N1 South Reopens With Stop-and-Go Delays, No Dangerous Goods Trucks Allowed

The southbound N1 between Worcester and Paarl has officially reopened under controlled traffic conditions after severe weather and flooding caused major disruptions across the Cape Winelands.

However, motorists and truck drivers are being warned to expect significant delays as authorities continue managing traffic flow through affected areas on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Alan Winde, SANRAL worked throughout the night to reopen the route safely following dangerous conditions caused by heavy rain.

A stop-and-go system is currently operating at the Rawsonville weighbridge on the southbound carriageway, with waiting times estimated at around 1.5 hours or longer, depending on traffic volumes.

Motorists travelling towards Paarl and Cape Town are urged to remain patient and drive cautiously through the controlled section.

Dangerous Goods Trucks Turned Back

Authorities have confirmed that trucks transporting hazardous materials will not be allowed to use the reopened southbound route.

Any freight vehicles carrying dangerous goods arriving at the stop-and-go section will be turned back immediately. Freight operators have also been urged not to dispatch hazardous cargo towards the Cape Winelands area until restrictions are lifted.

The decision is aimed at reducing the risk of further incidents while emergency and road repair teams continue working in unstable weather conditions.

The restriction is expected to affect long-distance freight movement between the Western Cape and inland provinces, especially transporters moving fuel, chemicals and other regulated cargo.

Northbound N1 Still Closed

While southbound traffic is now moving under controlled conditions, the northbound N1 from Paarl towards Worcester remains closed.

Officials say there is currently no estimated reopening time for northbound traffic, and motorists have been warned not to travel towards the Huguenot Tunnel or attempt northbound trips via the N1 until further notice.

Road users are encouraged to monitor official traffic updates and delay non-essential travel where possible.

Truckers Face Long Delays Through Cape Winelands

The latest reopening will bring some relief to transport operators stranded by closures over the past few days, but congestion is still expected to remain severe throughout the region.

Truck drivers travelling through the corridor are advised to prepare for long queues, slow-moving traffic and possible further disruptions if weather conditions worsen.

Emergency services, traffic authorities and road maintenance teams remain on site as cleanup operations continue across affected routes in the Western Cape.

Premier Winde thanked residents, emergency personnel and road users for their cooperation during the ongoing weather crisis, saying teams are working around the clock to restore safe travel conditions as quickly as possible.