pass - Snowfall
7. Kwazulu Natal - ROAD OPEN KZN / Free State N3 Route, Van Reenens Pass
8. Free State - R712 Route, ROAD OPEN between Qwa-Qwa and Clarens
9. Western Cape - R328 Swartberg Pass, ROAD CLOSED between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert due to snow
10. Western Cape - R62 Route, ROAD OPEN (STOP AND GO) between Ashton and Montagu
11. Free State - R74 Route, ROAD OPEN - Oliviershoek Pass between Harrismith and Bergville.
12. KZN - R617 Route, ROAD OPEN between Swartberg and Underberg
13. KZN / Eastern Cape - N2 Route, ROAD OPEN between Kokstad and Mount Ayliff
14. Free State - R34 Route, ROAD OPEN between Vrede and Memel
15. Eastern Cape - N6 Route, ONE LANE OPEN between Jamestown and Queenstown due to snow at Penhoek Pass
16. KZN - R74 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Muden and Greytown due to #snow
18 Free State - R74 Route, ROAD CLOSED due to snow at Oliviershoek Pass (Harrismith - Bergville road)
19. KZN - R33 and R74 routes, BOTH ROADS CLOSED approaching Greytown from the Dundee and Colenso areas snow
TO BE UPDATED.
Many thanks to @TrafficSA and ALGOA FM, RADIO SONDER GRENSE for keeping us informed.
PLEASE NOTIFY THE SAWDOS OF ANY ROAD CLOSURES IN YOUR AREA AS A RESULT OF SEVERE WEATHER. THIS WAY WE CAN KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED.
SAWDOS Twitter: @SAWDOS1
SAWDOS FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/groups/374316165928426/
SAWDOS EMAIL: Click HERE.
SAWDOS SMS: 076 251 3482 - Please use this number to only report severe weather, disasters or road closures. DO NOT USE THIS NUMBER TO ENQUIRE ABOUT ROAD CONDITIONS OR ROAD CLOSURES!!
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Western Cape Roads re-opened.
All major roads, apart from the R62 between Ashton and Montagu, were safe and open to traffic on Wednesday, a Western Cape official said.
Transport spokesman Al-Ameen Kafaar said the R62 was opened at 6pm on Wednesday and motorists should expect a stop-go traffic flow.
“Maintenance teams are filling up a portion of the collapsed road through the Kogmanskloof pass. It flooded when the Kesie and Kingna Rivers burst their banks due to the heavy rains,” Kafaar said.
He said the all other major routes and passes including the N1, N2, N7, Route 62 to Ashton and to Uniondale, Sir Lowry's Pass, Meiringspoort and the Mossel Bay Pass in the Western Cape were unaffected.
- Sapa
Transport spokesman Al-Ameen Kafaar said the R62 was opened at 6pm on Wednesday and motorists should expect a stop-go traffic flow.
“Maintenance teams are filling up a portion of the collapsed road through the Kogmanskloof pass. It flooded when the Kesie and Kingna Rivers burst their banks due to the heavy rains,” Kafaar said.
He said the all other major routes and passes including the N1, N2, N7, Route 62 to Ashton and to Uniondale, Sir Lowry's Pass, Meiringspoort and the Mossel Bay Pass in the Western Cape were unaffected.
- Sapa
Images: Chaos - Van Rheenens Pass (7 - 8 August 2012)
Images: NATUREBOY SMALBOY via TrafficSA (Click on images for larger view.)
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Road Closures in South Africa due to Severe Weather (7 August 2012)
The following roads and mountain passes are closed to traffic due to severe weather:
1. Eastern Cape - R61 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Queenstown and Cofimvaba due to snow / ice
2. Eastern Cape - N9 Route, ROAD OPEN between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg -Lootsberg Pass
3. Eastern Cape - R61 Route, ROAD OPEN between Graaff-Reinet and Cradock - Wapadsberg Pass
4. Western Cape - ROADS CLOSED between Ashton & Montague, Montague & Touwsrivier, Prince Albert & Oudtshoorn, and Montague & Oudtshoorn - Snowfall
