The Huguenot Tunnel on the N1 has partially reopened following its closure due to strong winds, but heavy vehicles remain prohibited from using the tunnel.
As of 10 am on Saturday, 5 September, the tunnel has reopened to Class 1 light motor vehicles only.
Due to continued high wind speeds, Class 2 to 4 vehicles are not permitted through the tunnel at this stage. This includes two-axle heavy vehicles (Class 2), three- and four-axle heavy vehicles (Class 3), and heavy vehicles with five or more axles (Class 4). Vehicles towing caravans and trailers are also prohibited.
The reopening comes after the tunnel was closed to all traffic amid strong winds, which have caused major disruption on routes in the Cape Winelands.
The Du Toitskloof Pass and Bainskloof Pass remain closed.
Motorists travelling between Cape Town and Worcester are being advised to use alternative routes while the closures remain in place.
For Cape Town to Worcester, motorists should travel via:
Wellington → Gouda → Tulbagh → Wolseley → R46 → N1 → Worcester.
For Worcester to Cape Town, the recommended route is:
R46 → Wolseley → Tulbagh → Gouda → Wellington → Cape Town.
The restrictions are particularly important for truck drivers, as heavy vehicles cannot use the Huguenot Tunnel and are also being affected by the continued closure of the mountain passes.
Motorists are urged to plan their journeys carefully, allow for additional travel time and follow instructions from traffic officials operating in the affected areas.
The authorities have warned that conditions remain challenging due to the continued high wind speeds, with further updates expected as the situation develops.
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