Snow turns KwaZulu-Natal into a winter wonderland

Heavy snowfall has disrupted road travel across parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, with several major mountain passes closed or hazardous and authorities urging motorists to postpone non-essential journeys.

The conditions are particularly concerning for truck drivers, with snow and ice creating dangerous conditions on high-altitude routes and reports of heavy vehicles becoming stranded.

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R617 closed as KwaZulu-Natal activates snowfall response plan

In KwaZulu-Natal, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) has activated the province’s Snowfall Response Plan.

The R617 has been closed in the Kokstad, Kingscote and Underberg areas, with traffic being redirected onto the R56.

The RTI also reported that a truck was stuck on the R617 at Kingscote.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has urged motorists to delay their journeys where possible and encouraged members of the public to remain indoors.

The R56 between Kokstad and Matatiele is being used as an alternative route, although motorists have been warned that conditions remain hazardous in places.

N3 affected by snow

The important N3 Toll Route between Johannesburg and Durban has also been affected by the winter weather.

At 09:00 on Monday, 10 August, the N3 Toll Concession reported light snowfall between Balgowan and Nottingham Road in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

Wet road surfaces and reduced visibility are adding to the risks, particularly for heavy vehicles travelling between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

Conditions can change rapidly along the Midlands section of the N3, particularly as temperatures fall later in the day.

Eastern Cape mountain passes closed

Several high-altitude routes in the Eastern Cape are also experiencing significant disruption.

The N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg is closed over Lootsberg Pass because of snow.

The R61 towards Nxuba (Adelaide) has been affected by snow-related closures around Wapadsberg Pass.

The R58 remains a major concern around the Lady Grey, Barkly East and Elliot corridor, with Barkly Pass closed because of heavy snow.

The N6 over Penhoek Pass, between Komani and Jamestown, has also been temporarily closed.

Motorists are being warned not to assume that a pass which was open earlier in the day will remain safe. Snow and ice can accumulate quickly, particularly overnight and during the early morning.

Why truck drivers face greater danger

According to the SA Trucker website, snow and ice present a heightened risk to heavy vehicles because their weight and momentum make braking and steering more difficult when tyre grip is reduced.

Drivers have been urged to:

• Slow down significantly in snowy or icy conditions
• Increase following distances
• Avoid harsh braking and sudden steering
• Carry sufficient fuel, food and water
• Keep warm clothing and emergency supplies in the vehicle
• Ensure mobile phones are fully charged
• Monitor road and weather updates before and during a journey
• Never drive around a road closure or attempt to cross a closed mountain pass

A longer journey is preferable to becoming stranded on an icy mountain road.

Other Eastern Cape disruptions

Snow is not the only problem affecting roads in the Eastern Cape.

The R102 between Gqeberha and Jeffreys Bay has been closed following rockfalls, while the R332 through the Baviaanskloof has been affected by flooding.

Freight operators therefore need to consider multiple weather-related disruptions when planning routes through the province.

Authorities working to clear roads

KwaZulu-Natal’s snowfall response includes the deployment of graders to clear accumulated snow and help prevent motorists from becoming trapped.

The provincial authorities have also warned that freezing temperatures can worsen existing damage to roads as water enters cracks, freezes and expands.

For motorists and truckers already on the road, authorities’ message is clear: do not treat the snowfall as simply an inconvenience.

With conditions changing rapidly across the affected provinces, drivers should check the latest road status before setting out and be prepared to delay their journey if necessary.

Major routes affected

KwaZulu-Natal

• R617: Closed around Kokstad, Kingscote and Underberg
• R56: Diversion for R617 traffic; hazardous conditions reported
• N3: Snow, wet roads and reduced visibility around Balgowan and Nottingham Road
• Underberg/highlands: Snow and icy conditions affecting travel

Eastern Cape

• N9: Lootsberg Pass closed due to snow
• R61: Wapadsberg Pass affected by snow
• R58: Barkly Pass closed amid heavy snow
• N6: Penhoek Pass temporarily closed
• R56: Hazardous conditions around the Matatiele/Mount Fletcher corridor
• R102: Closed because of rockfalls
• R332: Baviaanskloof affected by flooding

For truckers, the priority is simple: don’t chase a delivery schedule at the expense of safety. If a mountain pass is closed, stay off it.