CHRISSIESMEER – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) has confirmed that repair work was undertaken at the Florence Dam crossing in December 2025 after floodwater completely submerged the travel lane.

The confirmation follows Highvelder’s enquiries after the fatal incident on July 5 in which a vehicle was recovered from Florence Dam near Chrissiesmeer, claiming the life of one occupant.

Sanral outlines flood repair work

Responding to questions from Highvelder, Sanral media relations manager Lwando Mahlasela confirmed that work was carried out following the flooding.

“In December 2025 after the travel lane was completely submerged in water, Dynamic Core Penetration (DCP) tests indicated that the underlying layers were still intact, so Sanral added two layers of asphalt overlay,” Mahlasela said.

He added:

“Sanral pumped out 2 million litres of water to reduce the rising water level and thereafter reinstated the travel lane.”

Guardrails and safety measures

Regarding the roadside barriers, Mahlasela said the guardrails had originally been installed in 2022.

“The guardrails were installed back in 2022 after realising the water levels rising. By late 2024 and early 2025, the existing guardrails were completely submerged, and Sanral is in the process of replacing damaged guardrails where it is required,” he said.

Highvelder also asked Sanral whether the guardrails currently comply with the applicable road safety and vehicle containment standards, taking into account the apparent difference in height between the road surface and the barriers.

In response, Mahlasela said:

“The road repairs have been completed; Sanral is continuously monitoring the water levels and will make continuous improvements when required. Sanral is in the process of reviewing all associated infrastructure in order to make necessary repairs, replacements, where applicable.”

Sanral further advised that safety measures were implemented after the travel lane was reopened in 2025.

“Safety mitigating measures have been implemented since the travel lane that was submerged was reinstated, signage, reduced speeds, and implemented rumble strips to warn motorists to reduce speeds,” Mahlasela said.

Further technical questions submitted

Following Sanral’s response, Highvelder submitted a further set of technical questions seeking clarification on whether the addition of the two asphalt overlay layers altered the finished road level relative to the existing guardrails, whether the guardrails were assessed or adjusted following the overlay work, and whether they currently comply with the applicable road safety and vehicle containment standards.

While reviewing Sanral’s response alongside photographs taken at the crossing, Highvelder also identified an additional aspect requiring clarification.

ALSO SEE: GALLERY – Recovery operation after vehicle found submerged near Chrissiesmeer dam

Comparative photographs taken in April 2025 and July 2026 appear to show a section of the Florence Dam crossing where timber guardrail posts are present without a steel W-beam guardrail attached.

Separate photographs taken after the incident also show tyre marks leading from the roadway through that same section.

Highvelder has asked Sanral to clarify whether that section was intentionally designed without a steel guardrail, whether it was assessed during the December 2025 repair works, and whether the current configuration complies with the applicable road safety and vehicle containment standards.

Sanral has acknowledged receipt of the additional enquiries and advised that it will respond before Highvelder’s next publication deadline.

Highvelder will publish the agency’s further response once it has been received.

The cause of the crash remains under police investigation, and it remains unknown whether the design, condition or configuration of the roadside barrier played any role in the incident.

Read more about the recovery operation and the emergency response in the Highvelder’s printed edition.