5. Eastern Cape- ROAD CLOSED between Whittlesea and Symour - Nico Malan Pass - Snowfall
6. Eastern Cape - ROAD CLOSED between Elliot and Barkly East - Barkly Pass - Snowfall
7. Kwazulu Natal - ROAD CLOSED AGAIN KZN / Free State N3 Route, Van Reenens Pass - Snowfall.
8. Free State - R712 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Qwa-Qwa and Clarens due to snow
9. Western Cape - R328 Swartberg Pass, ROAD CLOSED between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert due to snow
10. Western Cape - R62 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Ashton and Montagu due to flooding
11. Free State - R74 Route, ROAD CLOSED - Oliviershoek Pass between Harrismith and Bergville due to snow
12. KZN - R617 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Swartberg and Underberg due to #snow
13. KZN / Eastern Cape - N2 Route, ROAD OPEN between Kokstad and Mount Ayliff
14. Free State - R34 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Vrede and Memel due to snow (note: this is a Van Reenens Pass closure detour route)
15. Eastern Cape - N6 Route, ONE LANE OPEN between Jamestown and Queenstown due to snow at Penhoek Pass
16. KZN - R74 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Muden and Greytown due to #snow
TO BE UPDATED.
PLEASE NOTIFY THE SAWDOS OF ANY ROAD CLOSURES IN YOUR AREA AS A RESULT OF SEVERE WEATHER. THIS WAY WE CAN KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED.
SAWDOS Twitter: @SAWDOS1
SAWDOS FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/groups/374316165928426/
SAWDOS EMAIL: Click HERE.
SAWDOS SMS: 076 251 3482 - Please use this number to only report severe weather, disasters or road closures. DO NOT USE THIS NUMBER TO ENQUIRE ABOUT ROAD CONDITIONS OR ROAD CLOSURES!!
1. Eastern Cape - R61 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Queenstown and Cofimvaba due to snow / ice
2. Eastern Cape - N9 Route, ROAD OPEN between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg -Lootsberg Pass
3. Eastern Cape - R61 Route, ROAD OPEN between Graaff-Reinet and Cradock - Wapadsberg Pass
4. Western Cape - ROADS CLOSED between Ashton & Montague, Montague & Touwsrivier, Prince Albert & Oudtshoorn, and Montague & Oudtshoorn - Snowfall
5. Eastern Cape- ROAD CLOSED between Whittlesea and Symour - Nico Malan Pass - Snowfall
6. Eastern Cape - ROAD CLOSED between Elliot and Barkly East - Barkly Pass - Snowfall
7. Kwazulu Natal - ROAD CLOSED AGAIN KZN / Free State N3 Route, Van Reenens Pass - Snowfall.
8. Free State - R712 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Qwa-Qwa and Clarens due to snow
9. Western Cape - R328 Swartberg Pass, ROAD CLOSED between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert due to snow
10. Western Cape - R62 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Ashton and Montagu due to flooding
11. Free State - R74 Route, ROAD CLOSED - Oliviershoek Pass between Harrismith and Bergville due to snow
12. KZN - R617 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Swartberg and Underberg due to #snow
13. KZN / Eastern Cape - N2 Route, ROAD OPEN between Kokstad and Mount Ayliff
14. Free State - R34 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Vrede and Memel due to snow (note: this is a Van Reenens Pass closure detour route)
15. Eastern Cape - N6 Route, ONE LANE OPEN between Jamestown and Queenstown due to snow at Penhoek Pass
16. KZN - R74 Route, ROAD CLOSED between Muden and Greytown due to #snow
TO BE UPDATED.
Many thanks to @TrafficSA and ALGOA FM, RADIO SONDER GRENSE for keeping us informed.
PLEASE NOTIFY THE SAWDOS OF ANY ROAD CLOSURES IN YOUR AREA AS A RESULT OF SEVERE WEATHER. THIS WAY WE CAN KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED.
SAWDOS Twitter: @SAWDOS1
SAWDOS FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/groups/374316165928426/
SAWDOS EMAIL: Click HERE.
SAWDOS SMS: 076 251 3482 - Please use this number to only report severe weather, disasters or road closures. DO NOT USE THIS NUMBER TO ENQUIRE ABOUT ROAD CONDITIONS OR ROAD CLOSURES!!
Snow causes treacherous driving conditions
(Above: Paramedics attend to injured motorists at an accident scene in Nottingham Road. Photo: Netcare911)
The N3 toll Concession says Van Reneen's Pass has been closed to traffic again.
The N3TC has advised motorists to avoid travel on the route until the weather situation stabilises.
Earlier, some traffic was allowed through after graders were used to help clear the road and assist those whose vehicles were stuck in the snow.
Military vehicles drove up and down the road shortly before it was re-opened to test whether the Pass was safe for use.
Snow has fallen all the way from Harrismith to Hilton, just outside Pietermaritzburg, along the N3.
