HOEDSPRUIT – Motorists travelling through Hoedspruit’s R40 bridge are reportedly experiencing delays of up to an hour during peak traffic periods, raising renewed concerns over the long-delayed R40/R527 interchange project.

The worsening congestion has affected residents, businesses, school transport and daily commuters, with growing calls for immediate traffic management measures while plans for the permanent road upgrade remain unresolved.

The DA in Maruleng has called on the Sanral, Maruleng Local Municipality (MLM) and the provincial Department of Transport and Community Safety to intervene urgently.

Calls for immediate intervention

In a statement issued on October 28, DA Clr Christine du Preez said traffic congestion had reached unacceptable levels, affecting the movement of people and services through the growing tourism town.

She called for traffic officers to be deployed during peak school and commuting hours, while the provincial transport department should assist the municipality with additional personnel.

Reports that MLM has only six traffic officers available have also raised concerns about its capacity to manage increasing traffic volumes.

Du Preez further urged Sanral to investigate temporary solutions and provide clear timelines for the proposed interchange.

“Hoedspruit residents need more than assurances that long-term solutions are being considered. They need effective traffic management now, clear responsibilities and a credible timetable for permanent improvements,” she said.

Businesses feeling the impact

Businesses such as Le Bamba, Total Garage and Mugg & Bean, as well as Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, were mentioned among those experiencing disruptions.

The DA also called for discussions between Sanral, MLM and Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate to explore a safe and legally permissible alternative access route.

Years of delays

The renewed concerns follow years of delays surrounding the proposed interchange.

The Herald reported in August 2025 that the project had reopened for public consultation after its environmental application process lapsed before final submission. Delta Built Environment Consultants, appointed by Sanral, resumed the environmental impact assessment to secure the necessary approvals. The proposed development includes a grade-separated interchange, widened railway bridges, a pedestrian bridge, improved access roads and non-motorised transport facilities.

In June 2023, Sanral addressed residents’ concerns about noise pollution, business access and construction disruptions. It confirmed that traffic studies had found Hoedspruit’s existing road network was already saturated and unable to accommodate growing traffic volumes without significant delays.

Construction was initially expected to begin in March 2023, before being postponed to April 2024, according to a stakeholder meeting in November 2022. The project, which has been in planning since 2012/13 and was approved by MLM in 2022, has faced repeated delays.