Huguenot Tunnel on the N1 near Cape Town remains closed

Western Cape authorities say the Huguenot Tunnel on the N1 near Cape Town cannot be reopened until structural assessments and repairs are completed.

The shutdown follows a bus fire just before midnight that caused significant damage to the tunnel’s infrastructure.

Authorities say all passengers were safely evacuated, and no serious injuries have been reported – although a tunnel official was treated for minor smoke inhalation.

The Western Cape Mobility Department’s acting director of traffic law enforcement, Antoinette Fennie, says motorists must continue to use alternative routes while the tunnel remains closed...

“From Worcester to Cape Town, traffic is being diverted via Wolseley, Wellington and Paarl onto the N1. From Cape Town to Worcester, please use the Paarl, Wolseley, Worcester route onto the N1,” Fennie said.

 Fennie has advised motorists that travel times will be affected, especially during peak hours…

“From the N2, please use Villiersdorp and Grabouw onto the N1. Bainskloof Pass remains open for light motor vehicles only, and no heavy motor vehicles are permitted to use the road,” she added.