KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has advised motorists that the N2 around Kokstad and Port Shepstone has been closed due to snowfall.
“To save lives, we have decided to close completely the road between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg as well as the R603 - Tacoma to Reit. Our message to motorists and snow chasers is that prevention is better than cure,” the MEC said on Tuesday.
The province has received three Orange Level 6 warnings for disruptive snow, torrential rain, and gale-force winds in its southern parts.
“We therefore urge motorists and general members of the public to avoid that area at all costs by delaying their trips leading to Kokstad as trucks are already stuck and creating huge congestion,” Duma said.
READ | CoGTA urges caution with widespread snowfall, extreme winter conditions predicted
The Road Traffic Inspectorate team is working with traffic police from Kokstad and Ray Nkonyeni Local municipalities to redirect motorists and to clear the snow.
The province has implemented the following measures in response to snowfall:
• The Road Safety and Traffic Inspectorate are already involved in the coordination of possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with N3 Toll Concession. The focus is on N2, Kokstad and Port Shepstone, N3 between Harrismith, Tugela Toll, R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, Ingeli and N3 Mooi-River, and others.
• Drivers of motor graders are currently being sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove any snow before it accumulates to more than 30cm in depth on the road. More than 10 graders will be stationed on identified routes to ensure that our response is faster.
• The provincial government is interacting with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) to ensure that the response is based on authentic information.
“We are engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that we all work together to avoid any crisis and ensure the safety of road users,” the MEC said. -SAnews.gov.za
