Cross border drivers using the Harare-Beitbridge highway this weekend must keep their eyes open and plan ahead. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development in Zimbabwe has issued a serious warning that the Harare–Beitbridge highway will face a full closure at the Runde Bridge for essential maintenance.
This is the same route most trucks use heading to and from the Beitbridge border post, so delays are guaranteed.
The shutdown will last 80 minutes for what officials are calling a critical asphalt overlay to protect the structural safety of the bridge. But the catch is that the ministry has not confirmed a solid date. They say the closure will happen either on Saturday 22 November or Sunday 23 November between 10am and 3pm depending on weather conditions. No fixed start time. No final confirmation. Just a hint.
Cross border truckers already reacting on X are calling the communication confusing and poorly planned. One user said you cannot announce a closure and then say it might be Saturday or Sunday. Another pointed out that if the bridge is blocked for 80 minutes, the backlog could easily stretch for hours, meaning trucks could be parked on the highway baking in the sun with no movement. Anyone who has been stuck at Beitbridge knows exactly how ugly queues can get.
Watch: Chaos on Runde–Ngundu Detour as Trucks Get Stuck After Bridge Washed Away
The ministry has advised travellers to expect heavy delays and to consider alternative plans. They are urging motorists to plan trips carefully, leave much earlier than normal or look for different routes if possible. They also apologised for the inconvenience and said the repair is crucial to long term infrastructure safety.
Cross border crews, please plan ahead. This route is always congested on a normal day and a full closure could jam everything from long distance haulage to buses and small cars. Stay switched on and do not get caught sleeping on the tar.
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