Clarence Drive Reopens Amidst Repairs, Braces for Traffic and Reconstruction Delays

In a significant boon to the local economy and connectivity, Clarence Drive – a picturesque route linking Gordon's Bay to the Western Cape's coastal bounty – has reopened for one-way traffic following extensive damage caused by the devastating floods during the Heritage Day weekend. As the heartline to towns such as Rooi Els, Betty's Bay, and Pringle Bay, the road's closure had imparted a tangible dent on the day-to-day movements and commerce within the region.

However, despite the light at the end of the tunnel with its recent reopening, the Western Cape Government has advised motorists to brace for potential delays. This scenic stretch is witnessing intricate repair work that mandates strategic road management, including predetermined closures, to facilitate the restoration efforts. Although the road is now accessible from 4pm in time for the afternoon peak, the advisory is clear – road users should adequately plan their trips and consider possible late afternoon transits that align with the teams fully vacating the operational stretches.

The commendable acceleration of repair efforts has enabled authorities to restore one-way traffic earlier than expected – a week ahead of schedule. But, with the road severely marred by landslips and rockslides, the repair and safety measures in place are strictly interim. Several restrictions remain in effect to ensure public safety.

The progressive clearance work undertaken by the response teams has reached a stage where one lane can functionally support vehicle movement. This careful resumption aligns with the commitment to safety and practicality, the core tenets dictating the phases of the road's reopening. Nonetheless, drivers are urged to attentively heed the likely extended closures based set times during the day or perhaps for several consecutive days, subject to the construction imperatives.

Tertuis Simmers, the Infrastructure MEC, underscored the road's vital economic and touristic importance and lauded the route's timely reopening. "Today marks a significant milestone as we reopen this key tourist route, fostering renewed connections and opportunities for growth and prosperity for the region," he stated, acknowledging the potential variables that could have postponed the progress.

The current landscape sees a total of seven stop-and-go controls implemented along Clarence Drive, including one at Palmiet Bridge, guaranteeing that patience and respect for traffic marshals become a customary expectation of the motorist's experience on this affected route.

The Western Cape Government has estimated the repairs of Clarence Drive, including the crucial Palmiet Bridge, to hover around R80 million, with the project's culmination aiming for the end of the third quarter in 2024. These are significant numbers that reflect both the level of damage sustained and the importance of the route to the region. Motorists and regular users of this scenic thoroughfare can expect continuous updates, with a promise of no closures during the frantic festive season, via the provincial government’s official communication channels.