MEDIA RELEASE
SANRAL REOPENS HUGUENOT TUNNEL
Cape Town, 8 October 2025 –The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has confirmed that the N1 Huguenot Tunnel will reopen to traffic at 6:00 tomorrow morning (Thursday, 9 October 2025). The reopening follows emergency repair works and extensive safety assessments that have been done since a bus fire incident occurred inside the tunnel last week Friday, prompting immediate closure.
“The reopening of the N1 Huguenot Tunnel follows a rigorous process to ensure that all safety-critical systems are fully functional. The safety of road users remains our top priority, and the decision to reopen was taken only after comprehensive verification by our engineers and independent specialists. Furthermore, permanent repairs to the damaged sections will follow once traffic flows have abated, and there are suitable alternative routes,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Western Cape Provincial Head.
While the tunnel is now operational, further permanent repair work will continue in the coming months. This repair work will be done during night-time periods when traffic volumes are lowest to ensure minimal disruption to motorists. All closures will be communicated with the public.
As an additional precaution, the speed limit within the tunnel in the affected area will be temporarily reduced to 40 km/h and motorists are requested to drive with caution.
SANRAL extends its appreciation to all emergency services, technical teams, and partner stakeholders, including the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure and the Western Cape Department of Mobility, for their swift and coordinated efforts in managing alternative routes during the tunnel closure. The road agency also thanks motorists and the broader public for their patience and understanding during the closure period.
For real-time information about Huguenot Tunnel operations, motorists may contact the Tunnel Control Centre at 021 877 5400.
-ENDS-
Press SANRAL Building on 30 Years of Democracy 2 years ago 0 210596 Press SANRAL ADVISES ROAD USERS OF CLOSURE ON R40 NATIONAL ROAD BETWEEN WHITE RIVER AND HAZYVIEW 12 months ago 0 80976 Press SANRAL announces new R2.2 billion project and Contractor Development Programme for N2 Wild Coast Road 1 year ago 0 66383 Press N14 circles in Kathu support industrial development in the Northern Cape 2 years ago 0 60229 Uncategorized UPDATED TRAFFIC ADVISORY: N3 road closure and rescue operations 1 year ago 0 59987 Press Temporary Lane Closures on N17-2, N12-19, N3-12 and R21 OR Tambo for Overhead Sign Replacement. 6 months ago 0 49573 Press N3 FULL ROAD CLOSURE NEAR MARKET ROAD, PIETERMARITZBURG FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING N3 MARKET ROAD OVERPASS BRIDGE 7 months ago 0 46809