LIMPOPO – Traffic volumes surged across Limpopo’s major routes over the Easter weekend, with heavy congestion, crashes and dangerous driving reported as thousands of motorists travelled to and from holiday destinations.

Authorities link crashes to reckless driving and illegal manoeuvres

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Limpopo Transport and Community Safety head Stephen Matjena confirmed that collisions and road incidents over the Easter weekend exceeded those of 2025, with several drunk drivers arrested.

However, Matjena did not provide exact figures, attributing most incidents to illegal U-turns, reckless overtaking and poor driver behaviour.

Congestion at major toll plazas

The busiest period began early on Thursday, with a sharp spike in northbound traffic as travellers left Gauteng. Toll data showed more than 3 000 vehicles passing through Carousel Plaza in a single hour, while Pumulani recorded over 2 500 vehicles during the same period.

Traffic volumes at Nyl Plaza and Kranskop were also significantly higher in the northbound direction, in some cases up to five times more than vehicles travelling south.

By Thursday afternoon, congestion had intensified, with northbound motorists at Nyl Plaza experiencing significant delays as volumes continued to climb.

The day was also marked by tragedy after a serious two-vehicle collision on the N1 near Lunds, outside Polokwane. The road was temporarily closed before reopening later in the evening, with authorities confirming that both drivers had died.

This came just a day after five people were killed and two others seriously injured in a crash not far from the location.

Delays and collisions disrupt Friday travel

Traffic pressure continued into Friday, with long delays reported on key routes. A head-on collision on the R37 caused lane closures and disruptions between Polokwane and Lebowakgomo.

Meanwhile, motorists from Gauteng faced kilometre-long queues ahead of the Kranskop toll gate.

Conditions varied across other routes, with relatively manageable traffic reported towards Magoebaskloof and Tzaneen, despite minor delays due to roadworks.

However, traffic was significantly heavier in the Mankweng and Moria areas, where multiple roadblocks and the annual ZCC pilgrimage contributed to slow-moving traffic.

Heavy southbound volumes mark return journey

By Sunday, the pattern had reversed as holidaymakers began returning home.

Traffic volumes surged in the southbound direction, particularly at Kranskop Plaza, where more than 10 000 vehicles were recorded over several hours, compared to just over 2 000 travelling north.

Crash on R36 adds to post-weekend disruptions

On Monday, traffic disruptions persisted following a head-on collision on the R36 outside Tzaneen, involving a minibus taxi and a delivery vehicle. The road was later reopened to traffic.

Dangerous overtaking on N1 near Kranskop

Concerns were also raised over reckless driving behaviour when a video on X showed motorists driving in the oncoming lane on the N1 south near Kranskop, effectively turning a two-lane road into three lanes.

With no visible traffic control in the footage, the manoeuvre forced oncoming vehicles to the edge of the road, creating a hazardous situation.

Overall, the Easter period saw a familiar pattern of heavy outbound and return traffic, coupled with crashes and risky driving, placing significant strain on Limpopo’s road network.