Route from Cape to Namibia in good shape for festive traffic

Travellers between the Western Cape and Namibia will encounter minor construction work on the N7 freeway during the festive season but no major delays are expected.

Three construction projects are under way on the 27km section from Citrusdal, through Kransvleikloof to Clanwilliam. All stop-and-go measures have been suspended for the holiday.

Vusi Mona, the Head of Communications of the South African National Roads Agency, says that "our engineers have rated the route's expected condition as fair to good barring any unforeseen major traffic incidents or weather conditions."

It consists of a dual carriageway between Cape Town and Philadelphia and a single carriageway through the remainder of the province and the Northern Cape. The route between Cape Town to the Western Cape / Northern Cape border is a total length of 337km, with the remainder of the route to Namibia at 412km.

Motorists are advised to be on the lookout for stray animals and pedestrians near the roadside around Okiep and Springbok.

Sanral also calls on road users to follow important safety tips when they take to the country's main roads during the festive season. "The main message is to remember that a road is a shared space and that you should be respectful towards tour fellow road users," says Mona.

Speed limits are clearly indicated on the 21 451km of roads managed by Sanral in all nine provinces. These are maximum limits and drivers should adjust their speed according to conditions such as rain or visibility. Road users are encouraged to take a break during long distance journeys to prevent fatigue and lack of concentration.

Report incidents to either the South African Police Services (10111) or the National Traffic Call Centre (NTCC) on 012 665 6075. Traffic disruptions or crashes on the N1/N2 in Cape Town should be reported to 0800 65 64 63.