Flooded R31. File image
Motorists travelling between Kimberley and Kuruman or Postmasburg have been advised to take alternatives as the R31 is closed due to flooding.
According to the Department of Roads and Public Works’ MEC spokesperson in the Northern Cape, Porchia Sololo, Kimberley and surrounding areas received incessant rainfall during the past few days.
Sololo says that this has resulted in flooding of low areas between Koopmansfontein and Middelpos.
She says that the department has deployed a team that will be monitoring the water levels, and will assess the state of damage and come up with a maintenance strategy.
She adds while warning signs have been erected and road users are encouraged to use other roads.
Sololo says road users travelling from Kimberley to Kuruman should use the N12 route to Warrenton, Jan Kempdorp, Taung, Vryburg, then to Kuruman.
Those travelling from Postmasburg to Kimberley should use the R325 to Griekwastad and then join the N8 to Kimberley.
Those travelling from Lime Acres to Kimberley should use R385 to Campbell – which is 69km of gravel road – to the join N8.
Sololo concluded that the department will assess the state of damage and come up with a maintenance strategy.
Read also: Motorists Warned Of A Sinkhole Developing On R31 Between Danielskuil And Kuruman
The R31 is often used by side tipper truckers plying the Northern Cape – PE and Northern Cape – Durban routes.
An increase of traffic is expected on the N14 highway between Vryburg and Kuruman as side tipper traffic to and from Durban will all have to use that route.
