Snow has begun falling across parts of KwaZulu-Natal, prompting the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) to activate its Snowfall Response Plan and close several roads to prevent motorists from becoming trapped.

The R617 towards Kokstad has been closed, with traffic being redirected to the R56.

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RTI has also reported that a truck is stranded on the R617 in the Kingscote area.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has urged motorists to delay unnecessary trips and members of the public to remain indoors where possible.

Duma said the RTI’s response was aimed at preventing motorists and so-called snow chasers from becoming stranded in areas experiencing snowfall.

“Prevention is better than cure,” Duma said.

Where is snow being reported?

Snowfall has been confirmed in and around:

• Kokstad
• Underberg
• Matatiele
• Kingscote
• Clifton, around Nottingham Road

Motorists travelling through these areas are urged to exercise extreme caution and check road conditions before setting out.

R617 closed towards Kokstad

The R617 has been closed as part of the province’s response, with motorists being redirected to the R56.

Duma said road operators and graders had been activated as part of the province’s snowfall response plan, which aims to clear snow before it accumulates to more than 30cm.

The closure comes as authorities warn of hazardous conditions caused by snow, ice, rain and freezing temperatures.

N3 also affected

The N3 Toll Route is experiencing icy conditions, light snowfall, rain and freezing temperatures.

According to N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), a dusting of snow has been reported around Swinburne, while rain and sleet are affecting areas between Mooi River and Warden.

N3TC route operations teams have begun applying brine across all lanes from the bottom of Van Reenen Pass towards Harrismith to help prevent black ice.

The treatment will be extended to other sections if required.

Expect delays on the N3

Heavy northbound traffic towards Gauteng is expected as the Women’s Day long weekend comes to an end.

The combination of increased traffic, adverse weather and ongoing roadworks is expected to result in slower travelling conditions and possible delays.

N3TC is urging motorists to:

• Reduce speed.
• Increase following distances.
• Avoid unnecessary overtaking.
• Keep headlights switched on.
• Allow additional time for their journeys.
• Consider delaying travel where possible.

More than just snow

Duma said the extreme weather was also creating longer-term challenges for the province’s road network.

Engineers have warned that water entering existing cracks in roads can freeze and expand, turning small cracks into larger potholes.

Duma attributed the increasingly unpredictable weather to climate change, saying KwaZulu-Natal was experiencing extreme heat, heavy rainfall and snowfall.

The province’s response to these challenges is expected to be discussed at the Transport Indaba, scheduled for the first week of October at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

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