The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has confirmed that the N1 Huguenot Tunnel will reopen to traffic at 6:00 this Thursday morning following a week-long closure caused by a bus fire inside the tunnel last Friday night.
According to SANRAL, the reopening comes after extensive safety inspections and emergency repair work were completed to restore full functionality to all critical systems within the tunnel.
“The reopening of the N1 Huguenot Tunnel follows a rigorous process to ensure that all safety-critical systems are fully functional. The safety of road users remains our top priority, and the decision to reopen was taken only after comprehensive verification by our engineers and independent specialists,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Western Cape Provincial Head.
While the tunnel is once again operational, Cable noted that further permanent repairs will continue over the coming months, primarily during night-time hours to minimise disruptions to motorists.
As a precaution, the speed limit inside the affected section of the tunnel has been temporarily reduced to 40 km/h, and motorists are urged to drive with caution.
SANRAL extended its appreciation to emergency services, technical teams, and government partners — including the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure and the Department of Mobility — for their swift response and coordination in managing alternative routes during the closure.
The agency also thanked motorists for their patience and cooperation throughout the week-long disruption.
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