Driver’s guide: Road damages, closures and routes prone to flooding
During rainy periods such as these, motorists are advised to remain alert and keep informed of the latest updates regarding routes, and roads, that have become unfit for travel.
The Middelburg Observer has compiled a list of routes that are susceptible to flooding, and routes that have been affected by road collapses, with at least one still closed to motorists.
So in case of heavy rainfall, it is best to avoid the following:
Trichardt to Bethal bridge
@middelburgobserver Massive potholes can be seen on the Trichardt to Bethal bridge, direction toward Bethal.
As seen in the video footage, massive potholes can be seen on the Trichardt to Bethal bridge, direction toward Bethal.
Near the Puma Kromdraai Service Station on the Old Witbank Road (R555)
As a road that thousands of travellers use weekly to avoid the high costs of the N4 toll route, the Old Witbank is frequented by Middelburg locals.
Those familiar with the path will be aware that the area near the Puma service station is particularly vulnerable to flooding and mud sliding, as such it is necessary to proceed with caution during heavy rainfall.
N11 (From the N4 bridge to the first gate to Molare)
Massive potholes are scattered across this route, with some even forcing motorists to swerve into the oncoming traffic lane to avoid it.
As shared on WhatsApp groups, the worst of the bunch can be found 1km before the EDE Farming turnoff. With the continuous stream of rainfall, nothing can be done to fix these hazards until it stops raining.
R35 to Bethal (Bridge shortly after Komati Power Station)
Yesterday, the Middelburg Observer reported that the bridge just past the Komati Power Station had flooded. In video material of the scene, vehicles can be seen warily crossing the bridge that is situated 42km north of Bethal.
Fortunately, SANRAL arrived and efficiently dealt with the situation, clearing the water from the road and earning plaudits from the public for their quick response and turnaround times.
• This does not mean the road will be immune to future flooding.
@middelburgobserver Heavy rainfall has flooded the R35 from Middelburg to Bethal, with the bridge near Komati Power Station overflowing.
P177 (Chrissiesmeer/Carolina route)
During the December holiday season, a portion of the Chrissiesmeer/Carolina P177 route collapsed due to sustained flooding in the area. The decision was made to close the entire road, which has since remained closed due to the severity of the damage.
The collapsed section of the road is situated 7km outside of Carolina.
In Middelburg
@middelburgobserver Heavy downpours cause localised flooding on Middelburg roads.
Yesterday, with the burst of heavy rainfall, the Middelburg Observer reported that ‘Low lying areas such as Eastdene have been flooded and motorists report that the speed humps in Koets Street, near the Eastdene Mosque are not visible’.
Samora Machel Drive, near the Middelburg Mall, also fell victim to the rising water levels, with other areas such as Vos Street also susceptible to flooding.
Elsewhere
It has just been confirmed that the R33 between Modimolle and Vaalwater has also been closed due to flooding.
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