Update: 29 February 2024
The temporary works on the Franschhoek Pass have progressed so well that daily closures are no longer necessary.
While traffic accommodation measures such as flag operators are in place and there are sections where only one lane of traffic (proceed when safe) will be permitted for the foreseeable future as permanent works are done, there will be no daily closures and the pass may be used 24/7 again.
Road users should expect delays because of the roadworks that are in progress. The 5-ton limit, however, remains in place. No vehicle exceeding 5 tons may use the pass.
Update: 24 November 2023
The Franschhoek Pass which connects Franschhoek and the towns of Grabouw and Villiersdorp will be closed between 8 am and 5 pm on weekdays for construction purposes. The closures will take effect on Tuesday, 28 November 2023, and will be in place till Friday, 15 December 2023.
News: Franschhoek Pass: Daily closures for construction
Update: 22 November 2023 at 12:30
Franschhoek Pass will be closed for traffic from Mondays to Fridays between 8 am and 5 pm from Tuesday, 28 November. The road will be open from 15 December 2023 until 8 January 2024. The work and associated road closure will then continue until the end of February 2024.
Update: 8 November 2023 at 10:26
When the Department is made aware of a closure 24-hours in advance:
- To keep road users updated, pointsmen will be informed of how long a closure will be. eg 10 minute closure to move equipment or an hour closure to set up equipment and plant.
- Where within the Department's control, keep closures outside of peak commuter periods.
Please note construction events may trigger a closure at short notice.
A reminder that the pass remains closed for vehicles with a mass greater than 5 tons.
Media Release by Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers
The Franschhoek Pass which connects Franschhoek and the towns of Grabouw and Villiersdorp has been reopened to selected categories of motor vehicles. The first vehicles traversed the pass at 5pm on Tuesday, 7 November 2023.
The pass was closed following a severe weather system which hit the Western Cape during the Heritage Day long weekend. The teams started working on temporary repairs as soon as the engineering team was satisfied that the landslips had stabilised sufficiently to start work. The temporary works have reached a point where we can now allow access through the pass.
Light motor vehicles will be able to traverse the pass but should note that there is one bypass of a short length and five “proceed when safe” single lane areas. There will not be pointsmen but signage for the one lane to "proceed when safe". The use of the pass by light vehicles with a mass of more than 5 tons is strictly prohibited.
Road users are strongly advised to continue using alternative routes.
The provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers acknowledged the efforts of the teams working at the site. “The team worked tirelessly to get to this point, and I thank them for their continued dedication.”
The Minister continued and said, “I am aware of the inconvenience the closure has had on the local community and visitors and the impact the weight limitation will have but safety of all road users remains our primary concern.
Work on permanent repairs continues. The department foresees that it will still be a considerable period before the pass will allow two-way traffic. Temporary closures are highly likely during the construction period.
Media queries:
Jandre Bakker
Head of Communication
Department of Infrastructure
E-mail: Jandre.Bakker@westerncape.gov.za