Johannesburg – The SA Weather Service has issued a yellow level 4 warning and a new orange level 5 warning for disruptive snow expected on Monday.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlement MEC Siboniso Duma on Sunday, (29 September 2024), said: “In view of the snow forecast map showing light snowfall from Monday to Tuesday, we will be doing the final test of our road safety plans”.
Traffic officers have established a satellite base at the top of N3 Van Reenen Pass and R617 Underberg.
MEC Duma added: “We must hasten to point out that we regard the light snowfall as extremely dangerous and fatal.
“We state this because it greases up the roads, which leads to road accidents.
“Because the South African drivers are not trained to drive in the snow, we urge motorists to reschedule or postpone their journeys in anticipation of any eventuality.”
The snowfall is expected to affect the Van Reenen Pass, N3, and other roads.
“We wish to indicate that Road Traffic Inspectorate, in conjunction with N3 Toll Concession, Free State Provincial Traffic, and National Traffic Police, will ensure immediate assistance to stranded motorists,” MEC Duma said.
“The team will also ensure the diversion of traffic should the weather conditions deteriorate.”
There will be visibility of Traffic Officers and possible closures that include:
●N3 Van Reeneen Pass to Tugela Plaza.
●Tugela Plaza to Bergville;
●N11 Bergville interchange to Volksrust;
●Estcourt to Mooi Toll Plaza;
●Mooi Toll Plaza to Howick;
●R617 Underberg to Swartberg;
●R617 Swartberg to Kokstad;
●R74 Muden Road;
●R33 Pomeroy to Dundee
●Montrose to Van Reenen Village.
Salt and Brine will be applied to the roads to reduce the adhesion of snow and ice to road surfaces.
MEC Duma said the team of drivers and motor graders has been sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove any snow before accumulating on the road.
“Graders and a TLB are stationed in identified routes to ensure that our response is faster,” he said.
MEC Duma added: “Our main priority is to ensure road safety. We appreciate the guidance from the SA Weather Services as an authoritative voice on weather-related matters.
“Equally, we appreciate the enduring strength of the Disaster Management Committee co-ordinated through COGTA [Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] nationally and provincially.
“We value the work of municipalities, farmers, and nongovernmental organizations as we implement our unprecedented agenda in response to road safety challenges caused by erratic weather conditions linked to Climate Change.”
