Traffic flow through the Huguenot Tunnel at Paarl in the Boland has resumed in both directions after a closure caused by a collision between a heavy motor vehicle and a bakkie with a trailer last night.
Huguenot Tunnel traffic updates for Wednesday, 8 May 2024
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Following the incident that occurred just after 19:00 on Tuesday, the Huguenot Tunnel was fully closed to facilitate emergency response and recovery operations.
SANRAL Project Manager, Mike Vinello-Lippert, reported that rescue services arrived promptly at the scene of the accident.
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Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the crash. The involved vehicles, a heavy motor vehicle and a bakkie towing a trailer, were successfully removed overnight.
Traffic was initially redirected to alternative routes, including the old Du Toitskloof Pass, which serves as an over-the-mountain bypass between Paarl and Worcester.
This pass, while scenic, is longer and less efficient than the tunnel route.
The Huguenot Tunnel, known for enhancing travel safety and reducing travel times across the Du Toitskloof mountains, is a critical infrastructure piece for both local commuters and long-haul transport between Cape Town and the interior regions.
By early Wednesday morning, the debris had been cleared, and the tunnel’s structural integrity was confirmed to be uncompromised, allowing for the safe reopening of both lanes.
The quick response by tunnel management and emergency services ensured minimal disruption to the morning traffic.
As of today, traffic flow through the Huguenot Tunnel is back to normal.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the tunnel remains safe and operational.