Listeners who called our News and Views lines say they've experienced slippery conditions on the roads.
"I am currently on my way on the Howick road to Underberg (R617). The roads are actually quite treacherous and dangerous. There is a vehicle that just flipped a few metres ahead of me, and I tried to stop my vehicle and it looks like my brakes have frozen in," said a concerned motorist.
"We are heading passed Michaelhouse. It is absolutely blanketed white and believe it or not - we have got a grader grading the snow out of the road in front of us," said another motorist.
- East Coast Radio - Durban
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Road Closures in South Africa due to Severe Weather
The following roads and mountain passes are closed to traffic due to severe weather:
1. N9 ROUTE LOOTSBERG PASS CURRENTLY OPEN TO TRAFFIC - Middelburg - Graaff-Reinet Reason: NA
2. R61 ROUTE WAPADSBERG PASS CURRENTLY OPEN TO TRAFFIC - Graaff-Reinet - Cradock Reason: NA
3. Port Elizabeth: Third Avenue Dip in the Newton Park CURRENTLY OPEN TO TRAFFIC Reason: NA
TO BE UPDATED.
PLEASE NOTIFY THE SAWDOS OF ANY ROAD CLOSURES IN YOUR AREA AS A RESULT OF SEVERE WEATHER. THIS WAY WE CAN KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED.
SAWDOS Twitter: @SAWDOS1
SAWDOS FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/groups/374316165928426/
SAWDOS EMAIL: Click HERE.
SAWDOS SMS: 076 251 3482 - Please use this number to only report severe weather, disasters or road closures. DO NOT USE THIS NUMBER TO ENQUIRE ABOUT ROAD CONDITIONS OR ROAD CLOSURES!!
1. N9 ROUTE LOOTSBERG PASS CURRENTLY OPEN TO TRAFFIC - Middelburg - Graaff-Reinet Reason: NA
2. R61 ROUTE WAPADSBERG PASS CURRENTLY OPEN TO TRAFFIC - Graaff-Reinet - Cradock Reason: NA
3. Port Elizabeth: Third Avenue Dip in the Newton Park CURRENTLY OPEN TO TRAFFIC Reason: NA
TO BE UPDATED.
Many thanks to @TrafficSA and ALGOA FM for keeping us informed.
PLEASE NOTIFY THE SAWDOS OF ANY ROAD CLOSURES IN YOUR AREA AS A RESULT OF SEVERE WEATHER. THIS WAY WE CAN KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED.
SAWDOS Twitter: @SAWDOS1
SAWDOS FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/groups/374316165928426/
SAWDOS EMAIL: Click HERE.
SAWDOS SMS: 076 251 3482 - Please use this number to only report severe weather, disasters or road closures. DO NOT USE THIS NUMBER TO ENQUIRE ABOUT ROAD CONDITIONS OR ROAD CLOSURES!!
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Swartbergpas steeds toe
EDEN DISTRIK NUUS - Die Swartbergpas tussen Oudtshoorn en Prins Albert is steeds gesluit na die afgelope naweek se sneeu en swaar reënval.
Die Prins Alfredpas tussen Avontuur en Knysna is ook gesluit.
- Oudtshoorn Courant
Monday, 16 July 2012
Lucky escape for 12 after N2 rockfall
Twelve people were lucky to escape a rockfall on the N2 at Sir Lowry's Pass late on Sunday afternoon. (Werner Vermaak, ER24)
Cape Town - Twelve people were lucky to escape alive after a rock fall on the N2 in Sir Lowry’s Pass between Somerset West and Grabouw on Sunday afternoon.
ER24’s Werner Vermaak said rocks had fallen onto two cars.
“Six adults and 6 children were found with only minor injuries.
“They were treated on the scene for abrasions and bruises.”
Vermaak said local rescue services and police had closed the road after the rock fall and it was expected to remain closed for some time due to safety concerns.
- News24
RT @TrafficSA: Cape Town - N2 Route, lane closures on both carriageways due to rock falls at Sir Lowry's Pass, delays possible
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Road conditions dangerous, be careful motorists urged
Motorists should be cautious as the extreme weather in some parts of the country have resulted in very dangerous road conditions, the Road Traffic Management Corporation said on Sunday.
The country has been gripped by freezing weather with rain and snowfall in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and the Free State.
Poor visibility, heavy rain and snowfall has seen disaster management teams having their hands full trying to assist motorists stuck on the roads.
Spokesman for the RTMC, Ashraf Ismail, said the N1 between Beaufort West and Richmond and the N12 between Beaufort West and Victoria West remained closed on Sunday because of the heavy snowfall.
