Despite clear signage, danger tape, and strategically placed barrels, many motorists continue to ignore the official closure of the R602 between Glencoe and Wasbank, prompting serious safety concerns among authorities.

The road was officially closed last Thursday after a portion of the surface began collapsing approximately 4km outside Glencoe. Transport Department officials confirmed that efforts are underway to reinforce the closure, with plans to install concrete barriers and additional signage ahead of the busy Easter weekend.

However,  vehicles have been spotted bypassing the current barriers near the Sithembile turn-off, endangering the drivers themselves but also putting other road users at risk.

Authorities are urging motorists to use the designated alternative route via ‘One Tree Hill’, which connects to Dundee through the R68. Additionally, the Indumeni Pass remains open, allowing access to Wasbank and to Elandslaagte and the N11.

To safeguard drivers, danger tape has also been stretched across the road from the Maria Ratschitz turn-off leading to Glencoe. Transport officials emphasised that public safety remains the top priority.

The local Transport Department said, ‘given the urgency of the situation, the supply chain management process has been fast-tracked. While the appointment of a contractor is expected to take approximately one month, actual repair work is projected to take another month once construction begins.’

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