A truck has become stuck on the R617 in Kingscote as heavy snowfall disrupts road networks across parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Image: Supplied.
Motorists
1Min
South Africa
Truck stuck as snowfall forces R617 closure in parts of KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal authorities have activated the province’s Snowfall Response Plan after snowfall was reported in Kokstad, Underberg, Matatiele and around Clifton near Nottingham Road. The R617 has been closed towards Kokstad, with motorists urged to delay their journeys and snow chasers warned against travelling to affected areas.
A truck has become stuck on the R617 in Kingscote as heavy snowfall disrupts road networks across parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) had swiftly activated the province’s Snowfall Response Plan to prevent motorists and members of the public from becoming stranded.
The RTI confirmed snowfall in Kokstad, Underberg, Matatiele and Clifton around Nottingham Road, prompting authorities to close several roads in affected areas.
The R617 towards Kokstad has been closed, with traffic being diverted to the R56.
Duma commended RTI officials for implementing the response plan and urged motorists to postpone non-essential trips.
“We are requesting motorists to delay their trips and members of the public to remain indoors, as prevention is better than cure,” Duma said.
Authorities also warned against travelling to snowfall areas simply to observe or photograph the conditions.
Snowfall chasers are prohibited from entering affected areas as officials work to keep roads clear and prevent motorists from becoming trapped.
The province's snowfall response includes the removal of snow before it accumulates beyond 30cm.
Duma said graders and other operators had already been activated to deal with snow accumulation and keep critical routes accessible.
The MEC also warned that freezing conditions could worsen existing damage to roads.
According to engineers, water and ice can seep into existing cracks in road surfaces before freezing and expanding, potentially turning the cracks into larger potholes.
Duma linked the increasingly unpredictable weather conditions to the effects of climate change, noting that KwaZulu-Natal has experienced extreme heat, heavy rainfall and snowfall.
“These are the realities of erratic weather patterns caused by climate change,” he said.
The challenges posed by extreme weather and their impact on the province's transport infrastructure are expected to be discussed at the Transport Indaba, scheduled for the first week of October at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
In the meantime, authorities have urged motorists to monitor road conditions, follow instructions from traffic officials and avoid unnecessary travel in areas affected by snowfall.