"Graders have been brought in to remove the snow. However some of the snow has turned into ice because of the extreme cold. We urge caution on the roads."
Motorists who forced their way found themselves stuck and could not move.
Western Cape disaster management teams were trying to access them. Most spent the night in vehicles, he said.
"It will take some time before the snow clears.Travellers should be patient and wait at least until the weather subsides. They should follow a safe distance and always buckle up."
Most roads in the Eastern Cape remained closed because of flooding.
Return journeys on major roads will result in the increase in traffic volumes later today.
The increase in traffic is expected on the N1 between Polokwane and Pretoria, the N3 between Durban and Johannesburg and the N4 between Nelspruit and Pretoria.
- Times Live
WC, EC roads still closed
CAPE TOWN - The N1 north of Beaufort West remains closed to traffic after heavy snowfall in the area.
The national road between the town and Victoria West was briefly opened on Saturday evening, but was blocked off again.
The route between Gauteng and Cape Town via Middelburg, Graaff-Reinet and Aberdeen is also still closed to traffic.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)'s Ashref Ismail has urged motorists heading in and out of the Western and Eastern Cape to postpone their trips.
He said officials have formed a joint operations centre and the army could possibly be used to help with rescue operations.
Ismail said people should avoid the area.
Meanwhile, sections of the N6 and N9 were also closed to traffic.
Western Cape Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said, “We are glad that motorists have been patient.”
In the Eden District Municipality in the Southern Cape, over 100 residents from informal settlements have received assistance after they had to be evacuated due to flooding.
On Friday, the area was hit with heavy snow and rain
Residents are being housed in community halls.
Disaster Risk Management’s Gerard Otto said officials distributed food and blankets.
- EWN
The national road between the town and Victoria West was briefly opened on Saturday evening, but was blocked off again.
The route between Gauteng and Cape Town via Middelburg, Graaff-Reinet and Aberdeen is also still closed to traffic.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)'s Ashref Ismail has urged motorists heading in and out of the Western and Eastern Cape to postpone their trips.
He said officials have formed a joint operations centre and the army could possibly be used to help with rescue operations.
Ismail said people should avoid the area.
Meanwhile, sections of the N6 and N9 were also closed to traffic.
Western Cape Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said, “We are glad that motorists have been patient.”
In the Eden District Municipality in the Southern Cape, over 100 residents from informal settlements have received assistance after they had to be evacuated due to flooding.
On Friday, the area was hit with heavy snow and rain
Residents are being housed in community halls.
Disaster Risk Management’s Gerard Otto said officials distributed food and blankets.
- EWN
Friday, 13 July 2012
Train crash: Body parts strewn over 200m
Johannesburg - Emergency personnel are having a difficult time counting the number of dead at an Mpumalanga level crossing accident because body parts were ripped apart and strewn over 200m, police said on Friday.
The accident happened when a coal train ploughed into a truck carrying farmworkers at a level crossing near Hectorspruit.
At least 20 people were killed. A spokesperson for Mpumalanga’s community safety department told AFP it appears that more than 30 people were killed.
"It is a very gruesome scene. Some bodies are without heads and some without limbs. Forensic teams are still working on the scene," police spokesperson Joseph Mabusa said.
The truck was carried 200 metres by the impact, leaving body parts in its wake and making it hard for forensic experts to say how many people were killed, he added.
"The driver was taken to hospital. His condition is unknown. It's difficult to say what happened but at this stage it seems that the truck miscalculated as it was crossing the railway line."
Emergency services said at least 24 other people were injured, some of them critically.
State rail operator Transnet said the train was carrying coal for export to Mozambique, but there was no derailment. The coal was destined for the Indian Ocean port of Maputo.
- Reuters/News24
The accident happened when a coal train ploughed into a truck carrying farmworkers at a level crossing near Hectorspruit.
At least 20 people were killed. A spokesperson for Mpumalanga’s community safety department told AFP it appears that more than 30 people were killed.
"It is a very gruesome scene. Some bodies are without heads and some without limbs. Forensic teams are still working on the scene," police spokesperson Joseph Mabusa said.
The truck was carried 200 metres by the impact, leaving body parts in its wake and making it hard for forensic experts to say how many people were killed, he added.
"The driver was taken to hospital. His condition is unknown. It's difficult to say what happened but at this stage it seems that the truck miscalculated as it was crossing the railway line."
Emergency services said at least 24 other people were injured, some of them critically.
