R1.165 billion road investment advances Franschhoek Pass flood recovery and regional connectivity

Media release by Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers

The Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure is making significant progress on the R1.165 billion MR191 road improvement project and associated flood-damage repairs along the Franschhoek Pass, strengthening road safety, regional connectivity and infrastructure resilience.

The project, which includes road upgrades, resurfacing and extensive repairs following severe flooding, is scheduled for completion in July 2027, subject to favourable construction conditions. It is expected that Franschhoek Pass will be open for the builder’s break from mid-December to mid-January subject to stop/go controls. However, if there are any safety concerns, the road will remain closed to traffic until safe conditions can be restored.

Rebuilding stronger infrastructure after severe flooding

The Franschhoek Pass sustained extensive damage following severe rainfall in October 2023, which resulted in 16 slope failures/ slips. Further heavy rainfall in May 2026 caused five additional slips and erosion at the Du Toits River bridge abutment on the Villiersdorp side.

These events highlighted the vulnerability of critical road infrastructure to extreme weather and the importance of investing in long-term resilience. The additional flood-damage repairs have been incorporated into the broader MR191 upgrading project.

Significant upgrades across the road network

The project includes:

• Widening and upgrading approximately 9.57 km of MR191 between Old Paarl Road (MR189) and Helshoogte Road (MR172) to a Class 1 road.
• Repairing approximately 14km between the Helshoogte intersection and the Franschhoek urban area.
• Repairing approximately 16 km between Franschhoek and the Theewaterskloof Dam.
• Upgrading and maintaining drainage structures to improve stormwater management.
• Reconstructing damaged road surfaces and stabilising vulnerable slopes.

Specialised engineering interventions include soil nails, high-strength steel mesh, anchored gabion walls and reinforced concrete slope protection.

Work is also progressing on asphalt surfacing, pavement reconstruction, drainage improvements and repairs to the Du Toits River bridge abutment.

These interventions are designed both to repair existing damage and also to improve the road’s ability to withstand future severe weather events.

Creating opportunities for local communities

Beyond the physical infrastructure improvements, the project is generating measurable economic benefits for surrounding communities. 

So far:

• 94 090 person-days of local labour have been delivered, exceeding the target of 70,160.
• 357 work opportunities have been created against a target of 440.
• 57 local enterprises have supplied goods and services, exceeding the target of 40.
• Six emerging contractors have benefited through subcontracting opportunities, meeting the project’s target.
• R141.15 million has been directed towards targeted enterprises, exceeding the R126.17 million target. 

Infrastructure investment that delivers lasting benefits

Minister Simmers said:

“The damage caused by successive flooding events reminds us why investing in resilient infrastructure is so important.

“We are not simply repairing damaged roads. We are strengthening vital transport connections, improving road safety and investing in infrastructure that must serve our communities and economy for years to come.

“Equally important is the economic value created during construction. With more than 94,000 person-days of local labour and over R141 million directed towards targeted enterprises, this project demonstrates how infrastructure investment can support livelihoods and create opportunities for local businesses

“Our commitment remains to deliver infrastructure that is safer, more resilient and capable of supporting economic growth across the Western Cape.”

Looking ahead

• Construction and flood-recovery works will continue across the identified sections, with completion anticipated in July 2027.
• The Department of Infrastructure remains committed to restoring damaged transport infrastructure while improving long-term road safety, connectivity and resilience

Media enquiries
Stephen Heyns
Acting Head of Communication
Western Cape Department of Infrastructure
Email: stephen.heyns@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 0597