State rail operator Transnet said the train was carrying coal for export to Mozambique, but there was no derailment. The coal was destined for the Indian Ocean port of Maputo.
- Reuters/News24
Images of the train accident between Hectorspruit and Malelane via @Halo_Aviation
Train vs truck, Hectorspruit, Mpumalanga. Some Patients being airlifted to hospital.
HALO 2 on scene trains vs truck, Hectorspruit. Multiple casualties.
6 months to repair Pretoria sinkhole
Johannesburg - The Gauteng roads department will need about four to six months to repair a sinkhole on the N14 Ben Schoeman highway, it said on Thursday.
"Considering the extent of the work, technical complexity of the project and traffic and safety considerations... a period of between four and six months will be required for completion," said spokesperson Octavia Mamabolo.
A leak in a water pipe crossing the N14 Ben Schoeman freeway, in Centurion, caused a sinkhole between the north and south-bound carriageways.
Two of the south-bound lanes and one of the north-bound lanes had to be closed for safety reasons.
Mamabolo said two lanes would be added to the outer shoulders of the slow lanes to alleviate traffic congestion.
"The construction of the temporary additional lanes to bypass the sinkhole on the southbound carriageway will be completed before the end of July," she said.
She said the construction of an additional lane on the north-bound carriageway would take longer, as it would include the widening of the Jean Avenue off-ramp.
"The department would like to thank motorists for their patience in the last two weeks and requests motorists to be patient and adhere to the speed limit in the designated area," said Mamabolo
SAPA/News24
"Considering the extent of the work, technical complexity of the project and traffic and safety considerations... a period of between four and six months will be required for completion," said spokesperson Octavia Mamabolo.
A leak in a water pipe crossing the N14 Ben Schoeman freeway, in Centurion, caused a sinkhole between the north and south-bound carriageways.
Two of the south-bound lanes and one of the north-bound lanes had to be closed for safety reasons.
Mamabolo said two lanes would be added to the outer shoulders of the slow lanes to alleviate traffic congestion.
"The construction of the temporary additional lanes to bypass the sinkhole on the southbound carriageway will be completed before the end of July," she said.
She said the construction of an additional lane on the north-bound carriageway would take longer, as it would include the widening of the Jean Avenue off-ramp.
"The department would like to thank motorists for their patience in the last two weeks and requests motorists to be patient and adhere to the speed limit in the designated area," said Mamabolo
SAPA/News24
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Motorists urged to take extra care on wet roads
WITH further rain forecast, motorists are being urged to take extra care on the roads.
The Disaster Risk Management Centre is urging drivers across Cape Town to exercise caution.
The continuous downpour of rain can result in roads been closed and areas been flooded and possible disruption on roadways due to the persistent rain lashing the across the Peninsula.
Motorists are urged to drive slowly and steadily through large puddles and small areas of standing water and to allow oncoming traffic to pass.
Drivers are warned not to attempt to drive through flood water if they come across a flooded section of road as it is sometimes difficult to tell exactly how deep it is.
Visibility can also be seriously reduced in heavy rain so headlights must be used, together with allowing for an increased stopping distance.
The advice from the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre to motorists who experience breakdown in heavy rain to try and get the car to a safe and visible place, call for roadside assistance and wait for help to arrive.
Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, from the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, said “We are urging all motorists to exercise caution in adverse weather conditions, use common sense and follow our simple advice.
“The rains that took place over the Cape Peninsula during winter indicate how quickly roads can become flooded and very dangerous.”
An appeal is made to motorists to stay alert to local weather and news reports and to leave any non-essential travel until the rain and flooding has subsided.
The Disaster Risk Management Centre and relevant Departments are on high alert, working with the supporting disaster response agencies and public safety authorities.
Residents are encouraged to report any emergencies to the City’s 107 line. This line can be used if one’s life or property is endangered – the caller will be transferred to the relevant emergency service provider. Dial 107 from a Telkom line or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. The quicker incidents are reported, the more quickly help can arrive.
Flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions can be reported to the City’s Customer Contact Centre on 0860 103 089. Enquiries and/or complaints regarding burst and leaking water mains, faulty and leaking water meters, or blocked and overflowing sewers can also be reported via SMS to 31373. Enquiries and/or complaints regarding electricity faults can be reported via SMS to 31220.
The City’s Transport Information Centre can be contacted on 0800 65 64 63 for information on delays on roadways and deviations.
End
Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town
Wilfred Schrevian Evan Solomons-Johannes
Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects
Acting Head: Disaster Operations Centre
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